The Perth Symphony Orchestra likes to do things differently. In its quest to redefine what it means to be an orchestra in the 21st Century, PSO “rarely sticks to the rules”, instead opting for unconventional repertoire, venues and performance concepts. Their latest project, A Performance for our Planet, was no different. In its bid to celebrate both the Western Australian landscape and the achievements of those working desperately to protect it from environmental ruin, PSO programmed a night of local and international music. Not just a night of music making, this concert saw the musical offerings accompanied by evocative visuals, interspersed with talks from leading environmental experts. It was held in the Perth Town Hall, which was transformed into the WA landscape by a coordinated effort of lighting and sound design.

Perth Symphony Orchestra’s A Performance for our Planet. Photo © Richard Jefferson 

Needless to say, exploring such a relationship between music and the environment – and of art and science in general – is incredibly ambitious. But the concert’s Producer and Creative Director Bourby Webster, Conductor and Artistic Director Jessica Gethin, and the Perth Chamber...