2013 Perth Festival Launch

Last week's launch of what will be the 61st Perth International Arts Festival boasted some exciting events for this town in 2013. The buzz was palpable in the concert hall lobby as everyone enjoyed a drink in the lead up to the announcements. At 8pm we were ushered into the auditorium and the presentation was underway. After a few formal introductions, including one from Premier Colin Barnett, who announced an important increase in funds for WA arts, we were delighted by a performance from special guest Heather Christian.

Following this, festival director Jonathan Holloway humorously and excitably divulged what was in store for the coming festival. There will be countless free events and 23 nights of outstanding musicians performing at the festival gardens including Cat Power and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Renowned pianist Philip Glass will premiere a series of specially commissioned etudes and writer Margaret Atwood is set to grace our shores. The list of theatre, film, dance, and artworks that will be showcased in 2013 is exceptional and extensive.

Finally, after Holloway finished wowing everyone with the festival line-up, an enlightened audience retired under the fairy lights of the Concert Hall terrace to enjoy a few drinks and canapés while contemplating how exactly they might see it all.