THE WEST AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON THE ROAD

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1 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON THE ROAD AND IN THE SKIES! The West Australian Symphony Orchestra s touring activities are a key part of the Orchestra s community program, as well as being particularly close to the hearts of our staff. Bringing the joy of live classical music to audiences who usually have limited access to such experiences is incredibly special. Sharing the music of our Orchestra with West Australians in remote and rural regions is a responsibility that the company feelsl keenly. Touring at WASO takes a variety of forms. In recent years we have been lucky enough to perform concerts with the full strength orchestra in Mandurah and Bunbury. Not a small logistical feat, as you can imagine! These concerts showcased the Orchestra in full flight and were warmly received by audiences in both locations. We will again be visiting Mandurah in 2012 more details are in this issue of Encore. WASO maintains two distinct education ensembles, WASO on the Road and EChO both of which are smaller ensembles that travel widely around the state every year sees WASO on the Road travel as far afield as Roebourne in the state s far north and the more coastal locales of Carnarvon and Onslow. These visits will include introductions and have-a-go sessions with orchestral instruments, as well as performances which introduce school age children to the thrilling world of classical music. These tours are always a fantastic experience for our staff and musicians who take part. For many musicians, the sharing and teaching of their love for music is a lifelong passion. These tours provide a unique opportunity to take this enthusiasm into the broader Western Australian community, sharing rare musical experiences with those children whom don t have easy access to the Concert Hall or expert tuition. Children listen intently to the EChO ensemble performing at Roebourne Primary School

2 Our Education Manager Prue Ashurst shares some of her touring experiences. One of the many creative and feel good moments in the year is when I get the opportunity to travel with our passionate musicians, and enthuse, laugh, entertain and inspire the students in this very vast and wonderful state of Western Australia. With our two touring ensembles in education, WASO on the Road, and WASO EChO, we have the exciting opportunity to perform and interact in a very up close and personal setting. For the very young children this is the perfect vehicle to introduce the musical colours and shapes of the various orchestral instruments in an intimate setting. For the older students and staff it too is a golden opportunity to interact and experience a master-class or workshop with the very best musicians in the state. In every township we are welcomed with open arms and a generosity of spirit so famously warm and inviting that the trip back to Perth is dotted with memories of children s bewitching smiles and wondrous applause. In fact we carry back within ourselves the special spirituality and peaceful quality of the outback and the thought that perhaps today, we opened that accessible door into a lifelong journey and discovery of orchestral music. Zack Rowntree, Rob Gladstones, Cameron Brook and Peter Miller performing as part of the EChO ensemble WASO IN MANDURAH Following the outstanding success of last year s performance, The West Australian Symphony Orchestra are delighted to be returning to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. WASO s Principal Conductor Paul Daniel will again lead the Orchestra through a program of masterpieces, including the well-known and loved Beethoven s Symphony No.5, and Handel s Music for the Royal Fireworks together with Prokofiev s Classical Symphony. 6.00pm, Sunday 15 April, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Tickets available through the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Phone:

3 WELCOME TO 2012 FROM THE WASO PRIVATE GIVING TEAM The Private Giving Team, like everyone, had an extremely busy The team changed over the year when we farewelled Sarah Tompkin who has taken maternity leave to be with her new beautiful baby, Maxime. Sarah, her husband Julian and Maxime recently moved to Berlin to be with Sarah s family for a little while and we wish them all the best. Amy Stokes joined us in April and we have enjoyed welcoming her into the fold, though I suspect it has felt more like a baptism of fire than a gentle welcome! We also welcomed Ashleigh Perrella who is mostly working with the corporate team but helps us out with trusts and foundations. We all look forward to seeing you at a WASO concert soon. Come up and say hello to us in the Patrons and Friends Lounge if you have not been there before. The Private Giving team - Amy Stokes, Alecia Benzie and Sarah Gallinagh How your donations helps We appreciate so much the ongoing and strong commitment of our community of patrons, despite the ongoing financial uncertainty. Donations help the WASO to continue to perform live music to the highest level to as many West Australians as possible. We simply could not do all that we do without it. Here are a few examples of what your donation helped to make happen in 2011: We saw and heard the finest virtuosic players from around the world perform with WASO last year. Who will forget Sol Gabetta s heart wrenching performance of Elgar s Cello Concerto? Last year three wonderful family concerts were enjoyed by 100 s of children. More children enjoyed EChO cushion concerts across the metro area, from Joondalup to Fremantle We toured different sized ensembles across the state from Roebourne to Carnarvon WASO patrons purchased 12 performing sets for the WASO library over the last 12 months. Having our own performing sets of music that only WASO musicians can use is so valuable as our players markings are unique. It also means we don t have to hire these works to perform them. Hire materials have been performed from many times before and can be difficult to read. Every gift makes a difference.

