In February, Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) brings some of the world’s best in classical, jazz and world music to Dullsville…
The New London Consort will tackle Bach’s challenging Easter Oratorio (Feb. 15) and Vivaldi’s Gloria (Feb. 13) at the Perth Concert Hall. And in a very rare concert, spanning three shows and inspired by the calls of birds on the brink of extinction, Messiaen Catalogue D’Oiseaux comes to the Government House Ballroom on Feb. 16 and 17. While single show tickets are available, the three shows + dinner option will undoubtedly be a festival highlight.
Murundak: The Black Arm Band brings together uniquely and powerfully Australian anthems in a showcase of indigenous music that ‘is a living, breathing expression of Aboriginal history, resilience and identity.’ Thirty-two of the biggest names, including special guests John Butler, Jessie Lloyd and Della Rae Morrison (of Djiva), deliver a concert without rival on Feb. 23 at the Fremantle Arts Centre.
Meanwhile, the festival’s Beck’s Music Box will jazz things up with Gretchen Parlato (Feb.10) and The Bad Plus (Feb. 26), both over from America. Also on as part of PIAF: Brodsky Quartet (Feb. 20) and the Goldner String Quartet & Steven Osborne (Feb. 26), both at the Perth Concert Hall. For PIAF ticket enquiries visit perthfestival.com.au or ring 9484 1133.
WASO has plenty to keep them busy this month, on Feb 9 they are performing as part of Andrew McKinnon’s Scotland the Brave at PCEC. Once you’ve recovered from your highland fling, lay out your best spread and unwind with the likes of Pachelbel’s Canon and Mozart’s melodies, as WASO Plays Your Favourite Classics at the Synergy Symphony Under the Stars (Feb. 24) at Pioneer Women’s Memorial in Kings Park.
If you’re keen to venture a little further a field in search of fine music, consider taking the trip up to Mundaring Weir for the Mundaring Weir Festival in the Forest. Jane Rutter and Sara Macliver are a divine start to the series on 2 Feb, and the joy doesn’t stop there with James Morrison on Feb 9, the Black Sorrows on Feb 16 and David Helfgott on 23 Feb.
And last, but not least, get in on the global action with Kulcha in February. Quebecois Freo girl Natasha Bouchard (Feb. 16) brings a string quartet for an acoustic set of French and English, while Eleanor McEvoy (Feb. 28) brings some gaelic stylings and demonstrates why she has the best-selling album in Irish history (even beats that band with Bono).
