Encore. Scholarship winners MAY We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2013 Friends of

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1 Encore THE newsletter for WASO patrons & friends MAY Friends of WASO Scholarship winners We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2013 Friends of WASO Scholarship are Principal Viola, Giovanni Pasini and Principal Trombone, Joshua Davis. Giovanni will use the scholarship funds to further his conducting study through a program offered by Symphony Services. This program is taught by international conductors, including course director Christopher Seaman and in 2013, Eckehard Stier and Marko Letonja. Symphony Services International s Conductor Development program represents a major investment in Australian resident talent. Giovanni says, I am extremely happy and honoured to accept this scholarship. Studying conducting gives me a privileged point of view over a score, stimulates my curiosity, and gives me a new perspective over my own job in the Orchestra as a player. It also helps me understand conductors better when they work with me and my colleagues. Josh is not only passionate about trombones. He has also arranged music for WASO, both for full orchestra and for the chamber group EChO. Josh says, To be given the opportunity to continue my study of orchestration gives me confidence in the product that I give to both WASO and the wider musical world. The skills that I learn can only ignite further my passion for music and arranging, and contribute to a sustainable future as an arranger, as I am equipped to handle larger and larger projects for WASO. President of the Patrons and Friends Committee, Robyn Glindemann, said it was an easy decision to support Giovanni and Josh s applications. The benefits that these two fine musicians will bring to the Orchestra as a result of their studies vividly demonstrate why the Scholarship is so important. It s so exciting for Patrons and Friends to be able to contribute in this way. We look forward to learning more about Giovanni and Josh s progress through the year. WASO and the WASO Patrons & Friends Committee warmly congratulate Giovanni and Josh on their success. All proceeds raised from Patrons and Friends events support the Friends of WASO Scholarship. May 2013 Encore

2 The Music Season is away! WASO music lovers were able to alleviate their annual withdrawal symptoms in March with a great weekend of music to kick off the 2013 season. The Concert Hall was almost at capacity for the Morning Symphony on Thursday 14 March, and for the Gala Season opening on Friday 15 March and Saturday 16 March with Principal Conductor Paul Daniel directing our WASO. To cap it off, the first Patrons & Friends event was a private screening of the dramatic new film Performance on Sunday 17 March at the Windsor Cinema, where 126 Patrons and Friends attended. Performance centered around a famous New York string quartet in its 25th year who face a crisis following the announced illness of its leader. The personal dramas that unfold make for a realistic portrayal of how relationships and arrangements can degenerate, even in a string quartet. A marvelous background of Beethoven s String Quartet in C Sharp Minor throughout the film gave special delight to our audience. The training of the actors (all of whom were brilliant) to play their instruments was quite amazing. Although a fairly heavy drama in the eyes of many, it was very well done. After the film Patrons and Friends enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat. It was great to catch up with so many friendly faces again after our long summer break. This was a good start to what will be a full program of events for our loyal Patrons and Friends this year. And, remember, all funds raised go to the Friends of WASO Scholarship. Top: Patrons Ken Evans and Glenda Campell-Evans. Bottom: Private Giving team members Alecia Benzie and Sarah Gallinagh with Patron Rob Kirk. Symphony Circle Lunch Frasers Restaurant Kings Park 6 May 2013 Our very special community of bequestors, our Symphony Circle, were joined by Conductor Laureate Vladimir Verbitsky, his wife Nellie, Chairman Janet Holmes à Court, other Board members and Emeritus WASO musicians for lunch at Frasers Restaurant in Kings Park. The food was accompanied by wonderful music from Principal Viola Giovanni Pasini and Principal Cello Rod McGrath, who performed the Allegro from Beethoven s Duo for viola and cello With two pairs of obbligato eyeglasses, and the Theme with Variations from Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf s Duo for viola and cello. This lovely lunch was our opportunity to thank our bequestors for their support and generosity. The decision to make a bequest to WASO is deeply appreciated and through these gifts we help ensure that WASO remains a part of the lives of future generations of Western Australians. To learn more about making a bequest please contact Alecia Benzie, Executive Manager, Private Giving, on or benziea@waso.com.au. All enquiries are treated in confidence. Thank you to Frasers for supporting this wonderful event. Bequestor Judy Sienkiewicz, Conductor Laureate Vladimir Verbitsky and Nellie Verbitsky. Encore May 2013

