WGAC Reopens with Stunning Performance by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Published on 02 November 2018

The West Gippsland Arts Centre has reopened its doors following a $14.1 million redevelopment to welcome the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to the stage once again.

620 audience members roared with applause in the refurbished auditorium and newly constructed balcony following a stunning performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Joe Gauci took to the stage to welcome Councillors, the Executive Team, staff, West Gippsland Arts Centre (WGAC) members and the community to the first show following the redevelopment. Kathy Dalton, an Elder of the Gunaikurnai People performed a Welcome to Country before the MSO took to the stage.

An official reopening community festival will take place on Saturday 17 November in the forecourt and throughout the new facility. For full details please visit www.wgac.com.au

“Some 20 months ago, we embarked on a journey to deliver the biggest capital works project ever carried out by Baw Baw Shire Council. While there are still some finishing works to be done to see this project to full completion, we are proud to have had the opportunity to welcome the community home to our beloved, newly refurbished, West Gippsland Arts Centre.”

“One of the driving ambitions of the original founders of this theatre, back in the early eighties, was to create a place that would be able to host regular concerts by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. It was very fitting that they were the first to take the stage following the redevelopment – and what a magnificent performance it was.”

“We invite all community members to join in the official all-day reopening festival celebration that will be held at the Arts Centre on Saturday 17 November. The West Gippsland Arts Centre belongs to our community and we are so proud to once again open the doors to this wonderful facility.”

“On behalf of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra we would like to thank the West Gippsland Arts Centre for having us perform at this soft opening of such a wonderful venue. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to perform here - what a wonderful resource for the community this facility is."

"This venue is something you should all be incredibly proud of and you should watch the young performers on that platform carefully because you never know where they might end up!”

“To me, there could be no more appropriate way to launch such a fantastic space, than with great music. Now, more than ever, music is so important for our communities and our lives. Music overcomes boundaries and brings people together."

"For me, music and the arts are absolutely essential and as a lad from regional Victoria, I know personally what a vital role venues like this play in the life of an aspiring young musician. I’m from Ballarat and without Her Majesty’s Theatre and the wonderful venues there, I wouldn’t be standing up there on that stage tonight. Congratulations and thank you all for coming out.”

Image: The new forecourt at the WGAC.

Image: The new forecourt at the WGAC.

Image: MSO banner adorning the foyer area.

Image: Mayor Cr Joe Gauci welcoming the audience.

Image: Kathy Dalton, an Elder of the Gunaikurnai People performed a Welcome to Country before the MSO took to the stage.

Image: Members of the MSO.

Image: A crowd of 620 filled the auditorium and balcony.

Image: Members of the MSO.

Image: Members of the MSO.

Image: Mayor Cr Joe Gauci and MSO Conductor Ben Northey