On 26 January 1973, the new Perth Concert Hall was opened by the Governor General Sir Paul Hasluck. The concert was given in the presence of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and his wife, Margaret. Champagne flowed at the cocktail party and a sucking pig was prepared for the 1700 invited guests. The South Australian Symphony Orchestra joined forces with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra to provide a powerhouse of sound which blasted the capacity audience in the showy Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz. Australian composer, John Antill, was in the audience to hear the suite from his ballet Corroboree. James Penberthy composed a choral fanfare for the occasion and the University Choral Society also took part in Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams.
The printed programs were large and regal in purple and gold.
Tibor Paul presided over this glittering occasion.
“As an evening of innovation from the biggest orchestral body ever heard in Perth it was eminently successful and something last night’s audience are likely to remember for a long time” wrote Mary Tannock.
Thanks to the efforts of the Subscribers Committee, the concert seasons were fully booked for the first time.
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003), p.66,67
The performance was followed by a ball: