WAAPA's lunchtime concert series launches at Government House Ballroom on August 4

Starting Tuesday August 4, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts will be launching a series of four lunchtime concerts, performed from the gorgeous surrounds of the Government House Ballroom. The series is part of a wider initiative launched by the Governor, Hon. Kim Beazley AC, and Ms Susie Annus, called Restart the Arts with Government House, which aims to support local artists and creative industries affected by COVID-19. As part of Restart the Arts, the Ballroom has been made available for professional local artists and art organisations who have lost rehearsal space or income as a space to perform, record and stream music.  It's a great opportunity to experience some incredible live music set amidst the atmospheric backdrop of the Ballroom at Government House. Tune into WAAPA's Facebook page from 1pm - 1.40pm every Tuesday until September.

WAAPA Live from Government House Ballroom: Program Schedule

Jamie Oehlers and Tal Cohen - Aug 4

Featuring two of WA’s finest Jazz musicians, both alumni of WAAPA, Tal Cohen (USA) and Jamie Oehlers come together to present their original dynamic music to get you out of your iso-funk. Cohen and Oehlers have been collaborating for the past 10 years, producing the albums ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ with Ari Hoenig, ‘Yellow Sticker’, ‘Gentle Giants’ with Greg Osby and their duo album ‘Innocent Dreamer’. Luckily for us, Tal came back to Perth as the lockdowns began in the US, so this is a unique opportunity to see another Perth-raised musician who is dominating the international jazz scene alongside the winner of the World Saxophone Competition and WAAPA’s Associate Dean of Music, Jamie Oehlers. Details: Performed by Jamie Oehlers (saxophone) and Tal Cohen (piano) Music Director: Jamie Oehlers Tuesday 4 August, 1.00pm – 1.40pm

Classical Keys - Aug 11

Join some of WAAPA’s most outstanding classical piano students as they take you on an engaging and entertaining journey through some of their favourite classical music repertoire. Details: Performed by WAAPA Classical Pianists Music Director: Anna Slepstova Tuesday 11 August, 1.00pm – 1.40pm

Geoffrey Lancaster - Aug 18

The first Australian to win a major international keyboard competition, Geoffrey Lancaster has been at the forefront of the historically-informed performance practice movement for 40 years. A master teacher of keyboard and historical performance practice, he has taught at many of the world’s leading conservatoires including Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Mozarteum, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Royal Northern College of Music. Tune in to hear Geoffrey perform selections from Mozart's Sonata in C major and minor. Details: Performed by Geoffrey Lancaster Tuesday 18 August, 1.00 pm – 1.40 pm

WAAPA Gospel Choir - Sep 1

The final instalment of the series features the amazing WAAPA Gospel Choir, formed at the beginning of 2015 by Music Director Matt Allen. An audition-only ensemble, consisting of Bachelor of Music students from WAAPA's Contemporary Music course, the choir is a fixture of the WA music community and have collaborated with the likes of Mama Kin Spender, Katie Steele and Perth Symphony Orchestra. The WAAPA Gospel Choir has also recently recorded with hip hop giant Drapht and features on his latest album, 'Seven Mirrors’, nominated for an Aria Award in 2016 and have also recorded with local rap legend Coin Banks. They've also worked with Gospel singing sensation Melonie Daniels-Walker from New York City, who has acted as vocal director and backing vocalist for stars such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson. One not to be missed! Details: Performed by the WAAPA Gospel Choir Music Director: Matt Allen Tuesday 1 September, 1.00pm – 1.40pm