3 Ali and Andrew at the Ellington The Ellington Jazz Club 27 & 28 March 2013 WASO s Principal Flute Andrew Nicholson. Like a dream come true! This was how Andrew Nicholson described the opportunity to play with a professional jazz band. He confessed to being a little nervous about the venture but you wouldn t have known it. Andrew s reputation as WASO s Principal Flute is outstanding and his instrument slotted in beautifully with the jazz group. He could have been a regular member! Andrew joined jazz vocalist Ali Bodycoat and her ensemble for a tasty treat of music with a different style. The audience of Patrons and Friends loved it. Ali s group comprised of Tom O Halloran on piano, Carl Mackey playing tenor and alto saxophone, Nick Abbey on double bass and Chris Tarr on drums. The jazz quartet members are WAAPA graduates who all teach there in between performing. In the past, WASO Patrons and Friends have enjoyed some wonderful Jazz in the Garden events, performed by various ensembles from the Orchestra. This special event at The Ellington provided a new experience. The chance to hear such professional musicians playing together was a privilege, and a warm welcome and thanks was given to all Patrons and Friends for supporting the initiative which needed to be spread over two nights due to heavy booking. Graham Wood and Bernard Kong, owners of the Ellington Jazz Club, who are both supporters of WASO, were also thanked as well as Ali and Andrew for generously giving their time to create this event for WASO Patrons and Friends. As well as authentic jazz, we had a delightful interlude with piano and flute playing Arvo Part s Spiegel und Spiegel, a sublime haunting piece originally written for violin or viola and piano. By contrast we were treated to two original jazz pieces by members of the quartet. Chris Tarr, who together with Nick Abbey had provided a solid rhythm platform for the music throughout, was let off the leash to show his virtuosity with a spectacular drum solo in a Carl Mackey composition. The whole evening was seamlessly drawn together by Ali Bodycoat with her magnificent voice and articulation. It was a coincidence that the Wednesday performance (March 27) happened to be the birthday of the late, great American jazz singer Sarah Vaughn. Ali, with her rendition of jazz classics including Summertime and That Old Black Magic, could well have been channelling Sarah Vaughn - she was that good. She also gave a soulful performance of the Frank Sinatra hit One More for the Road accompanied only by Nick Abbey on double bass. The night was a great experience (sorry, great gig ) showing that there can always be opportunities to mix genres of music. In Ellington style, the audience enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the cosy atmosphere with friendly staff. The respect that professional musicians have for each other is obvious and the Ellington event was a clear indication that music is music is music. All proceeds from this event support the Friends of WASO Scholarship. Jazz vocalist Ali Bodycoat. May 2013 Encore

4 WASO in Rehearsal Piers Lane Plays Rachmaninov 22 March 2013 The first WASO in Rehearsal for this year allowed those attending to get a close-up sneak preview of the piano soloist Piers Lane before his performance that night at the first Classics concert. As always, it was great to attend the rehearsal, as the complete program was performed. Piers Lane played the difficult but magnificent Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninov. Prior to the rehearsal, recently-appointed Community Engagement Manager Cassandra Lake gave 110 students from several colleges, an outline of the concert pieces. These students are involved in music at their respecitve schools and would have gained a lot from Cassandra s very articulate presentation. Among other things she stressed that Paganini s works were generally fiendishly difficult. Naturally this was a challenge not to have been ignored by the great pianist Rachmaninov, who wrote some 24 variations to Paganini s theme. The result is a beautiful piece of music with orchestra. Cassandra also introduced Christopher Dragon who had just been appointed Assistant Conductor with WASO. Chris explained his role to the students and also commented on the program being rehearsed. Patrons and Friends were invited to listen to this pre-rehearsal talk. Mozart s Last Symphonies 3 May 2013 The second WASO in Rehearsal featured Scottish conductor Douglas Boyd leading the Orchestra through a rare program of Mozart s final three symphonies, numbers 39, 40 and 41. These were