A message from Artistic Director, Mark Coughlan
I am delighted to present the 2023 Music on the Terrace program for the Government House Foundation. It is always a pleasure to program concerts in the beautiful, historic Ballroom with its wonderful ambiance and fine acoustic. The Julie Michael Garden has also proven to be a perfect setting for an afternoon of relaxed music, with some audience members picnicking on the grass while others are seated at tables.
Nurturing the professional development of young people in the arts continues to be an important focus for the Foundation and this year we have focused on showcasing young musical talent and providing high quality performance opportunities for early career musicians. Our first Music on the Terrace concert, Dazzling Strings, features eight of Western Australia’s most brilliant young string players performing one of the most exciting works in the repertoire, the glorious Mendelssohn Octet. The demands on all eight players are intense; they are required to play with soloistic virtuosity while at the same time blending together to form a perfect ensemble and a unified sound. I have no doubt this will be an exhilarating performance.
We are delighted to be partnering with Opus WA Arts Orchestra and Chorale to present an Opera Gala in June. Opus WA consists of a professional symphony orchestra and a group of talented singers, both young professionals and senior students. The organisation presents operas and oratorios throughout the year and its performances are characterised by youthful energy and enthusiasm. The Opera Gala will present a cross section of some of the most loved arias and ensembles from Mozart to Verdi interspersed with orchestral overtures and interludes.
After the great success of Alexander Gadjiev’s piano recital in 2022, we are thrilled to be once more partnering with the Sydney International Piano Competition to present a recital by the winning pianist. This competition has an excellent track record at attracting some of the finest young pianists in the world and we eagerly anticipate a stunning recital by the winner of this year’s competition.
Our final Music on the Terrace concert this year features the outstanding young soprano Samantha Clarke. Samantha made a stunning debut with West Australian opera in 2022 with her riveting performance of Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata. After winning the prestigious Gold Medal from London’s Guildhall School, Samantha has sung with opera houses around the UK and Australia. In this recital Samantha will perform one of the most sumptuous and beautiful works ever written for voice, the Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss. This will be a recital not to be missed.
Once again we open and close the year with Music on the Lawn, relaxed, family-friendly performances in the Julie Michael Garden. It is a pleasure to welcome Sassafras to Government House. This talented group of musicians delight audiences with their brilliant gypsy jazz performances, led by the beguiling voice of Jessie Gordon. In December we welcome the young singers from St George’s College Consort. They will present an entertaining afternoon of unaccompanied vocal music from barbershop to jazz in what promises to be a perfect conclusion to our musical year.
Thank you for your support of Music on the Terrace and I look forward to seeing you at Government House in 2023.
Become a member to save and support
2023 Annual Membership
Individual – $60
Couple – $110
By becoming a member of the Government House Foundation, you are directly supporting the conservation, restoration and enhancement of this magnificent property and promoting the historic and contemporary relevance of Government House.
As a member you will enjoy benefits including;
• Member only events at Government House
• Priority bookings to the Music on the Terrace series
• Entitlement to purchase two tickets at Member price per event
• Regular updates and special offers from our arts industry associates
There are many opportunities to meet other friends who share the same appreciation for the importance of Government House and are part of a close community that embraces the Music on the Terrace and Music on the Lawn series.
To enquire about Government House Membership please visit: govhouse.wa.gov.au/forms
Or email Government House: foundation@ghf.org.au
