Weekend in review: The Ballroom comes alive with performances from West Coast Philharmonic Orchestra and classical percussionist Rohan Zakharia

As part of the Governor’s successful Restart the Arts with Government House initiative, two musical concerts were held in the Ballroom over the weekend.

Restart the Arts supports local artists and associated creative industries affected by COVID-19, increasing the use of the Ballroom for the community.

On Saturday 28th November, the West Coast Philharmonic Orchestra performed their debut concert in the Ballroom ‘Scheherazade and Other Tales’, presented by the Western Australian Charity Orchestra and directed by Samuel Parry, accompanied by rising star soprano Bonnie de la Hunty. The orchestra consists of volunteer musicians who perform a variety of traditional, much-loved symphonic repertoire alongside contemporary, film and Australian music.

On Sunday 29th November, 18 year old Rohan Zakharia – a bright young classical percussionist – also performed his debut solo concert at the Ballroom. Rohan has been awarded a place at the New England Conservatory in Boston, USA, where he will be studying a four-year Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance, commencing in January 2021. Rohan is the first Australian percussionist to be accepted into the New England Conservatory. His concert featured major works written for the marimba, vibraphone, and multi-percussion.

The Governor and Ms Annus were pleased to attend Rohan’s concert and wish him all the best with his future studies in Boston.

 

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