Highlight Reel

WAYO leaned into the mythic with the launch of our Perth Concert Hall season. A collection of mystical masterpieces entranced our audience, painting scenes of witchery and wizardry. Symphonic film favourite, John Williams, was first up with “Devil’s Dance” from The Witches of Eastwick, followed by his beloved concert suite from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Not for the faint of heart, Antonin Dvořák’s The Noon Witch set a challenge for our young orchestral members which they valiantly rose to meet. The concert reached its apex with Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, telling the tale of a lovesick musician’s hallucinatory fantasies and passions that come to life with unprecedented orchestral endurance, ensemble virtuosity and vigor; a real triumph for our newest orchestral members. ‘Spellbound’ was enjoyed by a mighty crowd of supporters, surpassing all May season records but for 2018’s Journeys.

July season saw the return of Benjamin Northey (Chief Conductor of the Christchuch Symphony Orchestra) to put the orchestra through their paces in a fast-tracked production season that mimics that of the professional orchestras; 6 consecutive days of rehearsal followed by a large-scale performance. This structure allows us to bring in special guests of international standing including soloists, conductors and even whole orchestras, where weekly rehearsals over many months would not allow. It’s also more conducive to playing particularly challenging repertoire not within scope for a one-per-week rehearsal structure; a fantastic opportunity for those who go on to audition for professional ensembles. This program is unique, prestigious, exciting, and educationally invaluable, and we were delighted to welcome Ben back for his second July Season with us.

This historic program comprised a first half of 100% Australian works ranging from Sculthorpe’s sonic mimicry of the natural world, to Koehne’s muscular and driving rhythmic precision. Most notably, this performance displayed the much-anticipated work of Carol Day Commission recipient, Melody Eötvös. Designed to offer a female-identifying professional the opportunity to write, rehearse, and perform a large-scale orchestral work in a high-profile performance setting, the Carol Day Commission allows WAYO to acknowledge the gender imbalance in Australia’s professional music sector and affirmatively act towards correcting it. Solar WolvZ was a triumph of orchestral craft and ingenuity; masterfully written specifically for our own members, this bespoke work paved new ground for our musicians to connect with a living composer in real time. The Carol Day Commission will run for its second year in 2020 and we can’t wait to discover more fantastic women composers to contribute to WAYO’s history!

This July Season was also noteworthy because of its special focus on community ticketing. Community ticketing has been demonstrably positive for our organisation in terms of broadening our community reach into alternative demographics, and strengthening our presence as a pillar of WA’s arts community. For this concert, WAYO made a number of tickets available to those not able to ordinarily access a WAYO concert due to financial, mobility, or other issues including: Carers WA, Senses (disability services and support), Camp Quality, Hollywood Hospital Palliative Care, and numerous aged care facilities. The feedback we received from the receipients marked the positive impact attending this event had on our guests’, specially mentioning the elevated quality of life through connecting with the young people of our orchestra and our supporters.

Like this concert’s namesake, our final season performance at Perth Concert Hall was astronomical, selling an unprecedented number of tickets and welcoming an audience of 1600+ (almost at full capacity). The draw of Holst’s beloved and revered The Planets suite is legendary for performers and audience alike, particularly in a time of heightened environmental focus. As part of WAYO’s continued dedication to gender parity and Australian stories, Dulcie Holland’s Festival Flourish opened the show with a bang and set the tone for a show of equal parts virtuosity, sensitivity, and great musical maturity from our now-seasoned members. This first half was directed with confidence and poise by the skilful Maestro Jen Winley; WAYO’s first female conductor of a mainstage performance with our flagship orchestra. The lively and rollicking Appalachian Spring brought new challenges to our orchestra, which they met with aplomb, before diving headlong into Holst’s enduringly demanding cult-favourite, led by the superlative Maestro Peter Moore. Our unequalled, robust audience brought the house down with their applause and appreciation in recognition of a brilliant effort on the part of our young members. As a memento of this historic occasion, attendees were welcomed to capture the moment in our complimentary photo booth, and share their experiences far and wide with the hashtag #WAYOutofthisworld.

For 44 years WAYO has inspired young people to achieve excellence through a love of music, while also helping them develop skills of self esteem, discipline, teamwork, leadership and performance. As one of Australia’s leading and most comprehensive youth orchestra programs, with over 400 members from around Perth, South West WA and beyond, WAYO is committed to the long-term investment of helping our young musicians realise their potential and their dreams.The end-of-year showcase is a prime example of the exclusive opportunities that WAYO is able to offer our four younger ensembles with the support of our sponsors. Even members as young as 7 years of age are guaranteed to perform in one of the best concert halls in the country in a highly-polished and professional production at least once per year.

