WASO and UWA develop world premiere in side-by-side collaboration

Musicians from the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and The University of Western Australia are working side-by-side to develop a ground-breaking new project based on Igor Stravinsky’s ballet and orchestral work Petrushka.

Under the direction of internationally acclaimed composer and animateur Paul Rissmann, UWA Conservatorium of Music students and WASO musicians will take part in an intensive week-long workshop to explore Stravinsky’s beloved masterpiecethrough composition, improvisation and experimentation. 

The project cumulates with the combined forces of the UWA Symphony Orchestra and WASO performing a new work in response to Stravinsky’s classic, alongside the original seminal ballet score on Tuesday 10 August. 

WASO is committed to educating young musicians, including nurturing and developing the next generation of performers. 

Professor Alan Lourens, Head of the UWA Conservatorium of Music, said members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra had been teaching UWA music students through one-on-one lessons for many years.

“The advantage with this program now is that we’ll be able to put students next to members of the WASO to play in real- world situations,” Professor Lourens said. 

The program is part of UWA and WASO’s partnership, which gives participants industry experience through training and musical development opportunities in a professional orchestral environment. 

A highlight of the partnership is the unique postgraduate course, Master of Orchestral Performance, which focuses on orchestral training, community outreach and career support for the next generation of musicians. WASO players share their expertise and experience, giving students greater confidence and understanding of what is required to reach the highest standards in the profession. 

One-on-one mentoring, academic skill development, community engagement, orchestral experiences and music skill development come together to form a holistic approach to orchestral training. 

UWA Master of Orchestral Performance student Jasmine Middleton said being an orchestral musician required so much more than just preparing the music and performing on stage. 

“It’s amazing the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and the different hats musicians get to wear in contributing to WASO and the community,” Jasmine said. 

WASO and UWA’s one-night-only performance of Petrushka and the world premiere of a newly developed work takes place on Tuesday 10 August. Tickets are $15 per person and are on sale now via ticketsWA.