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		> Our concerts
> Orchestras are amazing to watch
Pessimists have been predicting the demise of the orchestra as a vehicle for artistic expression for decades; but people who love live music obviously disagree and, frankly so do we. Recorded classical music has its place, but nothing can beat the emotional impact of great music performed live, the electric atmosphere of the concert hall, watching the orchestral players and the thrill of witnessing a great conductor or soloist creating something extraordinary or beautiful. Orchestral concerts have traditionally been very staunch, formal affairs. We try to make our concerts more relaxed occasions; for example: v encouraging our conductors or soloists to introduce the work to the audience before it’s played v you can meet the players over a drink at interval or after the concert v we play music that appeals to a wide audience – Brahms, Beethoven, Tchaikowsky, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky… you get the idea
> Make a day of it
	Fremantle, the port city renowned for its easy yet vibrant lifestyle. Within easy walking distance of the Town Hall visitors can experience: v cafes serving some truly fine coffee v excellent restaurants v great shopping v fine crafts, exciting galleries and bookshops v Fremantle fishing boat harbour v Fremantle Maritime Museum v the unique and beautifully restored architecture of the port city v bars, pubs and clubs
> Home grown talent
As well as providing an outlet for the talents of about 60 of Perth’s finest amateur musicians, the FSO is a great training ground for aspiring instrumental soloists, conductors and composers > Conductors In addition to our esteemed musical director David Pye, in recent years the orchestra has worked with well-known Perth conductors Lawrence Jacks, Alan Bonds, Geoffrey Lowe, Kevin Gillam, Chris Sears, Burhan Guner, Bruce Herriman and Warwick Potter The FSO Young Conductors Program started in 2004 and enabled the orchestra to forge new relationships with young conductors Jessica Gethin and Tom O’Halloran while giving them an opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of a more experienced conductor. > Soloists The orchestra actively seeks out talented young Perth instrumentalists to feature as soloists in our symphony concerts. For many years we have offered the winner of the Fremantle Eisteddfod a soloist engagement. In recent years our soloists have included Jessica Ipkendanz (violin), Leanne Glover (oboe), Rod McGrath (cello), Penelope Reynolds (soprano), Anna O’Hagan (violin), Jon Tooby (cello), The Robert Schumann Ensemble (piano trio), Duncan Gardiner (guitar), Deborah Ng (piano), Natalie Dixon (flute), Michael Hodgkins (clarinet), Sara Herriman (violin), Dominic Perisinotto (Pipe Organ), Bronwyn Wallis (harp) and Kathryn McKay (viola) > Composers The orchestra has an established policy of performing and commissioning new works by Western Australian composers. We commissioned Bill Stewart to write Fanfare for Fremantle and, with the assistance of the Australia Council, in 2006 we commissioned David Pye to write an Oboe Concerto for well-known Perth oboist Leanne Glover. In 2008 we performed the world premiere of David Pye’s Fantasy for Clarinet and Orchestra. In recent programs we have featured the works of composer Iain Grandage.
> Fremantle Town Hall
	Our regular concert venue, the Fremantle Town Hall, is a magnificently restored small concert hall. The hall was officially opened on the 22nd June 1887, to coincide with Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It has gone through many changes since then which culminated in 1986 with the Town Hall being re-opened by the honourable R.J.L. Hawke, Prime Minister of Australia. Fully restored to its original grandeur; it is a shining example of 19th Century classical architecture We love playing there because the acoustics are ideal for a symphony orchestra.