4 WASO PATRONS AND FRIENDS EVENTS FOR 2012 Each year our Patrons and Friends Committee organise some wonderful events that allow a unique entrée into the life of the Orchestra. All proceeds from these events support the Friends of WASO Scholarship, a professional development opportunity for WASO musicians. The funds can be used to assist with travel, tuition, attendance at conferences, master classes and other learning activities. Our calendar of events for Patrons and Friends this year includes a lovely mix of much loved programs and a couple of new ones. More events will follow as details are confirmed but here is what we have so far: WASO IN REHEARSAL (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TEA AND SYMPHONY) BOOK ALL 4 NOW! See Events Booking form on last page Would you like to see how an orchestral rehearsal is run? Join us for WASO in Rehearsal your special opportunity to join WASO for a behind the scenes peek at a rehearsal and enjoy morning tea with the musicians. This year the conductor will say a few welcoming words to our audience of Patrons and Friends. All these rehearsals feature guest artists don t miss out! The long standing Tea & Symphony programs will be re-named WASO in Rehearsal to give a clearer description of the morning s purpose and is less likely to be confused with the Morning Symphony series. Friday 16 March Rehearsal of Classics 1 Organ Spectacular Embrace this opportunity to experience the enormous and magnificent sound of the Perth Concert Hall s 3000-pipe organ. This powerful king of instruments will be played by Perth s own Joseph Nolan. Friday 15 June Rehearsal of Classics 3 Tchaikovsky s Fifth Amy Dickson debuts with WASO in a new work specially composed for her by Ross Edwards. Friday 10 August Rehearsal of Classics 5 Tasmin Little Plays Bruch This concert showcases the rich sonorities of your Orchestra in Brahms mighty Fourth Symphony. Classic Brit Awardwinner Tasmin Little returns to perform Bruch s treasured concerto. Friday 9 November Rehearsal of Masters 7 LA Guitar Quartet Plays Rodrigo Grammy Award-winning LA Guitar Quartet joins forces with Michael Stern to present this thrilling concert. The LA Guitar Quartet is hailed for its diversity, and in this program they perform a work rich in colour and uniquely Spanish flavours. MEET THE SECTIONS Our well-loved Meet the Sections events provide a special opportunity to gain a unique insight into the instruments and players of the Orchestra. Several other special events are planned for later in the year, including more opportunities to meet other Orchestra personalities and sections. Stay tuned to the next issue of Encore for details! Meet the French Horns Sunday 25 March 2.30pm Venue Level 6, 445 Hay St, Perth (Upstairs Function Centre, WASO Administration building)

