Government House Foundation – Applause for 2020 Music on the Terrace concert series

Under new artistic direction from locally and internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Ms Fiona Campbell, the Government House Foundation’s 2020 Music on the Terrace concert series is proving to be the biggest yet.

The first two offerings in the 2020 program, Koorlangka and Jazz on the Lawn, have both sold out.

This is a wonderful start to the season for Artistic Director Fiona Campbell, who has worked alongside the Governor and Ms Annus to increase the use of the Government House Ballroom and Grounds as backdrops for the concerts, and to grow a broader and more diverse audience.

Sell-out events

Koorlangka

On Thursday 13th February, Indigenous musicians featured for the first time with Koorlangka, a beautiful song cycle performed in Noongar by music duo Guy Ghouse and Gina Williams.

Thanks to the Government House Foundation’s partnership with Perth Festival for this concert, tickets sold doubly fast!

In a wonderfully generous gesture, Herbert Smith Freehills enabled 50 Indigenous students from The Girls Academy to attend the performance and meet Gina, who commented, “Beyond just hearing this beautiful music, I believe it’s important for our young women to see what future possibilities there are with our language and arts practice, should they wish to pursue a career in this industry in the future.”

The West Australian’s arts reviewer David Cusworth praised the  performance as “a landmark concert’ in a review, ‘A gift from deep within’ (external link)

Jazz on the Lawn

On Sunday 15th March, Music on the Terrace will present the inaugural Jazz on the Lawn – another sell-out event!

Guests will enjoy a picnic in the heritage-listed Government House Gardens while soaking up glorious jazz classics and some lesser known gems from Ali Bodycoat and her band.

On discovering Jazz on the Lawn is the Governor’s Choice for Music on the Terrace 2020, Ms Bodycoat said, “Our Governor loves jazz! A true gentleman of impeccable taste! It is indeed an honour to perform with Perth’s finest jazz musicians, for the Governor, Ms Annus and the people of WA. The incredible support they provide across all genres of the arts does not go unnoticed. This venue and the land it stands on holds much historical value, and allowing greater access to the people – all people – is an acknowledgment that breeds inclusivity and forgiveness.”

There will be another Jazz on the Lawn in November, so make sure you book well ahead if you missed out this time. The featured artists will be announced nearer the time.

Book here: https://perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/jazz-on-the-lawn

Upcoming concerts

The Little Mermaid

28th and 29th March 2020

Next for Music on the Terrace is a wonderful show for children and the young at heart, which will see the Government House Ballroom transformed into a magical fairyland.

The Little Mermaid is an adaptation of Dvořák’s lyrical opera, Rusalka, presented by Freeze Frame Opera.

Fiona Campbell is passionate about bringing the joy of live music and theatre to children, and she hopes to see a broad age range in the Ballroom for this exciting performance, from little ones to grandparents.

There will be four showings of The Little Mermaid on the weekend of the 28th and 29th March, with refreshments and an Easter egg hunt included in the ticket price.

Book here: https://perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/the-little-mermaid

View all Music on the Terrace events for 2020

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