The Perth Symphony Orchestra has announced the third season of its acclaimed WA Stories series, which brings to life the stories of prominent West Australians through a blend of music, spoken word, video, and live performance.
This year's lineup features paediatrician and public health advocate Professor Fiona Stanley in July, followed by comedian, author, and scriptwriter Ben Elton in September, and legendary cricketer Dennis Lillee in November.
Fiona Campbell, creative director of the Perth Symphony Orchestra, explained that the series pushes the boundaries of orchestral storytelling to honour extraordinary individuals who have shaped Western Australia.
"Behind every public figure is a fragile human story filled with risk, sacrifice, heartbreak, alongside determination and hope," said Campbell, a distinguished opera singer. "The evocative power of music allows audiences to experience those emotions collectively in a way that words alone cannot."
Over the past two years, the series has evolved from featuring historical figures such as Albert Facey and Edith Cowan to embracing contemporary celebrities including Richard Walley and Jon Sanders.
"There is also something incredibly powerful about celebrating people while they are still here to experience it," Campbell added. "These productions become moments of reflection, gratitude and connection between audiences and the individuals who have contributed so much to our State."
July: Professor Fiona Stanley
In July, the orchestra, joined by paediatrician Desiree Silva, will trace Professor Stanley's journey from her early medical studies to her lifelong fight for the wellbeing of vulnerable children. The musical score draws from works by Philip Glass, Felix Mendelssohn, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Ludovico Einaudi.
September: Ben Elton
In September, comedian Sam Longley will join the orchestra to chart Ben Elton's rise from Britain's alternative comedy scene of the 1980s to television fame with The Young Ones, Blackadder, and Mr Bean. The performance will be backed by themes from Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Proclaimers, The Specials, and Noel Coward.
November: Dennis Lillee
In November, cricketer Adam Gilchrist will narrate the story of Dennis Lillee's fast-bowling legend—a Sandgroper success story that spans from suburban turf to the Test arena, featuring Ashes heroics, world records, and iconic sporting soundtracks along the way.
All three stories will be presented at WA Museum Boola Bardip Hackett Hall, with an additional showing of the Professor Stanley episode at Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre, St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls.
Tickets go on public sale from Tuesday, May 19 at perthsymphony.com.
