EncoreT H E N E W S L E T T E R F O R W A S O P AT R O N S & F R I E N D S

June 2014 | Encore 1

EncoreT H E N E W S L E T T E R F O R W A S O P AT R O N S & F R I E N D S

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JUNE 2014

Celebrating Ten Years of Annual GivingA message from Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser, Asher FischIn my first year with WASO, we are celebrating ten years of annual giving. Since 2005 individuals have been making donations to the Annual Giving Program and over time it has grown to become an extremely important source of income. Government funding no longer covers all our fixed costs, including musician salaries, and annual giving directly supports these ongoing costs as well as supporting our Community Engagement and Education programs. This year our goal

is to raise $500,000 through annual giving and I am delighted to report that we are well on the way with $261,286 received to date.

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation.

Asher Fisch

Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser

Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. Photo: James Campbell

Encore | June 20142

Donate Online! Did you know you can now donate and renew your annual gift online?

Logging in to donate online is quick and easy!

1. Go to waso.com.au. Click the red button.

2. Choose the fund you would like to donate to from the drop down menu.

3. When the page refreshes fill in the box with the amount you would like to donate. You can indicate your preferred acknowledgement, and whether you would like to remain anonymous.

4. When you proceed to the checkout you will be asked to log in.

You will see this screen:

5. If you have purchased tickets through the WASO website or have donated online before, you will already have an online account.

If we have sent you an Annual Giving Renewal letter with this edition of Encore, you will find your log in details on the letter.

Fill in your email address and password and click the Login button.

6. If you are not sure if you have already created a WASO online account in the past, you can look up your account by clicking the Lookup Your Account tab.

You will see this screen:

7. If you have created a WASO online account in the past but have forgotten your password, click on the Forgot Your Login? tab

You will see this screen:

Enter your email address and an email will be sent to you with a link that will take you to the WASO website to update your password.

8. If you have not used this online service before or have not received an Annual Giving renewal letter with this edition of Encore and need to set up an account, click on the Register tab.

You will see this screen:

9. Fill in your details and click on the Register button to the right of the form.

You will then receive an email confirming your account registration.

Your email address and the password you registered are now your login details for your WASO online account.

After making a donation, a confirmation email will be sent to you immediately. You will receive an acknowledgement letter with your tax deductible receipt in the mail within two weeks.

Thank you for your support.

10.

June 2014 | Encore 3

With great sadness I acknowledge the passing of long-term Patrons & Friends Committee Member, John Isherwood. John was a tireless worker for WASO, as a member of the Committee, and most particularly as the co-ordinator of our open rehearsal events for Patrons. John, with his late wife Jill, was also one of the very first people to give to WASO’s annual giving program. He was a kind, warm, generous man and will be deeply missed by me and everyone at WASO.Craig Whitehead, WASO Chief Executive

John’s smiling face will be sadly missed at all our Patrons & Friends events. He was always a welcoming face in the Patrons & Friends lounge, both for the ‘regulars’ and those new to the lounge. John, you will be regularly and fondly remembered at our WASO Philanthropy events. Alecia Benzie, Executive Manager, Philanthropy

When I first joined the Patrons & Friends Committee, I was immediately impressed by John’s ‘can do’ attitude. Nothing was ever too

Pins for WASO PatronsWe are very lucky to have had these lovely pins designed and crafted specially for WASO Patrons by The Perth Mint. We have been presenting these pins to our Patrons as a small token of our thanks for a number of years. Many of our Patrons wear their pin to WASO concerts and other events, and some have even modified their pin to include a diamond, or to hang on a necklace. It is a great conversation starter and helps spread the word about supporting your Orchestra.

If you are a Patron but have not received your pin and would like one, please let Jane know so we can arrange to get one to you. You can contact Jane on 9326 0014 or clarej@waso.com.au.

It is an exciting time to be a part of our musical journey. We are extremely proud to acknowledge the following Patrons who have made a donation of $500 or over to our annual giving program since 2005:

Fred & Margaret Affleck Sally BurtonBrian CresswellGerty EwenAnnette FinnDavid & Valerie Gulland Janet Holmes à Court ACBarbara KentBryant MacfiePeter & Patricia Moss Jill MulheronJohn OvertonHeather RogersJudith SienkiewiczDavid Turner & Judith Wilton Andrew & Marie Yuncken

We thank you for your ten years of giving. Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated.

