Perth Concert Hall is a leading music and performance venue, renowned for having the finest acoustics in the Southern Hemisphere. This classic ‘brutalist’ mid-century styled building, rich with musical history continues to host a number of diverse performances from comedy to contemporary and classical music all year round. Perth Concert Hall is also the proud home of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
Places to stay
Make the most of your night at Perth Concert Hall by booking a stay at one of the many fantastic hotel options close to the Concert Hall. With the Duxton just a stroll away, and luxury options like the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Ritz-Carlton at nearby Elizabeth Quay, there are plenty of choices to make your visit more special.
Eat and drink around Perth Concert Hall
No night out is complete without a delicious meal or drink, and Perth Concert Hall's central location means visitors have no shortage of choice. Enjoy Indian cuisine at Balti, or experience fine dining at the Duxton's Firewater Grille. Explore the many bars and restaurants of Elizabeth Quay, or sample a vast array of local and international beers at Petition Kitchen and Bar.
Architecture
Designed by architects Jeffery Howlett and Don Bailey, the Perth Concert Hall was the first concert hall to be built in Australia after World War II. Its construction and completion was carried out by Sabemo (WA) with its doors opening to the public on Australia Day (January 26) 1973.
Serving as a prime example of the ‘brutalist’ mid-century classical architecture, its exterior is characterised by an innovative use of white off-form concrete. Centred by a winding staircase, its interior is laid with a bold red carpet. The auditorium seats 1,729 people and houses a 3,000 pipe organ.
Noted as being a structure that was completely innovative for its time, it was recognised at the 2016 Australian Institute of Architects National Awards, and received the ‘Enduring Architecture Award’. The jury of the awards described the building to be “… hung from itself, creating enormous free spans and all from one beautifully poured material.”
In recent years, improvements to the Perth Concert Hall have been implemented, including the lighting system which saw major upgrades to the auditorium and façade lighting.
Artists
Renowned for having one of the finest acoustics in the southern hemisphere, Perth Concert Hall has had many star-studded performers set foot on its stage, from great classical ensembles The London, Chicago and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras to some of the world’s best contemporary artists including; Ray Charles, PJ Harvey, Nina Simon, Sting, Tim Minchin, KD Lang and many more.
The venue continues to host a huge number of diverse performances and events all year round – including, but not limited to, popular music, comedy, classical music and talks. Currently the home of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), Perth Concert Hall will host over 30 performances in 2024.