This year’s showcase was made even more special by welcoming various members to introduce their own ensembles. With fun-filled anecdotes and personal reflections, this facilitated a more unique connection between performer and audience and we hope to continue this trend in the future. Some other highlights from our 2019 Spring Serenade included a triple-soloist spectacle by our youngest orchestra (Sinfonietta String Orchestra), special guest percussion stars from our flagship orchestra joining the members of the Collegium String Orchestra in renditions of Black Panther (Göransson) and film favourite The Chronicles of Narnia (Gregson-Williams arr. Bulla) and local Perth composer Suzanne Kosowitz dropping in for a performance by the Philharmonic Orchestra of her work, Jacob’s Ladder. All in all, Spring Serenade proved a colourful showcase and an admirable endeavour undertaken by our younger members.

WAYO’s well-beloved children’s concerts made a spectacular return in 2019 with WA families given the opportunity to learn and interact with a real live orchestra. The Babies Proms were back with bang in April churning out the classics like Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, Cheerful Cha Cha, and Sousa’s Liberty Bell March, alongside selections from our magical 2019 program including The Noon Witch, Harry Potter, and The Witches of Eastwick.

The Philharmonic Orchestra delighted audiences in August with more John Williams hits (themes from Star Wars) and seasonal favourite The Nutcracker Suite, among treasured symphonic poets Bizet, Strauss, and Rossini. With a stronger audience than ever, WAYO’s children’s concerts have solidified themselves as a pillar of school holiday culture and fun. Our novelty polaroid frame added a special something to these performances, giving our audiences a physical memory to treasure.

With a story that entertains and provides a fascinating introduction to music and the instruments of the orchestra all at once, our flagship orchestra brought Prokofiev’s timeless musical classic to life in the true spirit of Peter & the Wolf, feathers and all. With a full chamber orchestra, narration (provided by Perth entertainment veteram Slim Jim) and a rainbow of plush costumes, the WA Youth Orchestra enchanted WA families over a four-show weekend. An audience of 1800 passionate youngsters and their families came through the doors over the weekend of October 12 & 13.

Sorrento Quay engaged the forces of a chamber-sized WA Youth Orchestra to bolster their Valentine’s Day celebrations on the stunning boardwalk overlooking the harbour. Fourty musicians were joined by a band of Perth contemporary music legends in a showcase of popular hits, classics, and romantic film music. This went down a treat with much dancing in the aisles under a starry sky.

WAYO’s chamber-sized cohort was in demand this year, also performing at the Perth Jazz Festival accompanying multi-disciplinarian Ross James Irwin in his acclaimed show Lost in a Dream at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Launching WAYO’s Perth Concert Hall season was our own 17-year old violin sensation and concertmaster, Emmalena Huning, performing the notoriously tricky Korngold Violin Concerto. With the experience of performing a work of such reportorial importance in a high-profile performance setting under her belt, as well as the training and experience from her seven year membership with WAYO, Emmalena is off to the highly prestigious Royal College of Music in London with a four-year scholarship. We are very proud of the opportunities that being a WAYO member creates for WA’s young musicians.

A musical journey of orchestral masterpieces, beginning with Ravel’s hypnotic and explosive Boléro – one of the most recognised works of all time followed by Emmalena’s  dazzling performance of the Korngold which showcased her virtuosity and skill. The accompanying orchestral score was no small feat for our young orchestral members. However, under the masterful guidance of WAYO’s Musical Director, Peter Moore, the orchestra rose to the challenge, delivering a memorable performance. The concert continued to delight with Mussorgsky’s masterpiece, Pictures at an Exhibition – a vivid musical picture brought to life in Maurice Ravel’s colourful and famous orchestration and concluded with a fanfare of brilliance, building to a full orchestral flourish in Shostakovich’s, Festive Overture.
‘Journeys’ pulled in an exceptionally strong and supportive audience, making it the most successful May season in WAYO’s history.

“It was fantastic and a great credit to everyone involved. I am always blown away by the talent, focus and commitment of the young members.
Thanks again.”

“Thanks again for a wonderful performance yesterday.”

“Absolutely fantastic concert last night!”