composed in rapid succession in the summer of 1788 over a period of only six weeks! It is said that Mozart declared Jupiter (no. 41) would be his last symphony and it is not known whether this, or indeed any of the final three, were ever performed in his lifetime. It is a most interesting program to contain only these three works. Overall, the Orchestra was smaller than usual with the brass limited to two horns in the first two works. To hear the rehearsal of all three symphonies in numerical order displayed the gradual evolution to the majestic Jupiter. These rehearsal opportunities continue to be a captivating experience for the audience of Patrons and Friends. We not only get to hear the works, but also have the chance to see the interplay between the conductor, the Concertmaster and other section leaders in ironing out any areas where the conductor wants a change. Morning tea with the Orchestra members is always very special too! If you have not attended a WASO in Rehearsal (formerly Tea & Symphony) it is highly recommended! To have a chat over morning tea with the Orchestra members always adds to the enjoyment of the whole WASO experience. Call the WASO Box Office on to book for upcoming events: WASO in Rehearsal 3 Simone Young Conducts 10am, Friday 2 August WASO in Rehearsal 4 Strauss and Ravel 10am, Friday 18 October Volunteers Gina Humphries and Verna McLeod. WASO s Assistant Conductor Christopher Dragon joins musicians, Patrons and Friends for morning tea. Encore May 2013

5 $15,000 $13,000 $10,000 We are Making Music Together! Thank you! Patrons and Friends of WASO General Meeting 16 April 2013 Thirty three Patrons and Friends were welcomed by Alecia Benzie, Executive Manager, Private Giving, to the 8th General Meeting of WASO Patrons and Friends. This meeting provides the opportunity to present an update on WASO activities and also to seek feedback from Patrons and Friends. Alecia took the opportunity to announce that WASO had recently launched a fund to raise $80,000 for the purchase of a new celeste and five new German trombones for the Orchestra. You can read more about this exciting campaign on the next page. Making Music Together update Firstly, thank you to everyone who has supported the Making Music Together initiative. Thanks to you, I m in the very privileged position of being able to think about and plan a new work for this wonderful Orchestra and for any Artistic Manager, that s a wonderful treat! Like all good things, commissions take time to formulate, and there are many issues to work through. Deciding which composer to approach, establishing whether they have time in their schedule and whether the commission offered fits with their own plans perhaps there will be a need to find other commissioning parties. There is also discussion of duration, the inclusion (or not) of soloists, instrumentation and many other things. It can be quite a journey! However, I am delighted to report that we are in discussions with an international composer to fulfil this commission. No names yet, but it is someone whose music I have long admired, with a fantastic balance of exhilarating power, emotional honesty and accessibility. Stay tuned! Patrons and Friends Committee President Robyn Glindemann then took the chair expressing her pleasure with the attendance and advised that forty members had formally sent their apologies. Robyn invited WASO Chief Executive Craig Whitehead to present his report, which he opened by acknowledging the support received from the community and government. His report covered all the undertakings by WASO in 2012 which included many highlights. It was very gratifying for Patrons and Friends to be given such comprehensive details of the wide range of WASO s activities, not simply in the Perth Concert Hall, but throughout the entire Western Australian community. Craig concluded by saying how important the Volunteers are to WASO and that the time they give translates directly into financial savings. Robyn Glindemann then presented the President s Report which covered the activities for 2012 and the progress and plans for The Patrons and Friends Committee receives great support from other members and WASO staff, helping to continue fundraising for the Friends of WASO Scholarship Fund. In thanking the committee, Robyn acknowledged Fred Affleck, Lance Risbey and Rob Kirk who are all stepping down. Fred s term as President, particularly in establishing the Friends of WASO Scholarship, was acknowledged. Election to the committee for 2013 resulted in the following: Robyn Glindemann President Barry Neubecker Vice President John Isherwood Honorary Secretary Gina Humphries Glenda Campbell-Evans Heather Rogers Graham Mahony (new) Margaret Marston (new) Christine Reitzenstein (Orchestra s representative) (new) Alecia Benzie (WASO management representative) Comments and suggestions were raised during General Business which provided valuable feedback to the Committee. Above all, very strong approval was voiced for the way this year s opening concerts were presented and the innovative after-concert jazz session in the Wardle Room with so many Orchestra members attending. After the meeting a pleasant get-together was enjoyed over a glass of wine and nibbles. Evan Kennea Executive Manager, Artistic Planning Thanks to Patrons and Friends Committee Vice President Barry Neubecker for providing reports of many Patrons and Friends events. May 2013 Encore

