Perth Voice Interactive

A NEW orchestra has formed to fill a gap for emerging musicians in Perth, and it’s entirely student-led.

The a2. orchestra was founded by Josh Spirek and Aiden Labuschagne in 2022 when they were in their first year of studying a Bachelor of Music at UWA.

Fellow music student and a2 orchestra member Charlotte Greenaway tells us via an email Q&A: “Something they noticed was that there was a lack of performance opportunities with orchestral accompaniment for younger tertiary students. Along with this, they were also interested in learning more about orchestral playing in general.” 

It started with just one concert in November 2022, giving their fellow students a chance to perform a solo piece with a small orchestral accompaniment. 

It was a big success and there were calls for more concerts from both musicians and audience members, and the project rolled on.

The aim is to give students who are at a high level of playing a bridging space between university and employment so they can showcase their talents.

“There is an abundance of young and emerging talent across Perth and a2. orchestra would like to present this to audiences through concerts consisting of exciting repertoire,” Ms Greenaway says. 

“When choosing pieces for concerts, we take into account both our peers’ and audience’s requests,” Ms Greenaway says, in hopes it helps build a sense of connection with history, culture and emotion in the music.

Their next show ‘Sanctity’ puts the spotlight on the French horn with a night of atmospheric and poignant music, running September 16 at Ross Memorial Church on Hay Street.

The students then take the stage at Government House Ballroom on November 23 they present ‘Triumph & Tragedy’, contrasting drama and euphoria with works from Wagner, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.

Times and tickets are at a2orchestra.com

by DAVID BELL