WASO Patrons are invited to exclusive events, receive regular updates and have opportunities to get to know our musicians. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and your gift will be tax deductible this financial year if it reaches us by 30 June. It is quick and easy to log in and make a donation online by going to waso.com.au and clicking the red Make a Donation button. Or you can contact us to request a donation form or make a donation over the phone.

To learn more please call Jane Clare on 9326 0014 or email clarej@waso.com.au.

Celebrating Ten Years of Annual Giving

little or too much for John to do - as was evidenced by his impressive chair stacking and glass managing skills at a Meet the Viola event! As I got to know John (and his lovely wife Jill) better, I was privileged to know a genuinely decent man who loved WASO and a chat. He was a stalwart presence in the Patrons & Friends lounge on a Saturday night and on the Committee and I will miss him.Robyn Glindemann, Patrons & Friends

Committee President

We were so sad to learn of John’s death after his battle with health. Whether as secretary of the Patrons & Friends Committee, helping in the office or enjoying a WASO concert he was always up for a pleasant chat. However, we will particularly miss his organising of the ‘WASO in Rehearsal’ morning teas with his willing band of helpers. A really staunch supporter and lovely man.

Barry Neubecker, Patrons & Friends Committee

Vice President, & Val NeubeckerPhilanthropy Partner

Remembering John Isherwood1936 – 2014

Encore | June 20144

Thank you to our volunteers In recognition of National Volunteer Week (12-18 May), we would like to thank all our valued volunteers who give so much of their precious time. This helps us to achieve our vision to touch souls and enrich lives through music.

We have many dedicated individuals who assist us in a variety of ways from handing out programs at performances, helping with mail outs in the office, assisting in the WASO Library, and being part of the Patrons & Friends Committee, to giving their time and talent as members of the WASO Chorus.

WASO is the largest and busiest performing arts organisation in Western Australia and we couldn’t do what we do without our enthusiastic community of volunteers who contribute nearly 21,000 hours annually.

Thank you!

their invaluable contribution to the arts in Perth by WASO Board member Keith Kessell and Chief Executive Craig Whitehead. Keith reminded Chorus members of just how much time and energy they put into singing, and how much everyone’s contributions are appreciated.

The WASO Chorus is supported by Lotterywest.

They are lawyers, doctors, engineers, retirees, students and singers from all walks of life committed to singing with the Chorus. Each singer contributes over 150 hours of their free time each year to rehearse and perform under the WASO banner.

At their rehearsal on 13 May, during National Volunteer Week, the Chorus was thanked for

Keith Kessell thanks the WASO Chorus Did you know that each and every member of the WASO Chorus is a volunteer?

Suzy, Chris, Jop, Calvin, Regina, Brian and Jan help out at the office during National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week Feedback

We need your feedback!Encore is a quarterly publication that goes out to all our Patrons & Friends. This edition will reach over 500 addresses.

The cost of printing and posting Encore is growing. We would love to hear your feedback about having the option to receive future editions of Encore to your email address.

We would continue to post hard copies of Encore if that is your preference, so please don’t worry about missing out if you do not have an email address.

You do not need to make a decision now, but please contact Jane on 9326 0014 or clarej@waso.com.au about this idea if you have any thoughts.

Thank you.

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Meet the Orchestral ArrangerJoshua Davis, Principal Trombone & 2013 Friends of WASO Scholarship recipient

Sunday 29 June 2pmLlew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College

Join Principal Trombone Joshua Davis as he takes us on a multi-media tour of orchestral arranging, and showcases the impact the Friends of WASO Scholarship has had on his method for arranging musical scores and how it has shaped his work.

Joshua orchestrated an arrangement of Jingle Bells for the Berlin Philharmonic, which was performed live in The Berlin Philharmonic ‘Digital Concert Hall’. You can listen to this wonderful arrangement if you watch from the 37 minute mark at www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/concert/17418.

See Joshua in action as he creates an arrangement before your eyes using the latest orchestral arranging technology.

Tickets are $40 for Patrons & Friends ($50 for guests) and include beautiful Margaret River wines and canapés after Joshua’s talk.

Joshua Davis, Principal Trombone & 2013 Friends of WASO Scholarship recipient

Patrons & Friends General Meeting 201413 May 2014

Twenty-one Patrons & Friends gathered at the WASO office for the ninth General Meeting of Patrons & Friends.

WASO Chief Executive, Craig Whitehead and Committee President, Robyn Glindemann updated the group on the year’s successes, and congratulated this year’s Friends of WASO Scholarship winners, Francesco Lo Surdo and Mary-Anne Blades.