5 The Horns are some of the most interesting and beautiful sounding instruments in the orchestra. It also has a reputation as one of the most challenging instruments to learn to play. Join us at our Meet the French Horns event and learn more about this striking instrument and the gifted Horn players of the Orchestra then join us for refreshments and a chat afterwards in the new function centre at the WASO Administration building. Meet the Double Basses Sunday 21 October 2.30pm Venue Penrhos College, Llew Woodford Function Centre We will meet the Grandfathers of the Orchestra, the Double Basses. Patrons and Friends will be joined by the Double Bass section, who will answer questions about their careers and instruments. Attendees will also be treated to a short performance and refreshments to close the afternoon. All proceeds from these and all other Patrons and Friends events go towards the Friends of WASO Scholarship, awarded every year to one or more WASO musicians. For more information on previous scholarship winners please go to IN SEARCH OF HAYDN (PG): WIN A DOUBLE PASS! Following the international success of In Search Of Mozart & In Search Of Beethoven, Phil Grabsky is now completing his third film on great composers Joseph Haydn. Haydn ( ) was one of the greatest musical innovators, looked up to by Mozart and Beethoven and yet today in concert halls he is often overshadowed in favour of his younger contemporaries. By speaking to the greatest living exponents of Haydn s music, this film readdresses the balance and sheds light on this forgotten master and his work. With contributions from The Orchestra of the 18th Century, Marc Andre Hamelin, Ronald Brautigam, Sir Roger Norrington, Gianandrea Noseda, Richard Wigmore, David Wynn-Jones, Alison Balsom, Gautier Capucon and more. The Private Giving Team have 5 double passes to give away to a Talking Pictures screening of In Search of Haydn on Tuesday 28 February at 6.45pm. Director Phil Grabsky will be special guest at the event, discussing the making of the film. To win one of these double passes, stokesa@waso.com.au with the word Haydn in the subject line by midday Monday 20 February.

6 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS WITH VLADIMIR VERBITSKY This year we celebrate Vladimir Verbitsky s 25 th anniversary with WASO. This will be celebrated with a gala concert program as well as concerts in our Masters and Morning Symphony Series. Vladimir reflects on his concert programs for this year,.the Gala concert repeats the program of my first concert with the WASO in the program was compiled from Russian music jewels; it included excerpts from classic music, beautiful and mostly unknown in Australia is also my 40th season with my Voronezh Orchestra in Russia. In October 2011 we were lucky to go on tour in Europe, gave concerts in Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Czech Republic. I had concerts in Taiwan, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Saratov, and Omsk, again in Taiwan and in the USA. Many countries, many orchestras but I am looking forward to seeing and working with the WASO again. Many of you will remember celebrating with Vladimir when his Australian citizenship ceremony took place on stage at the Perth Concert Hall in It was a moving ceremony that illustrates the special place he holds in our hearts. And clearly our Conductor Laureate feels the same, I fell in love with the orchestra at first sight. I always say, it is my favourite orchestra, forever. That first concert was an unforgettable experience. Every time I play for the Perth audience I feel its kindness, warmth and deep understanding. This audience is the best in world for me. We hope you can join us to celebrate the 25 th anniversary of our Conductor Laureate, Vladimir Verbitsky. Vladimir conducting the Orchestra on the occasion of his Australian Citizenship ceremony VLADIMIR VERBITSKY'S 2012 WASO PERFORMANCES Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov 7.30pm Friday 1 & Saturday 2 June Passionate Rachmaninov - 11am Thursday 31 May Verbitsky s 25 th Anniversary Gala 7.30pm Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June

7 REACH OUT WASO Patrons are part of a special community of individuals who strengthen the Orchestra s ability to remain the cultural heart of Western Australia. These donations also support the myriad of community and education programs WASO conducts every year, sharing the joy of classical music with young and old. The loyalty of WASO patrons touches us deeply and we are committed to strengthening our relationship with this group of very special people. This community has grown over the last five years and today over 500 individuals donate to the Orchestra. Whatever the size, each gift makes a difference. WASO s new Reach Out program, launched in late 2011, supports these very community and education programs, through the support of patrons that include the McCusker Charitable Foundation, the Galvin Family Trust and Barrie and Jude Lepley. This support is incredibly important and helps WASO to achieve its vision - to touch soul and enrich lives through music. Just some of our regular activities below: Six times a year a WASO chamber orchestra performs in the Starlight Theatre at Princess Margaret Children s Hospital. These concerts are broadcast live throughout the wards and bring moments of joy to the lives of these very ill children, their parents and the staff. Recently WASO started a new project for special needs children and their carers at Castlereagh School. This is an interactive have a go performance designed to engage the children in a fun, hands-on way. The carers at the initial performance reported some significant breakthroughs from the students. Our Orchestral Training Program links WASO players with students transitioning from full time music study to a career, providing valuable mentoring and insight into a professional orchestral musician s life. The WASO Composition Project provides an opportunity for budding composers to work with a professional composer and have their work performed by a WASO chamber orchestra. An unforgettable learning experience that is inspirational to watch. In addition to these programs, WASO also conducts dozens of EChO Ensemble cushion concerts, schools concerts and tours throughout the state touching the lives of thousands of young West Australians. A WASO EChO ensemble in full flight

