WASO musicians Alex Timcke, Oliver McAslan (cello) and Sharin McIver (French horn).
Camera IconWASO musicians Alex Timcke, Oliver McAslan (cello) and Sharin McIver (French horn). Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie d439041

West Australian Symphony Orchestra opens its doors

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

JUNE is a big month for West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

Not only will WASO hold its first Education Week from June 22 to 28, it will culminate with the inaugural WASO Open Day at Perth Concert Hall from 10am-5pm on Sunday, June 28.

“It’s about access and awareness,” WASO education coordinator Fiona Taylor said.

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“Now that we’re in the Perth Concert Hall managing the venue, it’s a really lovely opportunity to create some relationships with the community and for people to know the venue is a living, breathing entity.

“Education Week is about showcasing and celebrating the breadth of our community engagement programs and providing opportunities for the community to experience the orchestra up close and personal.”

Events during Education Week range from a composition project with four emerging young composers to Kids’ Cushion Concerts.

Open Day activities will include a silent disco, make your own instrument workshop, WASO talks and backstage tours.

Education concert Rhythm in your Rubbish will be presented to primary school students during the week with ticketed public shows also on Open Day.

Presented by WASO and performed by Canadian-based Platypus Theatre, the 55-minute concert explores the power of imagination as two homeless wanderers find themselves in a junkyard for the night.

“Items you might consider junk (saws, bottles) are transformed into working musical instruments,” Taylor said.

“Well-known orchestra works will be performed with these instruments playing as part of the storyline. It encourages kids to use their imagination and it looks at sustainability and recycling.”

Taylor said she loved seeing everyone at WASO coming together for the Open Day.

“Whether they work in artistic planning or marketing or corporate development, everyone is so engaged in opening the doors and welcoming people to the venue,” she said.

”And I’m looking forward to seeing some of our executive managers grooving out to the silent disco.”

THE ESSENTIALS

What: WASO Education Week and Open Day

Where: Perth Concert Hall

When: Education Week, June 22-28, Open Day, June 28

More: www.waso.com.au