Western Australia’s arts playground

Author Archives: Bourby Webster

Cello concerto. Young man in white open necked shirt and black suit holds a cello, his right arm outstretched holidng up the bow Masterful soloists lift the mood
Reviews

Masterful soloists lift the mood

1 July 2023

WASO’s latest program promises intensity but Bourby Webster is surprised by its sense of optimism – and fun. So much so, she could do it all again.

Reading time • 5 minutesMusic
1/6/2023: Pianist Garrick Ohlsson, on stage at the Brisbane Conservatorium for Musica Viva Australia, in South Bank, Brisbane. pic Lyndon Mechielsen An older gentleman in a black suit and shirt sits at a grand piano. He has both hands on the keyboard, one crossing over the other and he is smiling. This is pianist Garrick Ohlsson in concert. Sure hands touch the heart
Reviews

Sure hands touch the heart

22 June 2023

Pianist Garrick Ohlsson has been wowing audiences around the world for almost 60 years and this concert is no exception. Bourby Webster savours every moment. 

Reading time • 5 minutesMusic
Reading time • 5 minutesMusic
A large orchestra stands on a stage, the conductor at the centre. They are all facing the audience. Fisch’s big gamble richly rewarding
Reviews

Fisch’s big gamble richly rewarding

27 May 2023

The orchestra is huge and so is the music. Bourby Webster revels in the masterful direction of two of opera’s greatest composers and welcomes the next generation to the stage.  

Reading time • 5 minutesMusic
Four musicians sit in a semi-circle on a stage backlit in purple and green. They are all playing string instruments, two on violin, one on viola and the other on cello. This is the Australian String Quartet. Awesome foursome connect on every level
Reviews

Awesome foursome connect on every level

11 May 2023

Four perfectly balanced musicians, three incredibly diverse pieces of music, and one captive audience. It all adds up to a stunning night in musical utopia, writes Bourby Webster.

Reading time • 5 minutesMusic
Reading time • 6 minutesMusic
Oh! What an extraordinary experience
Reviews

Oh! What an extraordinary experience

6 March 2023

Bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh is at the peak of her powers, drawing an equally impressive array of talent to perform her new work, Ephemeral Echoes. Bourby Webster is in awe.

Reading time • 6 minutesMusic
Carmen. A woman in a red dress stands with arms raised as people around her applaud Opera stars in the outfield
Reviews

Opera stars in the outfield

26 February 2023

With world-class performances and a stunning if unusual setting, WA Opera’s Carmen should help find the genre new audiences, writes Bourby Webster.

Reading time • 6 minutesPerth Festival
A man in a goldie-coloured suit kneels inside a circle, beating percussion sticks against objects on the ground. Above and all around him mettalic poles and other objects hang from various heights. This is Matthias Schack-Arnott performing Everywhen. Serene soundscape takes you to another world
Reviews

Serene soundscape takes you to another world

22 February 2023

Matthias Schack-Arnott has created a visually stunning, aurally hypnotic experience. Bourby Webster finds Everywhen the perfect antidote to a busy week.

Reading time • 5 minutesMusic
A cappella dance party. Three women in sparkly, spangly outfits stand across a stage with another woman playing a drum kit behind them A cappella queens get the party started
Reviews

A cappella queens get the party started

5 February 2023

With sparkly dresses, neon shades and stunning harmonies, Meadowlark return to Fringe with a new greatest hits playlist. Bourby Webster is caught up in the heat of the moment.

Reading time • 4 minutesFringe World Festival

Cleaver Street Studio

Cleaver Street Studio

 

Cleaver Street Studio