WASO announces 2023 Regional Tour

WASO is excited to announce their full 2023 regional tour plans that include a mix of contemporary and classical performances as the Orchestra continues to provide the soundtrack to life in WA.

In March, WASO will perform a popular classical music program in Mandurah and Bunbury featuring Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, while in May and September the Orchestra will hit the road to Kalgoorlie and Karratha with hip-hop artist Drapht.

Drapht and WASO: How The West Was Won marks a first for WASO, with the Orchestra taking a contemporary collaboration on the road. Audiences will be treated to fully orchestrated performances of Perth hip-hop artist Drapht’s biggest hits in Karratha and Kalgoorlie.

WASO is set to premiere the concert in Perth this weekend in front of over 3000 people. Regional audiences can then experience the show close to home, with the concerts featuring the MC’s fan favourites, deep cuts and new single, Tomorrow Today.

Drapht is the most recent iconic West Australian act to collaborate with WASO. In the last few years the orchestra have played sold-out performances with Perth-raised superstar Tim Minchin, rock royalty Birds of Tokyo and Eskimo Joe, and fronted the 2021 AFL Grand Final half-time show.

Drapht now joins the ranks, adding to WASO’s legacy of orchestrating beloved local hits and breaking new ground as the first contemporary act to tour with WASO.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel up and down the West Coast playing shows over my career, but never with a show of this scale. I’m beyond excited to show people what WASO and I have put together.” – Drapht.

The tour will also include free community experiences, such as open rehearsals and ensemble performances, for schools and community groups. Pre-concert talks allow community members to get up close with the orchestra.

WASO’s performances in Kalgoorlie and Karratha are supported through a commitment to WASO’s 2021-23 touring program from the Government of Western Australia through Playing WA; an initiative of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.

“As West Australians, we should all feel incredibly proud to have access to a world-class local ensemble. It’s fantastic to see regional audiences have the opportunity to experience this new show and a first for WASO.” – Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman.

Complementing the Orchestra’s contemporary performances in WA’s north and east, WASO will head south to Mandurah and Bunbury in March, performing classical favourites in WASO Plays Dvořák’s New World, bringing full symphony orchestra experiences to these regional centres.

The performances across all regions will be led by some of Western Australia’s talented female conductors, with WASO 2022-23 Assistant Conductor Jen Winley leading the performances in Kalgoorlie and Karratha, and Jessica Gethin conducting WASO in Bunbury and Mandurah.

The Orchestra are looking forward to once again bringing extraordinary live music experiences across the state in 2023.

Drapht and WASO: How The West Was Won

Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie
Friday 19 May 2023, 7:30pm

Red Earth Arts Precinct, Karratha
Friday 1 September 2023, 7:30pm

On sale 9am, Wednesday 23 November 2022.

WASO Plays Dvořák’s New World

Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
Friday 3 March 2023, 7.30pm

Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
Saturday 4 March 2023, 5pm

On sale now.

Drapht and WASO: How The West Was Won in Kalgoorlie and Karratha is presented with the support of the Government of Western Australia’s Regional Arts and Cultural Investment program.

WASO Plays Dvořák’s New World is presented with the support of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.

WASO Assistant Conductor, Jen Winley is supported by the Simon Lee Foundation.