Arts and music

From the centre of Perth to the furthest corners of the state, West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) has provided the soundtrack to life in Western Australia since 1928.<br/><br/>As the State Orchestra, Perth's first and finest, WASO is the largest employer of performing artists in WA and reaches two million people with musical experiences each year on stage, in the community and online.<br/><br/>From concert halls to classrooms, hospitals to aged care, they bring joy, inspire learning and nurture participation in the community because everybody deserves the opportunity to experience live music. Every year, through community and leading industry partnerships, they engage a new generation of young and emerging artists to help secure a bright future for music in Australia.<br/><br/>They celebrate Western Australia's rich classical music heritage with great artists from all over the world and commission and perform new repertoire to renew and expand it. The Orchestra collaborates widely with major arts companies and independent artists, performing opera to ballet, movies to musicals, jazz to rock. They champion the diversity of music in all its forms with a team of talented and passionate people who create unforgettable experiences for all West Australians to enjoy. <br/><br/>Asher Fisch is Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser of the Orchestra and they are proud to call Perth Concert Hall home.

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates. <br/><br/>WAAPA graduates excel in their chosen professions around the world, confirming the Academy's well-earned reputation. Many well-known actors, dancers, musicians and music theatre stars including Hugh Jackman, Frances O’Connor, Marcus Graham, William McInnes, Lisa McCune, Lucy Durack, Rachelle Durkin, Emma Matthews, Jamie Oehlers, Eddie Perfect and Tim Minchin, have called WAAPA home.<br/><br/>Every year, students, staff and critically-acclaimed guest artists collaborate to present over 300 public performances – more productions and more diversity than any other arts training institution in Australia. Many of these performances take place in WAAPA venues at Edith Cowan University, but an increasing number of exciting community partnerships enable them to perform in a wider range of venues.

Housing the Heath Ledger Theatre, named after late Perth-born Hollywood actor Heath Ledger, this 575-capacity theatre is part of a defining architectural landmark in the city; home to the Black Swan State Theatre Company and Co3 Australia.<br/><br/>Designed by award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, the State Theatre Centre’s design delivers a building that not only provides a functional and inspiring venue for performers and their audiences but has also become an instantly recognisable part of the city. Two interactive, visually and audibly stunning artworks ‘Falling from Heaven to Earth, the Shooting Star’ and ‘Interval’ are part of the physical structure using current technology to connect the history of the site with its present and future.<br/><br/>The Centre hosts contemporary performing arts, such as theatre, dance and music with a focus on distinctive professional and contemporary work produced locally, nationally and internationally.

Crown Theatre is the ultimate venue for world-class performances and major theatrical productions in Perth. <br/><br/>Featuring an impressive and spacious two-tiered auditorium with seating for up to 2,260 people, it hosts some of the largest productions to tour in Western Australia. There are shows for every taste with musicals, music, dance, comedy, illusionists and more. <br/><br/>Situated within the Crown Perth entertainment precinct, there are a variety of pre and post-show dining options, activities and accommodation to choose from. From premium restaurants delivering world-class fine-dining experiences to casual eateries offering a more relaxed vibe, it's home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Perth. <br/><br/>Crown Perth is located on the eastern banks of the Swan River, just minutes from the Central Business District and both domestic and international airports. The complex is easily accessible by public transport and has many on-site parking options.

His Majesty's Theatre opened on Christmas Eve, 1904 and in 2024 celebrated its 120th anniversary!<br/><br/>The Edwardian era architecture is amazing - tours are available and a great way to learn about the history or see behind the scenes!<br/><br/>This is a working theatre, so check out what's on and catch a show! A variety of genres are offered, including comedy, music, dance, opera, musicals, and theatre. The theatre takes pride in being the home of the West Australian Opera and West Australian Ballet companies, offering the community world-class productions that enrich the city's cultural tapestry.<br/><br/>In 2021, a project commenced to reinstate the original façade of His Majesty's, restoring the splendour of the balconies on the Dress Circle and Upper Circle levels. This labour of love spanned two years, culminating in the theatre's restoration to its former grandeur by 2023.<br/><br/>The importance of His Majesty's Theatre to the cultural fabric of Western Australia is reflected in its inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places and the Register of the National Estate. It has been named a "State Heritage Icon", and is believed to be the only remaining working Edwardian theatre in Australia.<br/><br/>Located in the Perth centre, His Majesty's Theatre is easily accessible by public transport, with plenty of parking available. There are many great restaurants to dine at before catching a show!

The Astor Theatre is a Mount Lawley institution and has been part of the décor since 1919. The iconic art deco building on Beaufort Street has been used for many forms of entertainment over the years.<br/><br/>The Astor Theatre has not always been known by this name, when it was first opened it was called The Lyceum. The venue has been reinvented over the years and in 1991, the theatre was completely refurbished with many of the past elements remaining today and is now a thriving live entertainment venue.<br/><br/>The Astor Theatre hosts a variety of high quality shows including live music from talented local, national and international artists.