Andrew Tait takes final bow

Andrew attained his permanent seat in the WASO Bass section in 1989. Over the last 32 years, he has contributed to the orchestra not only artistically through his fine musicianship, but also through his passion and precise talent for building string instruments.

Andrew has long held an interest in woodworking, which naturally progressed to a passion for luthiery (the making of stringed instruments). Andrew built his luthiery workshop in the 1990s, and continues to practice his art, building new instruments and restoring and repairing precious older ones.

WASO, alongside several other orchestras across Australia and New Zealand, is fortunate to have a number of Andrew’s instruments in the orchestra. Of particular note are the six double basses Andrew has hand-crafted for WASO, alongside the cello played by Principal Cellist Rod McGrath.

Andrew’s tenure with WASO forms part of an incredible national milestone for the WASO Basses, as the longest continually serving tutti bass section in Australia. 2021 marks 30 years of performing together for the group, with the occasion set to be commemorated in an invite-only ticketed performance from the WASO Basses on Sunday 3 October.

The basses will perform together under WASO’s masthead for one last time, with a special commission by local composer Rebecca Erin Smith, alongside anecdotes, memories and discussions from the group in conversation hosted by Prue Ashurst.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew for his contribution to WASO and congratulate him on an exceptional career.

Andrew Tait’s final WASO performance is Power & Passion.

Saturday 11 September, 7.30pm
Perth Concert Hall