Welcome to Melbourne Recital Centre, where just beyond our honeycomb windows and walls, we are here to share our love of live music with you and introduce you to the majesty of sound.
Let us take you on a new sonic journey and transport you to the fringes of the known and adored, and the soon-to-be-known and celebrated.
Every experience here is yours for the taking with our open invitation to discover the sounds beyond the honeycomb and dare.
Dare to discover.
Dare to escape the everyday.
Dare to expand your horizons.
Dare to get closer to the music.
Dare to do something just for you.
Dare to feel different, better, connected.
Dare to be present.
Dare to just be.
Melbourne Recital Centre acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live, perform, and learn. We pay our respects to people of the Kulin Nation, to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We acknowledge and celebrate their wisdom, cultures, languages, songs, and stories, as well as their enduring connection to Country.
CLARA-JUMI
MOSTLY MOZART
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
TICKETS & MEMBERSHIPS
FROM OUR CEO, SANDRA WILLIS
2025 welcomes a renewed direction for Melbourne Recital Centre. At the heart of this direction is our vision for a future where music and storytelling are fundamental to everyone’s lives.
Every day, stories unfold on and off our stages. Music is the common bond that brings us together to share unparalleled experiences. It’s the lively chatter before a concert, the shared applause reverberating throughout the room, the moments of awe when world-class artists take the stage, when taking in our architecture and acoustics, the spontaneous connections sparked between strangers or the deepening of existing bonds. These moments of togetherness and belonging make Melbourne Recital Centre unique. We proudly amplify Australia’s diverse music ecology to connect people and inspire positive change. No matter who you are when you walk through our doors, you will always emerge renewed.
Ready your ears and read on to discover a range of experiences we’ve curated for you in 2025.
Sandra Willis CEO
OUR COMMUNITY AND CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
Alongside our main stage program, Melbourne Recital Centre is pleased to run many initiatives that support our communities and Victoria’s creative ecosystem.
We look forward to launching many exciting community and creative engagement programs throughout 2025 and beyond. Be sure to sign up to our eNews and follow us on social media to stay up to date!
We welcome back two of the great musical powerhouses in the world for these uplifting and remarkable programs.
Freiburg Baroque Orchestra returns following their triumphant debut here in 2020. Joined by Artistic Director Kristian Bezuidenhout, and with special guest soloist Siobhan Stagg, these Mozart-focused programs bring together great performers, great music, and the finest acoustics in Australia.
The Tallis Scholars return for two programs, featuring old and new favourites, including works by Arvo Pärt in his 90th year. The sublime voices of this outstanding group will once again fill the hall in an unparalleled match of sound and space.
Marshall McGuire Director of Programming
SUNDAY 5 OCT 5PM MONDAY 6 OCT 7.30PM
FREIBURG BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
TUESDAY 25 MAR 7.30PM WEDNESDAY 26 MAR 7.30PM
Signature Events are generously supported by Signature Event Benefactors Robert Peck AM, Yvonne von Hartel AM, Rachel Peck, and Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects, and donors to the Signature Event Circle. TICKETING
on sale now
now at melbournerecital.com.au or contact our Box Office on (03) 9969 3333 (M-F, 11am-5pm)
FREIBURG BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
TUESDAY 25 MAR 7.30PM
The acclaimed Freiburg Baroque Orchestra returns to Melbourne Recital Centre for an exhilarating exploration through the Baroque and Classical eras.
Led by dynamic musical director Gottfried von der Goltz, this first of two performances opens with Bach’s spirited Symphony in G minor, setting the stage with its vibrant energy.
Immediately following, the Orchestra present a masterful mix of Mozart works; all fan-favourites from the great composer’s cannon. Witness internationally celebrated pianist, Kristian Bezuidenhout’s artistry dance throughout the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.9 before the virtuosity of his Violin Concerto No.5 dazzles listeners with its lyrical beauty.
Culminating with Mozart’s Symphony No.40, the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra showcase the intensity of this beloved work, striking audiences with a unique –yet thrilling – interpretation presented on period instruments. With dramatic turns and passionate outbursts, this first of two performances is the perfect re-introduction to one of the world’s greatest ensembles.
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Kristian Bezuidenhout fortepiano
Gottfried von der Goltz
musical director
Freiburg Baroque Orchestra
REPERTOIRE
Johann Christian Bach Symphony in G minor, Op.6 No.6
Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart
Piano Concerto No.9 in E-flat, K.271
Violin Concerto No.5 in A, K.219
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550
WEDNESDAY 26 MAR 7.30PM
In the second of two performances, the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra and piano virtuoso Kristian Bezuidenhout join forces with Australia’s sparkling soprano Siobhan Stagg.
With her ‘ethereal stage presence and impossibly beautiful voice’ (The Age), Siobhan leads a breathtaking extravaganza of Mozart’s most captivating arias. As the acclaimed soprano’s crystalline voice soars throughout the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, the raw emotion and stunning virtuosity of these great works transports listeners to the elegant salons of the 18th century.
Written at the age of 18, Mozart’s Symphony No.29 overflows with youthful effervescence. Often considered one of his greatest accomplishments, the light-hearted charm and elegance displayed throughout curates a listening experience of true entertainment and delight.
Praised pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout’s rendition of Mozart’s beloved Piano Concerto No.23 rounds out two unforgettable nights of music-making. With delicate tones that blend seamlessly with the orchestra’s period instruments, Freiburg Baroque Orchestra will leave audiences marveling at how this authentic approach brings new life to familiar melodies.
