This review may risk sounding overly mawkish by reiterating oft-repeated sentiments of late, relating to the positive pandemic ‘silver lining’ effects of the rediscovery of great artists in our own backyards. However, this review does just that; unashamedly applauds West Australian Symphony Orchestra for spotlighting WA talent in a lovely concert of well-loved classics, including Hector Berlioz’s overture from the Shakespearean inspired opéra comique Béatrice et Bénédict, Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No 1 in F Minor, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 3 in A Minor, known as the ‘Scottish’. WASO presented these works spotlighting the talents of WA-based clarinettist Ashley Smith, all under the wonderfully expressive and precise baton of cello virtuoso turned conductor, Umberto Clerici.

Ashley Smith and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Rebecca Mansell

WASO was again in fine form, restating a heightened sense of drama and emotional dedication to phrasing and displaying supreme control of dynamic variation. It was my overall impression (perhaps this was by design?) that this concert was targeted squarely with the intention to showcase the supremacy of the woodwind section, with so many shiny and admirable...