The West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) has announced its 2026 season, inviting audiences to experience the “powerful force of live orchestral music up close”.

West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Photo supplied

“In 2026, WASO steps boldly into a year of extraordinary artistry. Alongside beloved symphonies and concertos, we’re proud to champion compelling new Australian works and deliver memorable performances that showcase the orchestra in all its brilliance,” said Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Asher Fisch.

WASO’s mainstage MACA Symphonic Series occupies Winthrop Hall, with 11 performances over the course of the year. Fisch has programmed two of his favourite works among them. A particular season highlight for him is Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman (8–9 May), with British baritone Christopher Maltman and American bass David Leigh as the Dutchman and Daland respectively, alongside a cast of Australian soloists including Anna-Louise Cole, Paul O’Neill, Ruth Burke and Andrew Goodwin.

Fisch will also lead WASO in Mahler’s Ninth Symphony on 9–10 October, the last complete symphony the composer penned before his death.

To open the year, Russian-Italian violinist Sergej Krylov...