Join all three WAYJO bands, plus two Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) vocal ensembles, in one glorious night under the stars to close out WAYJO’s 2021 season in style.
Experience the timeless magic of the big band, coupled with power of the WAAPA Jazz Choir & WAAPA Gospel Choir, all on the majestic stage of the Quarry Amphitheatre, Saturday 27 November.
The WAAPA Gospel Choir was formed at the beginning of 2015 and is directed by Matt Allen. An audition-only ensemble consisting of Bachelor of Music students from the Contemporary Music course at WAAPA, they have recorded with hip hop giant Drapht, featuring on his album ‘Seven Mirrors’ that was nominated for an Aria Award.
“The marriage of gospel music with a jazz big band will be an entirely unique and uplifting experience” states Matt. “The moments of complete collaboration with the jazz vocal ensemble, the gospel choir and WAYJO will be the highlight of the show for sure. Having that many amazing musicians all on stage at once will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience…. You can expect some big singing and big arrangements, that will hopefully leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.”
The WAAPA Jazz Vocal Ensemble features the amazing talents of 17 exceptional young vocalists, currently studying in the WAAPA jazz course. Directed by Victoria Newton, the ensemble perform an eclectic mix of Jazz, World Music, contemporary and original repertoire.
“Audiences can expect some swinging Count Basie and Duke Ellington classics in the style of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, and New York Voices” says Victoria. “We’ll also be performing a funky rendition of Teach Me Tonight and a magnificent original work by Grant Windsor, entitled Nascimento…. We are beyond excited for this wonderful opportunity to perform with the outstanding WAYJO orchestras and the WAAPA Gospel Choir in this magnificent setting.”
The MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra led by Ricki Malet, will be playing music made famous by jazz greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more, sharing the stage with WAAPA Jazz Choir for some vocal classics.
“The Tuesday night Orchestra will present a set of great jazz… performing some well-known swinging tunes originally made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, as well as getting funky with some lesser-known works – there will even be a couple of songs featuring the WAAPA Gospel Choir!” Marty Pervan – TNO Director.
Both choirs also take to the stage with the Wednesday Night Orchestra, as led by acting Director Gemma Farrell, for a momentous grand finale that is one of WAYJO’s largest on-stage undertakings.
These two powerhouse vocal ensembles meet the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night, Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras, in a one-off performance set to raise spirits in a unique celebration of Perth’s incredible musical talent.
For more information, please visit wayjo.com
WAYJO Swings – WAAPA Sings!
WAYJO MinterEllison MNO, TNO & WNO, with special guests WAAPA Jazz & WAAPA Gospel Choirs
Sat 27 Nov, 7.30pm
The Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach | Tickets wayjo.com
Media Link: https://wayjo.com/2021-wayjo-waapa
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #WAYJOswingsWAAPAsings
WAYJO thanks continuing Government Partner, the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Lotterywest, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, St John of God Healthcare Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, and Healthway Act-Belong-Commit.