To see the full reports, head to our website waso.com.au and click on Latest News and Events under the Support tab, or contact Jane on 9326 0014 or clarej@waso.com.au.

Patrons & Friends Event

Call the WASO Box Office to book on 9326 0000.

Barbara Kent with Committee Member Graham Mahony and Margaret O’Halloran.

Encore | June 20146

In 2012 the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Song Book Commissioning Program created Making Music Together which sought to raise $30,000 in order to jointly fund a new commission by an international composer.

Janet Holmes à Court, founding patron of the WASO Song Book, generously launched the campaign with a $15,000 gift to be matched by the community to reach the total of $30,000. WASO Song Book Patron Geoff Stearn was the first donor for this project with a fantastic gift of $2,500. It was not long before we achieved our goal of raising $30,000 and thank the following donors for their gift to the Making Music Together Campaign:

Catherine Bagster in memory of Christine BagsterBernard BarnwellTony & Mary BeeleyDr Glenda Campbell-EvansDeirdre ChellRobyn GlindemannMyles Harmer & Alison BunkerProf Louis Landau AORosalind LilleyGregg & Sue MarshmanMargaret & Rod MarstonBrian & Nancy MurphyLance RisbeyGeoff StearnAnonymous (1)

We are delighted to announce we have confirmed a commission for our Making Music Together Campaign. The piece, a Trumpet Concerto yet to be named, will be given its World Premiere by WASO in May 2015. It is by acclaimed English composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and will be premiered by superstar Swedish trumpeter

We are making music together in 2015!

Håkan Hardenberger (pictured) and Swiss conductor Baldur Brönnimann, who is conducting this year’s Latitude New Music Festival. There will be opportunities for our Making Music Together Patrons to meet the composer, soloist and conductor, as well as to watch a rehearsal.

The commission is a fine example of international relations in music making and has taken Evan Kennea, our Executive Manager, Artistic Planning, over twelve months and many, many conversations. This is because it is a co-commission with two prestigious international orchestras, as well as the time it takes to align highly sought after artists with our concert scheduling. We could not have had a composer with this reputation without international support. These collaborations, while taking time to come to fruition, are incredibly important ways for the Orchestra to develop and deepen our networks of artists and orchestras internationally, as well as profile WASO more broadly.

We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and hope you are too. Commissioning new work is an extremely rewarding experience that gives you the pleasure of knowing you have enabled the creation of a new work of art that would otherwise not exist.

If you are interested in learning more about WASO’s commissioning program

please contact Alecia Benzie on 9326 0020 or benziea@waso.com.au

Demand for great seats at WASO performances is high. If you cannot attend a concert, please consider donating your ticket for resale. We will send you a tax deductible receipt and you will create an opportunity for another music lover to see the performance.

To donate your ticket, please contact the WASO Box Office on 9326 0000. Tickets must be received by the WASO Box Office at least two business days prior to the performance. Please post your tickets to WASO, PO Box 3041, East Perth, 6892. Note: Only applies to tickets sold by WASO.

Transaction fees are not eligible for inclusion in the donation.

Can’t attend a concert? Donate your ticket!

June 2014 | Encore 7

Patrons & Friends attending this event, new for 2014, chatted to WASO musicians and soloists over a glass of wine after the first Chamber Series concert performed in the magnificent Fremantle Town Hall under the direction of Paul Dyer, one of Australia’s leading Baroque specialists.

The concert, Glorious Baroque, featured 18 of our WASO musicians supporting soloists Shaun Lee-Chen and Andrew Nicholson. We heard a range of music that was lively, emotional and at times cheeky, enthralling the audience who seemed to feed energy back to the players. The smaller chamber ensembles not only allow greater intimacy with the audience, but also a closer rapport among the players.

Shaun Lee-Chen was soloist for Brescianello’s Violin Concerto No. 4 and he was then joined by Andrew Nicholson for the sublime Telemann Concerto for Flute and Violin in E minor. Handel’s Passacaglia from Concerto HWV 310 was a delightful presentation of harpsichord, double bass and two celli, but also included other strings walking through the audience. This really brought the house down.

The final work, Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso No. 12 ‘La Folia’ demonstrated a strong ‘flamenco-like’ flavour with Paul Dyer stamping while playing the harpsichord and some very exciting passages from Shaun Lee-Chen. Throughout all the works there was an unmistakable air of enjoyment among the ensemble.