July saw the Perth Concert Hall commandeered by WAYO and the touring members of the Music Makers (Singapore) for a week of music, friendship, and cultural exchange. Packed to the rafters with 150-strong orchestra and vast choir, this monumental event brought in a record audience, smashing WAYO’s July box office record. It’s clear that for many WAYO members, this event marked the beginning of lifelong bonds.

Australia’s finest vocal soloists, Soprano Taryn Fiebig and Mezzo-Soprano Fiona Campbell joined the orchestra in full strength as Tze Law Chan took to the podium, for one of Mahler’s most successful works. An awe-inspiring saga of life, death and transcendence, a journey that started in the depths of despair, then channeled the combined power of more than 250 musicians for an electrifying finale that shook the rafters and soared to the heavens above. In WAYO’s 44 year history, this event was one of the most impactful ever mounted.

“What a spectacular night last Saturday’s was. From the moment we walked into our privileged box seats to see that huge football-field sized arena full of players all excitedly tuning and then let our gaze drift to an immaculately dressed choir, to the grand finale and sore hands from clapping. It was so special. Memorable, thrilling. Mahler is growing on me ever more since the slow movement of the 5th Symphony (that we were first exposed to in ‘Death in Venice’, to his 1st symphony with the Berlin Phil conducted by Rattle a couple of years ago (?), to your magic production last Sat…BRAVO”

Following an unforgettable performance of Mahler 2 at the Perth Concert Hall, WAYO once again presented a feast of popular programmatic works reflecting the many colours of Europe. We delighted our faithful audience members with the majestic wonders and splendor of Respighi’s Pines of Rome, the flamboyance and comedy of Mozart’s the Marriage of Figaro Overture to the tumult and fervour of the Russian revolution in Shostakovich’s biographical symphony “The Year 1917”. These works were challenging and fruitful for our WA Youth Orchestra members, vital to their training as well as meaningful and enjoyable works to play. WAYO welcomed back alumni Jon Tooby to conduct, and recently appointed as Chief Conductor and artistic director of Darwin Symphony Orchestra.

“Had a wonderful time; concert was amazing! Well done WAYO!”

For 44 years WAYO has inspired young people to achieve excellence through a love of music, while also helping them develop skills of self esteem, discipline, teamwork, leadership and performance. As one of Australia’s leading and most comprehensive youth orchestra programs, with over 400 members from around Perth, South West WA and beyond, WAYO is committed to the long-term investment of helping our young musicians realise their potential and their dreams.

The end-of-year showcase is a prime example of the exclusive opportunities that WAYO is able to offer our four younger ensembles with the support of our sponsors. Even members as young as 7 years of age are guaranteed to perform in one of the best concert halls in the the country in a highly-polished and professional production at least once per year.

In 2018 some highlights included a specially commissioned work A Matter of Time composed by Youtube sensation KABOOM percussion. Performed in collaboration with our Collegium String Orchestra, and including one Marimba played by two virtuosos wielding mallets with precision, this piece gave our young members the experience of workshopping and performing a bespoke piece full of new and interesting techniques and opportunities to expand their orchestral knowledge. Other highlights included the explosive Symphony No.5 ½ and half by Don Gillis, and the equally challenging and beautiful Le Cid Ballet by Jules Massenet, performed with aplomb by the Philharmonic Orchestra under the guidance of WAYO’s Musical Director, Peter Moore.

“Our family really enjoyed the concert. It was truly a wonderful performance with joint effort by each and every one of you. We are so delighted to see Jean’s progress in her learning and passion in violin. Words cannot express our sincere thanks to you all. We have applied for the audition and will definitely love to continue in the coming years.”

“Thank you for all of your hard work over the year. We had overseas relatives with us for Saturday’s concert and they were very impressed with the standard of the performances and how professionally the kids conducted themselves. They are very well prepared by your wonderful conductors.”

WAYO’s well-beloved children’s concerts made a spectacular return in 2018 with WA families given the opportunity to learn and interact with a real live orchestra. The Babies Proms were back in March performing the John Williams’ blockbuster hits including the theme from Jaws, Superman and Harry Potter, alongside well known themes from Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, 007 and Mission Impossible.

The Philharmonic Orchestra delighted audiences in August performing the classics like Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No.5, Cheerful Cha Cha and Sousa’s Liberty Bell March, including a selection of favourites, The Nutcracker, La Rejoussance, imperial March and the music from ‘Up’.

WAYO’s popular children’s concerts attract record crowds each year and is recognised as a pillar of school holiday fun and culture.