West Australian Symphony Orchestra — Attraction in Perth

One would expect with high anticipation that a programme of Wagner,Schumann,and Richard Strauss would excite the senses, dissolve the weekly obstacles and issues into some minor blip, and make one luxuriate in and embrace something far greater...great,overpowering,emotional music making. Yet I came away from this concert feeling slightly underwhelmed,as if I'd been deprived of something magical which should have been there but never quite happened. Yes the orchestra played well ,the occasional lapse in woodwind intonation apart,the conductor Asher Fisch, immersed in the undeniable exultation and joy of trying to wring the last ounce of grandeur and beauty from each piece. And then it all became very clear...depth of tone,especially from the lower strings, was that missing ingredient.The Wagner and Strauss in particular cry out for that deep down string power. Several years ago the great Berlin State Opera Orchestra visited Sydney with a programme which included the overture to Taanhauser and Strauss's Death and Transfiguration. Now here was fabulous beauty of tone allied to incredible power. Now THAT truly blew one away.....or am I being a might...

People hear or see the performance's that happen on stage, that's a good thing, perhaps what they don't know is the goings on behind the scenes that make that hour or so of music possible.. there's a mini series on it, well not yet but there could be.. It would start with a glimpse of a 4 year old playing a musical instrument whilst other preschoolers are pooping their pants or eating dirt... The players, the performers and the unknown people behind them, would have their own back stories that would rival any Netflix show.. No murder mystery...

Last night's rendition of the score of The Princess Bride, left us laughing, crying, cheering and booing ( the baddie guys on the screen ). Thank you WASO, for transporting us into another realm. The realm of miracles. Even our venue usher was passionately excited to be there, as she greeted and beckoned us in. The atmosphere in the crowded theatre, was goose bumpery gorgeous. Ladies in long red dresses and men in black, were sprinkled throughout the gallant crowd. You granted a dearest wish, and left us believing again in the power...