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Perth Concert Hall, one of Perth’s most iconic buildings and premier performance venues celebrates its 50th anniversary on 26th January 2023.

Perth Concert Hall is home of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and of many of Australia’s classical touring ensembles including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Musica Viva.

Designed by architects Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey, Perth Concert Hall was the first concert hall to be built in Australia after World War II. Its construction was carried out by Sabemo (WA) with its doors opening to the public on 26th January 1973.

Serving as a prime example of ‘brutalist’ mid-century classical architecture, the venue has become well-known for its innovative use of white off-form concrete, iconic winding staircase and bold red carpeted interior. In 2016 the building was recognised at the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards, receiving the ‘Enduring Architecture Award’.

The venue is also renowned for having one of the finest acoustics in the southern hemisphere, and since opening has hosted performers from all over the globe, including great classical ensembles The London, Chicago and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras, and some of the world’s best contemporary artists including Ray Charles, PJ Harvey, Nina Simone, Sting, Tim Minchin, KD Lang and more.

Perth Concert Hall’s 50th anniversary celebrations will be marked by a special exhibition of historical items and memorabilia, to open later in 2023, and guided tours of the venue with admission by gold coin donation.

The guided tours will offer visitors the opportunity to explore backstage areas of the iconic performance venue, alongside technical spaces and secret areas in the depths of the Hall. Special 50th anniversary tours will run on Wednesday 25th January at 10am and 11.15am, with tours also running on Monday 6th February, Friday 17th February, Monday 20th March and on other dates throughout the year.

Perth Concert Hall’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue through March on the mainstage with rock, pop and classical concerts, talks, comedy and more. Featured artists include international guests and local favourites including Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, Kronos Quartet, Musica Viva and WASO for Perth Festival, West Coast Philharmonic Orchestra, Dick and Angel, Pavement and the Proclaimers, followed by the opening of West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 season of classical music.

In celebration of the milestone, Perth Concert Hall is also offering a ‘golden ticket’ to one lucky audience member who submits a favourite memory of the venue over the years.

Anyone who has visited the venue since its opening on 26th January 1973 is invited to submit an interesting story or special memory of visiting Perth Concert Hall, for a chance to win a double pass to 10 events of their choosing at the venue in 2023.

Venue-goers are able to submit stories via email, or drop off items of physical memorabilia to the Perth Concert Hall Box Office with a note regarding their significance.

The winner of the golden ticket will be announced shortly after the competition closes on Tuesday 24th January.

Golden Ticket Competition
Perth Concert Hall’s Golden Ticket grants the winner a double pass to an event of their choice at Perth Concert Hall every month between February and November 2023.

Entries to the Golden Ticket Competition close Tuesday 24th January 2023, 5pm.

The winner will be contacted following the competition closure date.

More information, How to Enter and the competition’s Terms and Conditions are available on the Perth Concert Hall website:

Visit www.perthconcerthall.com.au/events/ to get a taste of what’s on the mainstage in this 50th anniversary year

Perth Concert Hall Guided Tours are available for groups of up to 24 people on dates throughout the year at the discretion of the venue. To book a tour, please contact info@perthconcerthall.com.au. More information is available on the Perth Concert Hall website.

Images, from top: Perth Concert Hall A Night In Vienna 2003; Perth Concert Hall Forecourt opening 1973; Perth Concert Hall opening Gala 1973; The Magical Music of Animation 2020 Credit: Jared Seng

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