Premier Colin Barnett today announced the visit to Perth from the Netherlands by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in November.
Mr Barnett said the orchestra's Perth visit on November 21 and 22 was supported by the State Government and was the first funded event to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of Dirk Hartog's landing at Cape Inscription in Western Australia.
"The State Government is very pleased to be hosting a visit to Western Australia by one of the world's finest symphony orchestras as it celebrates its 125th anniversary," he said.
"This tour will further highlight our extraordinary historical relationship with the Netherlands and promote awareness of the Dirk Hartog anniversary - which has world and Australian significance.
"It is also timely that the Royal Concertgebouw should visit Perth this year and perform at the Perth Concert Hall as that venue celebrates its 40th birthday."
The State Government has supported similar tours by renowned orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Premier said the actual 400-year anniversary of the Hartog visit was in 2016, however, this event highlighted the Government's commitment to marking the event.
Mr Barnett said he had asked the WA Museum to erect a Dutch/Dirk Hartog display in the foyer of the concert hall during the concerts to raise awareness of the upcoming anniversary.
While the Duyfken was the first recorded European ship to reach our shores (at Cape York), Hartog's landing is significant because he left behind physical evidence of his visit - in the form of an inscribed plate - which is the oldest evidence of European contact with Australia. As a result of his voyage world cartography changed.
The Royal Concertgebouw, with conductor Mariss Jansons, will be performing a repertoire by Beethoven, Wagenaar, Stravinsky, Strauss and Tchaikovsky.
The orchestra, which was founded in 1888 and is based in Amsterdam, will also visit Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as part of its world tour during its anniversary year.
The Premier said the State Government's work to encourage and secure tours and events such as these made a real and positive contribution to WA's arts scene.
"Bringing high quality national and international artists and productions to WA enriches the cultural offering for all West Australians," he said.
Fact File
Tickets for the Royal Concertgebouw's Perth concerts on public sale, February 22
In 2011, the Premier set up a committee to co-ordinate the WA Government's involvement in the 400-year anniversary of Dirk Hartog's visit
Liberal National Government has increased support to cultural events in regions with Regional Events Program increased to $40m across next four years through Royalties for Regions
Since 2008, Liberal National Govt has provided almost $100m to non-government arts sector
More information at http://www.concertgebouworkest.nl/en/
Premier's office - 6552 5000