It was a pleasure for Patrons & Friends to meet the musicians who said how much they enjoyed playing for such an appreciative audience.

So mark your diaries for the Patrons &

Friends events following both the second and third concerts in the Chamber Series at the Fremantle Town Hall on Sunday 21 September and Sunday 30 November.

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

Meet the Chamber Ensemble One23 March 2014

Call the WASO Box Office to book upcoming Patrons & Friends Events

on 9326 0000.

Left: Paul Dyer and Suzanne Hicks. Right: Margaret O’Halloran with WASO Viola Rachael Kirk.

...Glorious Baroque, featured 18 of our WASO musicians

supporting soloists Shaun Lee-Chen and Andrew Nicholson...

Farewell GiovanniMany of you will know that former Principal Viola, Giovanni Pasini decided to formally resign from his position at WASO to take up an opportunity with the Qatar Philharmonic. We are sad to farewell Giovanni but we wish him well and hope to see him again in Perth. He asked we forward this letter to our community of Patrons & Friends:

Dear WASO’s Patrons & Friends,

First of all I would like to apologise for the delay of this letter, it was definitely my intention to write to you earlier but as it often happens, life took its course with me and pulled me away from the things I care about!

You probably know already what I want to say but nevertheless I want to personally tell you, because of the huge support and affection that I always felt coming from you at the concerts and at every event organised by WASO where I had the pleasure to meet and chat with many of you.

My familiar face has been absent from the Hall for a while by now, you might remember from my previous correspondence that WASO gave me the chance to enrich my musical experience by letting me go to Qatar to play with and explore a very young musical reality recently born in that country, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

A couple of months ago this chance transformed itself into a serious job offer to which, after lots and lots of thinking, I could not say no.

Hence the sad decision to leave WASO, after nearly four years of wonderful concerts and memories together.

I will never stress enough the importance that you had in my musical development in Perth. I have played in many orchestras around the world and very, very few are lucky enough to have such an enthusiastic, passionate and caring group of people like you, true music lovers and great human beings.

Everywhere I go I always tell people what amazing support I received from you, and you will always have a special place in my heart.

I am keeping in touch with WASO’s management and hopefully there will be other occasions to meet and perform for you in the near future.

For now let me express my gratitude for all you have done for me and on behalf of my colleagues for all that you keep doing for the Orchestra; without you it would not be the same WASO.

Take care and hope to see you soon again.

With friendship,

Giovanni Pasini

Encore | June 20148

Connect with WASO online!There have never been more ways to experience WASO, wherever you are across our vast state, country or globe. We love to connect with our community of supporters online.

Join over 8,000 others and ‘like’ us on Facebook to keep in touch with your Orchestra. Go to facebook.com/WestAustralianSymphonyOrchestra.

Are you one of our 2,100 followers on Twitter? Follow us at twitter.com/_waso_ for all the latest WASO news.

Did you know you can watch WASO concerts online? Head to http://freezone.iinet.net.au/vod/freezone/music/waso/ to catch up on concerts dating back to 2009 that you want to relive or may have missed.

International Artist MasterclassKaren Gomyo2 April 2014

Our first masterclass for 2014 was conducted by visiting Canadian violinist Karen Gomyo at the Callaway Auditorium, University of Western Australia (UWA) School of Music. Karen was in Perth to perform the Barber Violin Concerto with WASO.

A large audience of relatives, friends, teachers and WASO Patrons who came to hear the two participants, Charis MacFarlane and Emily Leung, were warmly welcomed by Hannah Clemen, WASO’s Education Coordinator. Hannah thanked the School of Music for the venue and Apache Energy for their sponsorship allowing a visiting World Artist to critique two of our up-and-coming young musicians.

Charis, a year 12 student at John Curtin College, played Dvořák’s Romance in F minor and was ably accompanied on the piano by Lisa Rowntree. Karen commented on Charis’ polish and feeling, then spent some time detailing aspects of bowing techniques which, naturally, are the key to violin playing. Using the full length of the bow and the differing finger grips for vibrato are examples of how it is possible to make a huge difference to a note and to give passion to the piece.

Emily, who holds the prestigious Fellowship in Music Australia, played J. S. Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor. Karen spoke of the different techniques for Baroque music, given the changes in instruments and bows over the years. Violinists approach the Chaconne quite differently and in fact there is still some controversy even amongst the great violinists! Emily, who has participated in several masterclasses over the past two years demonstrated a maturity with her understanding of this style of music. After several helpful pointers, Karen joined Emily in a duet of the last part of the Chaconne which was a real bonus for the audience.

