The following article is about the Australian nonprofit organisation Perth Symphony Orchestra Limited.

Perth Symphony Orchestra Limited

Perth Symphony Orchestra Limited (ABN: 66601770932RR0001) is a nonprofit professional symphony orchestra based in Perth, Western Australia. Founded in November 2011, it is commonly known as Perth Symphony Orchestra or simply Perth Symphony. The organisation aims to broaden access to classical and orchestral music by performing in unconventional venues and promoting diverse repertoires, thereby reaching wider audiences across Western Australia.

History

The orchestra was established in November 2011 by violist Bourby Webster, who was encouraged by many of Western Australia’s distinguished classical musicians to create a new orchestral ensemble. The founding vision was to showcase local talent and provide innovative concert experiences beyond traditional concert halls. Its inaugural concert was hosted by the University Club of Western Australia, affiliated with the University of Western Australia. Since 2012, Perth Symphony has rehearsed at Scotch College in Perth.

Expanding its scope, Perth Symphony introduced the Perth Chamber Orchestra and Perth Symphony Voices in 2013. In 2014, the organisation launched the Perth Symphony Big Band and the Perth Symphony Touring Ensemble, further diversifying the musical offerings and outreach. Notably, the Big Band performed "Swing on This" to launch the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre in Western Australia's south-west region.

Mission and Artistic Approach

Perth Symphony positions itself as "the orchestra that breaks the rules," redefining the orchestral experience by performing in unexpected venues such as sheds, warehouses, art deco cinemas, and aeroplane hangars. This approach challenges conventional concert settings and attracts diverse audiences.

The orchestra’s repertoire spans a wide spectrum, ranging from classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven to contemporary and popular music including Metallica, Björk, Prince, Nirvana, and INXS. The organisation has produced innovative concert series such as the critically acclaimed REIMAGINED series, featuring shows like Unplugged: Nirvana Reimagined, Nothing Compares: The Music of Prince, and INXS Reimagined.

Musicians and Membership

Membership in Perth Symphony is by invitation and includes freelance musicians as well as emerging artists from institutions such as the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the University of Western Australia. This blend of professional and young musicians helps foster local talent and maintain a high artistic standard.

Community Impact

Since its foundation, Perth Symphony has performed to over 700,000 attendees, contributing significantly to the cultural life of Western Australia. By bringing orchestral music to unconventional spaces and regional areas, the organisation enhances community engagement and accessibility to the arts.

This article is based on publicly available information about the Perth Symphony Orchestra Limited, reflecting its nature as a nonprofit cultural organisation dedicated to innovative orchestral performance in Australia[1][2][3].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_Symphony_Orchestra [2] https://perthsymphony.com/who-we-are/our-history [3] https://perthsymphony.com/who-we-are [4] http://www.perthsymphonyorchestra.co.uk/history.html [5] http://www.bellsbothy.eclipse.co.uk/pso/history.htm