WASO | Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Tragedy and triumph
Pre-show Artist Talk from 4 pm
A NOTE FROM BREC’S CREATIVE LEARNING COORDINATOR
In September, WASO returns with Tchaikovsky’s emotionally rich Symphony No. 5, conducted by Asher Fisch. This powerful work explores fate and resilience through sweeping melodies and dramatic contrasts. Students are invited to a free 4pm Artist Talk, where they can engage directly with WASO musicians about the performance, orchestral life, and pathways into the arts.
Full program details will be released in 2026.
FOR SCHOOL YEARS 7 – 12
CURRICULUM LINKS
Learning Arts: The Arts Music Responding,(Music Literacy) Making Music (Practical and Performance Skills)
General Capabilities: Literacy, Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
Tragedy and triumph
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony is one of his most powerful works, charting an emotional journey from brooding darkness to triumphant brilliance. Infused with fate and struggle, its soaring melodies and sweeping climaxes embrace the breadth of human emotion and resilience. Puccini’s Manon Lescaut offers a poignant contrast that’s lyrical and tender and Lachlan Skipworth’s Flute Concerto is a colourful and virtuosic showcase that was written especially for WASO’s Principal Flute, Andrew Nicholson.
PROGRAM
Giacomo PUCCINI Manon Lescaut, Act III: Intermezzo
Lachlan SKIPWORTH Flute Concerto
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No.5
Asher Fisch conductor
Andrew Nicholson flute
Asher Fisch
WASO’s Principal Conductor & Artistic Adviser
A renowned conductor in both the operatic and symphonic worlds, Asher Fisch is especially celebrated for his interpretative command of core German and Italian repertoire of the Romantic and post-Romantic era. He conducts a wide variety of repertoire from Gluck to contemporary works by living composers. Asher is now the longest serving Principal Conductor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), commencing his tenure in 2014. His former posts include Principal Guest Conductor of the Seattle Opera (2007-2013), Music Director of the New Israeli Opera (1998-2008), and Music Director of the Wiener Volksoper (1995-2000).
Born in Israel, Asher began his conducting career as Daniel Barenboim’s assistant and Kappellmeister at the Berlin Staatsoper. He has built his versatile repertoire at the major opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and Semperoper Dresden. Fisch has conducted at leading American symphony orchestras including those of Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, and Philadelphia. In Europe he has appeared with the Berlin Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and the Orchestre National de France, among others.
Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts.
WASO’s Regional Tours are supported by MM Electrical Merchandising and the Western Australian Government.
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS
Bring your students to BREC for the best excursion you’ll have this year.
Book your school group now via the form below or contact the our team for more information.
Contact the BREC Education Office
T: 1300 661 272
E: education@bunburyentertainment.com
* Please note that BREC’s Creative Learning Program is subject to change.