Both Charis and Emily agreed that being given a masterclass by Karen Gomyo is a very big plus to their careers.

Karen Gomyo appears courtesy of Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd.The International Masterclass program is supported by Apache.The McCusker Charitable Foundation supports WASO’s Young and Emerging Artists programs.

Charis Macfarlane and Emily Leung with Karen Gomyo.

Karen Gomyo and Charis Macfarlane. Photos by Nik Babic.

June 2014 | Encore 9

International Artist MasterclassLukáš Vondráček30 April 2014

The second masterclass for this year was conducted by Czech pianist Lukáš Vondráček. Lukáš had a busy program in Perth playing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 at a Morning Symphony concert and two evening concerts and we were most grateful he could spare the time for what was his first masterclass.

WASO Board member and pianist Mark Coughlan welcomed Lukáš and the audience. Alexander Chua opened the evening playing the first movement of the challenging Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninov. Mark provided the ‘orchestra’ on the adjoining piano. Such technical talent for a young man was amazing and impressed Lukáš, who focused on ‘finding the melody’ hidden in the musical notes and adding suggestions of colour to some passages.

Ben Anderson then played the first movement of Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2. The technical skills were again incredibly good and Lukáš was able to demonstrate the tempo control by holding certain notes a little more firmly.

Finally we heard Shuan Hern Lee play Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. This is a real virtuoso piece which 11-year-old Shuan Hern played with great flair. Lukáš concentrated on the evenness of tempo to guide the young prodigy and perhaps putting the brakes on a little – saving the fireworks for greater effect.

All three students would have gained a huge amount from the time they spent with Lukáš. Mark commented that we the audience had the extra benefit of almost hearing a recital from Lukáš, as he mentored the students.

Meet the Artist – Alina Pogostkina28 March 2014

After WASO’s Brahms’ Violin Concerto concert, the audience was invited to meet the soloist, Alina Pogostkina. When Evan Kennea, Executive Manager, Artistic Planning asked Alina to tell us how she came to play the violin, the story was simply amazing.

Born in St Petersburg in Russia, she recalls how bad things were in the mid 1980s and that her parents, both musicians, had very little and essential goods were very difficult to obtain. Alina showed obvious talent and at five years old she started to learn the violin from her father. Eventually her father, who was not even being paid for work he was doing, decided to move the family to Germany. They had nothing, and as an eight year old, Alina played music in the streets with her parents to survive. Later they moved to Berlin where friends helped them get accommodation.

Alina’s life has been a moving experience and now she is emerging as a world class artist. Her wonderful rendition of Brahms’ Violin Concerto with WASO was clear evidence of this. The Nippon Foundation has provided her with a Stradivarius violin which is not let out of her sight as she travels the world!

The opportunity to meet such a charming young lady was greatly appreciated by the large audience who stayed to hear Alina. Most of us will probably realise how easy our lives in Australia are by comparison.

The International Masterclass program is supported by Apache.The McCusker Charitable Foundation supports WASO’s Young and Emerging Artists programs.

Meet the Artist is supported by Wesfarmers Arts.

Shuan Hern Lee, Lukáš Vondráček, Ben Anderson and Alexander Chua Alina Pogostkina performing her captivating encore of the ‘Andante’ from J. S. Bach’s Sonata for Solo Violin No.2.

Meet the Artist

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Tickets for these events can be purchased by calling the WASO Box Office on 9326 0000 and all proceeds support the Friends of WASO Scholarship.

JUNE JULY

Meet the Orchestral ArrangerSunday 29 June, 2pm Llew Woodford Function Centre Penrhos College

Joshua Davis, Principal Trombone & 2013 Friends of WASO Scholarship recipient

Tickets are $40 for Patrons & Friends ($50 for guests).

See our feature on page 5 for details.

2014 Patrons & Friends Events

In Conversation with Maggie Beer Thursday 17 July, 6pm McAppion Theatre, Aquinas College

This is a wonderful opportunity for WASO Patrons & Friends to learn more about Maggie Beer, her life and her love of music. Maggie will be chatting to Alan Dodge AM, Art Adviser, WASO Patron and former Director of the WA Art Gallery, and you can join them both afterwards for a glass of wine and canapés.

Tickets are $30 for Patrons & Friends ($40 for guests).

