West Australian Orchestra Tours To Japan

Western Australia’s premiere resource project North West Shelf Australia LNG (ALNG) is proud to contribute to the State’s arts community, by contributing $1 million to the Orchestra’s tour.

NWS Australia LNG President Peter Cleary said, “We are proud of our business relationship with Japan and offer this tour as a gesture of friendship and appreciation.”

“Next year marks the conclusion of 20 years of safe and reliable LNG supply from the North West Shelf Project to Japan and recognises the beginning of new LNG contracts that will meet Japan’s future energy needs. This tour celebrates this significant achievement.

“We see this as a significant opportunity for business and the arts to collaborate and jointly promote their growth, development and further success as two of WA’s significant contributors,” he said.

The WASO, led by Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser Paul Daniel, will perform in Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. The tour will take place from 16 – 24 May 2009 and features Japanese violinist Kyoko Takezawa and Australia’s own William Barton on didgeridoo.

WASO’s Chairman, Janet Holmes a Court acknowledged both the importance of international touring as a way of showcasing the artistic talents of the Orchestra to audiences abroad and the importance of support from the business community in making these projects a reality.

“It represents a unique opportunity for the Orchestra to build on its international reputation and we are excited about being able to perform for Japanese audiences who are both discerning and sophisticated in their music appreciation,” she said.

The WASO’s repertoire for the tour has been chosen to demonstrate the Orchestra’s vitality and versatility. Peter Sculthorpe’s Kakadu evokes the sounds and feeling of the Australian bushland and is one of Australia’s great musical works. The program also includes a new work by WASO Composer in Residence James Ledger, Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin Op 61 and Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances.

“I am thrilled to lead the orchestra on its first Japanese tour, in my first season as Principal Conductor. Japan is renowned for giving warm welcomes to the world’s finest orchestras: we look forward to growing our reputation on the world’s best stages, and being heard alongside our international peers. This demanding tour will bring an important orchestra to Japan,” said Paul Daniel. -- www.waso.com.au