Official launch of 1999 concert program for WA Symphony Orchestra

26/11/98

Arts Minister Peter Foss officially launched the 1999 concert program for the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra this evening.

The program details 157 performances to be presented by the orchestra next year.

"The 1999 concert season will feature an impressive array of internationally renowned soloists and conductors, as well as the talents of the musicians of our own WA Symphony Orchestra," Mr Foss said.

"The theme of the new concert season is 'set your senses on fire!' and the program will indeed ignite the enthusiasm of audiences who attend."

Highlights of the 1999 program include:

·      a performance of Mahler's Symphony No.7, conducted by Simone Young;

·      Brahms Fourth Symphony, conducted by 18-year-old Mikko Franck;

·      Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.1, performed by Victor Sangiorgio;

·      a performance by Guitarist Craig Ogden of the Aranjuez Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra; and -

·      two performances of Verdi's Requiem, in collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus.

"International soloists include Jean Phillipe Collard, who will perform Mozart's Piano Concerto No 23, and violinists Joshua Bell, who will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, and Mathew Trusler, who will perform the Wieniawski Violin Concerto No 2," Mr Foss said.

"For the Festival of Perth, the orchestra will join with the Prague Festival Chorus and international soloists in concert performances of Wagner's Tannhauser and Berlioz's Damnation of Faust.

"In addition to the concert series, WASO will also continue to work in partnership with the WA Ballet and Opera companies to present their full range of activities.

"Perth concert-goers may not, however, be familiar with the work the orchestra undertakes in the areas of education, community access and regional touring.

"I am pleased with the way the orchestra has responded to my initiative to promote more regional activity since 1996, and also the education program which next year will see a number of primary school audiences attending full orchestral concerts at the Perth Concert Hall."

In launching the 1999 season, the Minister also thanked the corporate sponsors of WASO.

"The wide range of activities that WASO undertakes would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and I thank them for their commitment in supporting the cultural life of WA," Mr Foss said.

Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222