Back in Full Force: WASO returns with a bang and an entire community of WA talent for Carmina Burana
Updated: 10 Sept 2020
Cate Tweedie
It’s a piece recognisable to everyone, even if you’re not familiar with classical music: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff has featured in everything from films to famous Australian TV commercials, like Carlton Draught's Big Ad. The huge choral moments have accompanied epic scenes worldwide. But there’s nothing quite like witnessing the power and spectacle of the original piece performed live with a full orchestra and 90 voice choir. Jump back into live music with this epic piece, as well as some well-known favourites, with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and whole cast of local talent.
Set for the beginning of October, Carmina Burana will fill up the Perth Concert Hall with sound, a welcome return for audiences and performers alike. Making her WASO conducting debut is WA conductor Jessica Gethin, who is well known in Perth for her work with numerous orchestras and ensembles, but who has also recently been a guest conductor for the Dallas Opera, Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonic.
WASO’s performance of Carmina Burana will also include the choral talents of singers from across Perth, featuring the combined forces of the WASO Chorus and the UWA Symphonic Chorus, which will make for a choral sound of epic proportions.
Operatic soloists Amy Manford, Perry Joyce and James Clayton will take centre stage, all three originally hailing from Perth. Manford is well known for having recently performed the role of Christine in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s original production of The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End, whilst Joyce is a local performer, composer and educator. Clayton is a regular principal artist at WA Opera, and all three are a testament to WA’s strong contribution to the arts.
Performances will take place across 4 days, from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October at the Perth Concert Hall, with an early evening performance on the Sunday. Tickets are available here, and WASO are offering a special $30 for under 30s deal available at checkout with ID. Check out WASO’s concert playlist to get a taste of the music beforehand!