6 Please support our Celeste and Brass Campaign! We seek your support in raising $80,000 to purchase a celeste and five German trombones and invite you to be a part of this exciting campaign. We are delighted to announce that we have already raised $30,000 towards our target. Every gift makes a difference towards reaching our goal. Your donation will be tax deductable this financial year if it reaches us by 30 June and you will be invited to meet and hear our new instruments once they have been purchased. The Celeste The celeste, or celesta, appears on the WASO stage every year. It is a beautiful wooden instrument with a heavenly sound hence the name. Most people start humming Tchaikovsky s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker whenever we refer to our need for a new celeste! Our current celeste was purchased second hand in 1974, we believe in Sydney. It has been lovingly overhauled a number of times but is sadly reaching the end of its life. We are seeking to replace this instrument in preparation for the 2014 season. The cost of a new celeste is $40,000. This year our old celeste is on stage during: Versbitsky s Europe Respighi Pines of Rome Prokofiev & Sibelius Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales Strauss & Ravel James Ledger Violin Concerto (world premiere) and it often features at our annual Symphony in the City. The celeste also featured in our first Masters series concert during John Adams Slonimisky s Earbox. This performance was webcast and you can now view it by going to vod/freezone/music/waso/ There are some great close ups of the celeste near the end of the first piece! German Trombones These beautiful instruments feature throughout the German repertoire Beethoven, Wagner, Brahms to name a few. At present we either use our current trombones or we hire a bass trumpet and/ or a contrabass trombone for certain repertoire. Principal Trombone Joshua Davis says, In the quest for an authentic German sound, the sound Mahler, Brahms, Wagner and Strauss had in mind, nothing else comes close to these hand-crafted Kromat instruments. To have instruments made using traditional German techniques and materials means that we can hear what Strauss and Mahler expected to hear when they wrote their music. The world over, trombonists in many orchestras are investing in German-made instruments for the purpose of taking the listener back to the 19th century. I am so excited by this project, and I hope you are too. Have you ever wanted to help influence the sound of your Orchestra? Now is your chance! Joshua Davis, Principal Trombone The use of these German trombones is also important in terms of sound consistency when they feature with certain other instruments, including the Wagner tubas. WASO s Wagner tubas were purchased through a generous donation by Robert May and Daniel Shing Kong in In anticipation of the arrival of our Principal Conductor designate Asher Fisch, who specialises in German repertoire, we hope to purchase a set of German trombones which will include two German tenor trombones, a German bass trombone, a German contrabass trombone and a German bass trumpet. The cost for this set of trombones is $40,000. We seek your support in raising funds for the purchase of a celeste and German trombones. To make a donation to our Celeste and Brass Campaign please complete the enclosed donation form or to make a donation online, please go to waso.com.au and click on the red Make a Donation button and choose Celeste & Brass from the drop-down menu. For more information please contact Jane on or clarej@waso.com.au Encore May 2013

7 Annual Giving The backbone of WASO philanthropic support Your support attending WASO concerts is extremely important to us. We thank you and hope you continue to enjoy WASO for many more years to come. WASO is committed to touching souls and enriching lives through music. When we talk to our supporters, many of them experienced WASO for the first time outside of the Perth Concert Hall, and for most, the experience has become a cherished memory that forms an early part of their musical journey. We continue to work hard to create memorable musical entry points and pathways, both inside and outside the Hall, for as many Western Australians as possible. Be this for a family in Roebourne, a sick child in hospital, a first-time ticket buyer or a seasoned WASO subscriber in the Perth Concert