Photo: WASO.com.au
Camera IconPhoto: WASO.com.au Credit: Supplied/Supplied

WASO gets three-year deal in Claremont

Jon BassettWestern Suburbs Weekly

THE full 82-musician WA Symphony Orchestra will play at Claremont’s annual concert in a three-year agreement reached at the council’s meeting last night.

“It was essentially an all or nothing deal,” Cr Alistair Tulloch said.

A portion of WASO attracted about 1000 residents when it played in the park as a one-off trial for the free annual A Night on Bayview concert, which cost about $70,000 in March.

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Other artists have included Tina Arena, Christine Anu and Claire Bowditch in previous years.

Cr Jill Goetze said residents’ comments after the WASO performance indicated it was one of the most popular events held by the council.

She said the three-year relationship with the orchestra would benefit staff freed from looking for an artist each year.

A report said using the full orchestra would cost the council at least $93,000, after WASO reduced its fee by 43 per cent.

Staff recommended an additional $40,00 be added to the $70,000 already budgeted for the first full-orchestra concert at the start of next year.

A Lotterywest grant of $10,000 and sponsorship would also be sought to reduce the council’s contribution.

However, Cr Bruce Haynes said he would not approve the whole orchestra because its full performances should be seen in the Perth Concert Hall, and it should do something different and smaller when visiting suburbs.

“I don’t believe one big bang will give the benefit of the full buck for Claremont,” Cr Haynes said.

Only he and Cr Sara Franklyn voted against the contract.