Metallica to Mozart: The rehearsal room

Perth Symphony Orchestra is heading to Margaret River for the next Homegrown@HEART outing, with a unique performance that has more in common with a Beatles gig than a classical recital show.

Renowned for playing music from Metallica to Mozart, Britney Spears to Beethoven, the orchestra’s new show set for April 13 in the HEART Main Theatre, shows a string quartet in an entirely new light – from the rehearsal room.

S.T.R.I.N.G.S: A Quartet Gone Rogue is an engaging mix of classical, rock, pop, electronic and jazz music and goes behind the scenes with four of Perth Symphony’s strings players as they work on a program for a fictional upcoming concert.

Perth Symphony Creative Director and Executive Producer Bourby Webster said having spent years playing in a string quartet, the things that go on behind the scenes are often totally different to the final, polished, accomplished product the audience sees.

“I wanted to let audiences into this intimate, passionate, sometimes poignant world of musicians interacting with one another in order to bring audiences incredible musical experiences,” she said.

“The arguments, egos, humour and even flirtations each member uses to get their own way, or rather their own music preferences, shines a light on how a concert comes together.

“The show has something for everyone regardless of music taste – the banter between musicians brings the music to life in a humorous way.

“It’s definitely not what you’d expect from orchestral musicians, so it’s great for first-time audiences and will have you laughing and crying in equal measure.”

Concert-goers will have the option of attending a matinee performance at 1pm or an evening performance at 7pm, where budding homegrown musicians Charlie Lizzee and Edward Bancroft will join the night-time bill as local support acts.

Margaret River HEART is also offering a free return bus service for Augusta residents looking for transport to and from the evening show, including pick up and drop off locations at Karridale and Witchcliffe.

Residents wishing to access this free service are encouraged to register in advance as seats are limited. To buy tickets or to secure a bus seat, please visit margaretriverheart.com.au or contact the Box Office on 9780 5294 or [email protected]