8 PAUL DANIEL APPOINTED PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR AT ROYAL PHILHARMONIC OF GALICIA Last week the Royal Philharmonic of Galicia (Real Filharmonia de Galicia) announced that Paul Daniel has been appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor. This fine Orchestra is based in Sanitago de Compostela. Paul has been the Principal Guest Conductor there for the last few seasons and will assume his new position on January for an initial three year term. Do not fret, however, as Paul will still be featured in our 2012 season also. No rest for the wicked! WASO HONG KONG TOUR FUNDRAISING RAFFLE Kathy McGeorge, 1 st Prize winner A many of you may know, last year the WASO Private Giving and Corporate Development departments ran a raffle the proceeds of which supported the wonderful WASO Chorus tour to Hong Kong later this year. The WASO Chorus are a highly committed and professional group of singers, whom volunteer their time and talent to rehearse and perform with the Orchestra. Your support of the Chorus is sincerely appreciated by WASO staff and of course, the Chorus themselves. And now, the lucky winners are: First Prize: A Kailis Jewellery voucher valued at $7,500 Winner: K. McGeorge, Dalkeith Second Prize: A Renaissance tour package for two to enjoy a glorious weekend of opera and music (30 March 1 April) valued at $2300. Winner: C. Foyle, Bennett Springs Third Prize: High Tea for you and a guest at the Duxton Hotel with Principal Conductor Paul Daniel valued at $1,000 Winner: L. Barz, Bassendean. Congratulations to all the winners!

9 EVENT BOOKING FORM Name: Address: Phone: Complete this form and mail, fax or to: Friends of WASO PO Box 3041, East Perth WA 6832 Fax: Or phone the Box Office to book: Ph: WASO IN REHEARSAL (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TEA AND SYMPHONY) FRIDAY 16 MARCH 10.00AM PERTH CONCERT HALL Please arrive at 9.30am for a 10am start Patrons and Friends at $25 each Guests at $30 each TOTAL $ WASO IN REHEARSAL (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TEA AND SYMPHONY) FRIDAY 15 JUNE 10.00AM PERTH CONCERT HALL Please arrive at 9.30am for a 10am start Patrons and Friends at $25 each Guests at $30 each TOTAL $ WASO IN REHEARSAL (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TEA AND SYMPHONY) FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 10.00AM PERTH CONCERT HALL Please arrive at 9.30am for a 10am start Patrons and Friends at $25 each Guests at $30 each $ TOTAL $

10 WASO IN REHEARSAL (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TEA AND SYMPHONY) FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER 10.00AM PERTH CONCERT HALL Please arrive at 9.30am for a 10am start Patrons and Friends at $25 each Guests at $30 each TOTAL $ MEET THE FRENCH HORNS SUNDAY 25 MARCH 2.30PM Level 6, 445 Hay St, Perth (WASO Box office and administration) Patrons and Friends at $42 each Guests at $45 each TOTAL $ MEET THE DOUBLE BASSES SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER 2.30PM Llew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College Patrons and Friends at $42 each Guests at $45 each TOTAL $ PAYMENT DETAILS I enclose cheque for $ TOTAL AMOUNT $ (Please make cheques payable to West Australian Symphony Orchestra) I wish to pay by Mastercard Visa No. Exp Cardholder's name Signature PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT ISSUE TICKETS FOR THESE EVENTS. YOUR NAME(S) WILL BE CHECKED AGAINST A LIST ON ARRIVAL.