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The Orchestra Collective launches at Government House Perth, teaming students and professional musicians

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David CusworthThe West Australian
WA Symphony Orchestra principal flute Andrew Nicholson plays Mozart’s First Flute Concerto with the Orchestra Collective at Government House Perth.
Camera IconWA Symphony Orchestra principal flute Andrew Nicholson plays Mozart’s First Flute Concerto with the Orchestra Collective at Government House Perth.

An ensemble launched last year to offer professional engagements to music students will have its debut at Government House Perth this month.

The Orchestra Collective will take the stage on January 22 with professionals sitting alongside music students, according to musical director and WA Symphony Orchestra deputy principal double bass John Keene.

“It was supposed to be in July but COVID cancelled that so the first concert is in January,” Keene said.

“It’s students at University of WA and WA Academy of Performing Arts and a mixture of professional musicians around Perth, so it’s like a teaching orchestra for them.

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John Keene.
Camera IconJohn Keene. Credit: Nik Babic

“The reasoning behind it that there is no professional bridging opportunity for university students. There are casual engagements around Perth.

“It’s a professional environment. For the first concert we’re 50:50 students and professionals.”

The opening program will feature WASO principal flautist Andrew Nicholson playing Mozart’s first flute concerto.

The overture is Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the symphony Beethoven’s Seventh.

“The pieces are well known but can be done in different ways,” Keene says.

“The Seventh is very energetic, so very good for that group of people.”

The concert, part of the Governor’s Restart the Arts program, is at 7pm on Friday, January 22, in Government House Ballroom.

Tickets are available at: https://www.trybooking.com/BMTVB.

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