Photo: Emma Van Dordrecht

June 2014 | Encore 11

NOVEMBEROCTOBER

Old Film : New Music

Viola Dana & The GeneralThursday 6 November, 6pm The Kidogo Arthouse Fremantle

Your chance to hear some fabulous live music composed and performed by WASO casual violist and librarian Kathy Corecig with her group Viola Dana, accompanying a private screening of Buster Keaton’s silent movie, The General.

Tickets are $45 for Patrons & Friends ($55 for guests) and include a glass of wine and nibbles before the screening.

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

WASO in Rehearsal FourFriday 21 November, 10am Perth Concert Hall

Special Event – WASO at the Movies

Take a walk down the red carpet and experience a spectacular showcase of the best film scores including Star Wars, The Mission, The Godfather, Casablanca, James Bond and more.

Tickets are $25 for Patrons & Friends ($30 for guests) and include a lovely morning tea with the musicians

Meet the Chamber Ensemble ThreeSunday 30 November, 3pm Fremantle Town Hall

Tchaikovsky’s Serenade

Celebrate the arrival of summer with WASO musicans after an exquisite one-hour chamber concert.

The concert starts at 2pm and tickets can be purchased for $42.

Tickets for the post-concert event are $10 for Patrons & Friends ($15 for guests) and include a glass of wine and nibbles.

Annual Patrons & Friends Christmas PartyOur annual Christmas Party is always great fun and a lovely opportunity to celebrate a year of wonderful music together.

Details to be announced soon.

All proceeds raised from Patrons & Friends events support the Friends

of WASO Scholarship.

To book these events please call the WASO Box Office on 9326 0000.

WASO in Rehearsal Three Friday 17 October, 10am Perth Concert Hall

Piers Lane Plays Liszt

Dazzling pianist Piers Lane returns with Liszt’s rapturously virtuosic First Piano Concerto. The program also features three of Liszt’s most popular works, including the symphonic poem Les Préludes. There will be a pre-rehearsal talk commencing at 9.30am.

Tickets are $25 for Patrons & Friends ($30 for guests) and include a lovely morning tea with the musicians.

Meet the Chamber Ensemble TwoSunday 21 September, 3pm Fremantle Town Hall

Join WASO musicians after they perform Brahms’ heartwarming Clarinet Quintet in a stunning one-hour chamber concert.

The concert starts at 2pm and tickets can be purchased for $42.

Tickets for the post-concert event are $10 for Patrons & Friends ($15 for guests) and include a glass of wine and nibbles.

Encore | June 201412

WASO’s Education and Community Engagement programs reach out to people who cannot easily access live music. By making a tax deductible donation through our Giving Catalogue, you can help support these programs.

Thank you to Ruth Thorn who donated a small classroom instrument for a regional school. Ruth says, ‘I lived in the country for 20 years, and I know the difficulties that country people have (especially children) accessing good music, musicians and possibilities to play an instrument. Thanks to WASO for this brilliant idea.’

Prue Ashurst is thrilled to support the commissioning of a new arrangement for EChO, which will be heard by many hundreds of children across Western Australia. She says, ‘I passionately believe the involvement of music in a young student’s life should be a core element in their education and be available for everyone.’ Many thanks to Prue!

Barry and Val Neubecker donated money towards a school visit from a WASO musician and say, ‘The chance to meet and hear a professional musician may just be the spark that ignites a lifetime of interest and participation. We hope our contribution may help to continue and perhaps expand this program.’ Thank you to Barry and Val.

Thank you to Ken Evans who donated funds towards a facilitator for a children’s workshop. He says, ‘I’m a great believer in introducing children to music in its many forms throughout schooling and believe that using a professional facilitator is one way to do that effectively. I believe WASO’s educational program is a great public service to the community which I’m happy to support.’

Glenda Campbell-Evans donated 10 Morning Symphony tickets for middle school students ‘to provide an opportunity for them to hear and see professional musicians live: to see and hear the quality and passion of our Symphony Orchestra and to be inspired, whether or not they play an instrument themselves.’ Thank you Glenda.

Giving Catalogue

Can you imagine your life without music?

You can see the full choice of giving possibilities at waso.com.au/giving_catalogue, or you can contact Jane on 9326 0014 or clarej@waso.com.au to find out more.

Choose your favourites item(s) and experience(s) as gifts for your music-loving friends and family and we will send you gift certificates. You will also receive a receipt for your donation

which will be tax deductible this financial year if it reaches us before 30 June.