Formed in 1988, the WASO Chorus is an auditioned ensemble of volunteer choristers and one of Western Australia’s leading community music groups. The Chorus performs regularly with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and also presents solo concerts, tours and community engagement activities.
Renowned for its artistic excellence and diverse repertoire, the Chorus has performed with distinguished conductors and soloists including Asher Fisch, Simone Young, Otto Tausk, Stephen Layton and Umberto Clerici.
Mainstage highlights include the world premiere of Paul Stanhope’s Mahāsāgar, commissioned by members of the WASO Chorus, and WASO’s production of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, performed in collaboration with the WA Opera Chorus, the UWA Symphonic Chorus, Voyces and Aquinas College’s Schola Cantorum. The Chorus also travelled to Hobart to perform Brahms’ German Requiem with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO), the TSO Chorus, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and community singers under the direction of Simon Halsey.
The WASO Chorus has featured in WASO’s operas in concert, including Der Fliegende Holländer, Die Fledermaus, and Tristan und Isolde, all conducted by WASO’s Principal Conductor Asher Fisch.
https://www.waso.com.au/about/meet-the-orchestra/waso-chorus
- Hugh Lydon (2024–present): Conductor, teacher, founder of the Perth Choral Institute, and Director of the Aquinas College Schola Cantorum. [1, 2]
- Christopher van Tuinen (preceding tenure): Led the chorus before taking on a role with the West Australian Opera. [1]
- Marilyn Phillips (appointed 2005): Former Head of Music with the West Australian Opera
- Jonathan Grieves-Smith
2004
WASO Chorus with conductor Jonathan Grieves-Smith (managed by Jody Harrison)