Hall, each experience is a moment of musical magic. Principal Bass Clarinet, Alex Millier, who has played with WASO for 17 years says, I m so proud to be a WASO musician and whether I m on stage in Perth or in a school hall in a remote West Australian community, it s such a joy to inspire and engage people of all ages through live music. Each year we seek the support of the community to assist us in continuing to be at the cultural heart of Western Australia and provide access to the finest live classical music, wherever it may be. We invite you to join us as Annual Giving Patron in Our Patrons are invited to exclusive events, receive regular updates and have opportunities to get to know our musicians. We hope that you can join us and be a part of our musical journey. All gifts are tax deductable and your gift will be tax deductable this financial year if it reaches us by 30 June. For more information, please contact our philanthropy team: Alecia Benzie, Executive Manager, Private Giving or benziea@waso.com.au Jane Clare, Fundraising and Philanthropy Officer, Private Giving or clarej@waso.com.au There has been a fantastic improvement in WASO since we first had season tickets when the Perth Concert Hall opened in It is now a world class orchestra. I want this progress to continue and look forward to attending concerts not only with my husband, friends and children but also my children s children. This is why I am a Patron and why I encourage people to think about joining WASO s Annual Giving Program. Margaret Marston Patron WASO was sad to learn of the death of long-time subscriber, Patron and supporter Des Gurry. Des will be much missed at concerts and Patrons and Friends events. May 2013 Encore

8 Thank you to our wonderful volunteers! In recognition of National Volunteer Week (13-19 May), we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our valued Friends, Patrons and Choristers, who give up so much of their precious time to help us achieve our vision to touch souls and enrich lives through music. Pat Gallaher, Verna McLeod and Barbara Kent helping in the WASO office. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated band of volunteers who assist us in so many ways, from handing out programs at performances, helping with mail outs in the office, assisting in the WASO Library, being part of the Patrons and Friends Committee, to giving their time and talent to perform alongside the Orchestra as members of the WASO Chorus. WASO is the largest and busiest performing arts organisation in Western Australia and we could not do what we do without our volunteers. Philanthropy is not only about giving money to a cause, and we truly value the contribution our volunteers make by offering their time, skill, talent and passion. Thank you to all our WASO volunteers! Time is Money Volunteers are real value! The induction evening for WASO volunteers illustrated the importance of this valuable resource. WASO has a large group of willing people who give their time to assist at the Perth Concert Hall and also during the week in the administration office. This year s induction evening on 25 February gave 30 volunteers a comprehensive update of the responsibilities at the WASO Program and Information Desk, outlining the information volunteers need to be armed with and where assistance may be obtained. This was both an induction for new volunteers as well as a refresher for longer-standing volunteers, and emphasised the importance of greeting the public at the Perth Concert Hall. Alecia Benzie, Executive Manager of the Philanthropy team, stressed the ambassadorial role played by volunteers at the concert hall. A friendly face and a helpful response to any question can really add to the enjoyment of a concert-goer s evening. Sarah Gallinagh, Annual Giving and Bequests Coordinator, and Jane Clare, Fundraising and Philanthropy Officer, also gave information on how the volunteer roster works and the communication methods to ensure we appropriately assist all concert-goers wherever possible. Long-time volunteer, Wolfgang Lehmkuhl (Wolfie to most), spoke from the viewpoint of a volunteer, saying how satisfying it is to be of assistance to someone and how pleasant it is to meet people again and again. Josie Aitchison from WASO s Customer Service team outlined their role on concert nights in helping concert-goers who may have a problem, and Jason Gordon, Functions and Events Duty Manager at the concert hall reassured us that his staff are always on hand to deal with any curly issues which, although rare, could arise. The recent passing of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch at the wonderful age of 103 gave the opportunity to reflect on practical philanthropy. She was an avid supporter of many organisations and in her own words, it was more than giving money, which she acknowledged she could afford; it was also about helping the organisation in many other ways with one s time. Dame Elisabeth was still doing just that even when she had passed 100 years of age. In an overall context, philanthropy is the support of an organisation through the contribution of money, time, talent or passion. The time and energy volunteers give can also be measured in financial terms. Over the year this amounts to many hundreds of hours of labour costs not incurred by WASO. So the value of our volunteers is never underrated. Encore May 2013

9 Patrons and Friends Events 2013 Every year we enjoy creating events and staying in touch with our community of Patrons and Friends. Many of these events offer unique access to our Orchestra. JUNE AUGUST SEPTEMBER Meet the Double Reeds 6pm, Wednesday 26 June Chapel, Aquinas College Come and hear some beautiful music and learn more about the oboe, bassoon and cor anglais. At this event you will be joined by WASO s double reed musicians, who will give a fascinating insight into their instruments and life in the Orchestra, over wine and nibbles. Tickets are $42 for Patrons and Friends, $45 for guests. WASO in Rehearsal Three 10am, Friday 2 August Perth Concert Hall Simone Young Conducts Shostakovich s dramatic Tenth Symphony is one of his greatest works. From a sinister, brooding opening and searing depiction of Stalin, to a finale of exultant rejoicing, Shostakovich s music takes you on a journey of emotional extremes. Britten s captivating Violin Concerto receives its WASO premiere by Concertmaster Giulio Plotino. Tickets are $25 for Patrons and Friends, $30 for guests and include a lovely morning tea with the musicians. Meet the Double Basses 2.30pm, Sunday 15 September Llew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College Meet the Grandfathers of WASO, the double basses. Between listening to some great music, learn more about these majestic instruments and the musicians that play them. Catch up on WASO news over nibbles and a glass of wine. Tickets are $42 for Patrons and Friends, $45 for guests. To book these events please call the WASO Box Office on Keep up to date with events by clicking on the Support tab on our website waso.com.au A Symphony of Eastern Europe Tour WASO Private Giving partner Renaissance Tours creates wonderful travel and musical experiences for classical music lovers. Each outbound tour booked from Western Australia assists in supporting the activities of your Orchestra. The 16-day Symphony of Eastern Europe Tour is led by ABC Classic FM presenter Mairi Nicolson and runs from 1 to 16 September 2013, travelling from Bucharest to Budapest. Enjoy the opening week of Romania s acclaimed George Enescu Festival, a star-studded affair featuring some of the world s top orchestras such as the Staatskapelle Berlin, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, National Philharmonic of Russia and the Orchestre de Paris, conducted by the likes of Daniel Barenboim, Manfred Honeck, Vladimir Spivakov and Paavo Järvi. Then journey through the heart of Transylvania to Budapest, for a gala season opening weekend with the Budapest Festival Orchestra and a night at the Hungarian State Opera. For more information and to book, call Renaissance Tours on or visit music/a-symphony-of-eastern-europe/ May 2013 Encore

10 Patrons and Friends Events 2013 OCTOBER DECEMBER To book these events please call the WASO Box Office on Keep up to date with events by clicking on the Support tab on our website waso.com.au WASO in Rehearsal Four 10am, Friday 18 October Perth Concert Hall Strauss and Ravel Strauss s extravagant tone poem, Don Juan, launches this exhilarating concert of orchestral showpieces. Experience the fabulous new Violin Concerto by award-winning WA composer James Ledger performed by Associate Concertmaster Margaret Blades, before savouring Stravinsky s neo-classic masterpiece and Ravel s exotically coloured orchestral rhapsody. Tickets are $25 for Patrons and Friends, $30 for guests and include a lovely morning tea with the musicians. Annual Patrons and Friends Christmas Party 4.30pm, Thursday 12 December Perth Concert Hall Our annual Christmas Party is always great fun and a lovely opportunity to celebrate a year of wonderful music together. This year, however, is particularly special as it will be your last opportunity to watch and listen to the last hour of Principal Conductor Paul Daniel rehearsal of 2013 s Symphony in the City. You can then join Paul and our WASO musicians for a stand up light dinner and drinks. Tickets are $45 for Patrons and Friends, $55 for guests. All proceeds raised from Patrons and Friends events support the Friends of WASO Scholarship. Connect with WASO online! We love to connect with our community of supporters online. Join over 4,000 others and like us on Facebook to keep in touch with your orchestra. Go to facebook.com/westaustraliansymphonyorchestra. Follow us at twitter. com/_waso_ for all the latest WASO news. Encore May 2013