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Kristian Bezuidenhout
fortepiano
Gottfried von der Goltz
musical director
Siobhan Stagg
soprano
Freiburg Baroque Orchestra
REPERTOIRE
Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart
Chi sà, chi sà, qual sia, K.582
Vado, ma dove?, K.583
Bella mia fiamma, K.528
Ch’io mi scordi di te, K.505
Symphony No.29 in A, K.201/186a
Piano Concerto No.23 in A, K.488
THE TALLIS SCHOLARS
SUNDAY 5 OCT 5PM
Internationally renowned vocal ensemble
The Tallis Scholars returns to showcase their undeniable mastery of both Renaissance and contemporary sacred music.
With its cathedral of sound, the intricate harmonies of Nicholas Gombert’s eight-part Credo opens this first of two performances, marking the Scholars first Melbourne appearance in three years.
The delicate beauty of Thomas Crecquillon’s Andreas Christi famulus transports listeners to the courts of 16th-century Europe, before the thrilling contrast of Nico Muhly’s A Glorious Creature and the vocal tapestry of Jacobus Clemens’ Ego flos campi perfectly demonstrates The Tallis Scholars’ reputation for breathing new life into the traditions of choral music.
With profound emotional depth, Victoria’s monumental Requiem marks the crescendo of this afternoon’s performance. Through soaring song lines and moments of hushed intensity, The Tallis Scholars guide this spiritual journey with pure, unparalleled vocal expression.
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
The Tallis Scholars
REPERTOIRE
Nicholas Gombert
Credo a 8
Thomas Crecquillon
Andreas Christi famulus
Nico Muhly
A Glorious Creature
Jacobus Clemens Ego flos campi
Tomás Luis de Victoria Requiem
MONDAY 6 OCT 7.30PM
In this awe-inspiring performance weaving through sacred music spanning nearly a millennium, The Tallis Scholars showcase what critics have described as their ‘gloriously golden tone’ (The Guardian).
From the mystical chants of Hildegard von Bingen through to the ethereal harmonies of Arvo Pärt, the crystalline voices of The Tallis Scholars are perfectly at home in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall’s unparalleled acoustics.
Considered ‘one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports’ (BBC Radio 3), The Tallis Scholars profoundly moving performance begins in colonial Mexico with Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla’s vibrant, and rarely heard, Deus in adiutorium and concludes as the final strains of Josquin des Prez’ Præter rerum seriem fade away.
Contrasted with the stark, meditative power of Pärt, this transcendent journey through the heights of sacred choral music explores the essence of human devotion and creative expression.
When putting together the 2025 program, I wanted to bring a mix of the familiar and the new, reveling in the exciting new voices impacting the world’s stages, and reinviting familiar and much loved guests back to our stages.
As Schubert explores in his masterpiece Winterreise, this year’s program provides a pathway through many terrains, created to inspire, delight, challenge, enjoy and rejoice. I look forward to seeing you in our spaces as we travel this musical pathway together.
SATURDAY 1 FEB 7PM
FRIDAY 14 FEB 6PM & 8PM
TAMALA SHELTON & TENZIN CHOEGYAL CRADLE OF LIFE
THE BALANAS SISTERS
An avant-garde exploration of our time shared with Mother Earth.
In this world premiere performance of Cradle of Life, Bundjalung/Lama Lama spoken word artist Tamala Shelton and Tibetan/Australian musician Tenzin Choegyal lead an immersive and poetic intimate sound experience.
A celebration of Mother Earth’s beauty, and an exploration of what stands to be lost due to the climate crisis, both Tamala and Tenzin share their deep concern for the future of the planet. Both passionate climate activists, Tamala and Tenzin met through the late Uncle Archie Roach AO, and following his passing came together for a spoken word rendition of his unreleased song, Cradle of Life
With Tenzin’s vocals and Tamala’s poetry at the helm, Cradle of Life explores themes of colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy, and lust for power, and how all these systems have ultimately failed us.
VENUE
Primrose Potter Salon
ARTISTS
Tamala Shelton spoken word artist
Tenzin Choegyal vocals/musician
Lionel Lauch
yidaki
Erkki Veltheim violin
Having carved out a reputation as two of the most exciting artists of their generation, Latvian sisters Kristīne and Margarita Balanas make their Melbourne Recital Centre debut.
From Australian composer Anne Cawrse’s atmospheric and sublime Sanctuary, right through to Norwegian composer Halvorsen’s mesmerisingly virtuosic take on Handel’s Passacaglia, this thrilling program features Baroque masters paired with contemporary minimalists.
Composed in remembrance of the mystic St Teresa of Avila, a mythologised 16th-century nun who documented her own ecstatic mystical experiences in her autobiography, Pēteris Vasks’ meditative work Castillo Interior takes audiences to a deeply reflective and spiritual place before Ravel’s rich, impressionistic Sonata for Violin and Cello rounds out this hour-long performance of musical light and shade.
VENUE
Primrose Potter Salon
ARTISTS
Kristīne Balanas violin
Margarita Balanas cello
REPERTOIRE
Johan Halvorsen/ George Frideric Handel Passacaglia in G minor
Anne Cawrse Sanctuary
Antonio Vivaldi arr. Balanas Sisters
The Four Seasons (excerpts)
Pēteris Vasks Castillo Interior
Maurice Ravel Sonata for Violin and Cello, M.73
BACH CELLO SUITES
PART II
Following a sold-out Part I performance in 2024, three of Melbourne’s leading cellists share an intimate and elegant combination of Bach’s remaining three Suites; perfect for the Primrose Potter Salon.
Audience favourite Zoe Knighton opens with Suite No.2 in D minor, and the sombre tones of Bach’s introspection. Filled with the sense of melancholy, the light and shade of Bach’s musical contrasts come to life through intricate phrasing and emotive melodies.
A regular to stages and ensembles across the country, Rosanne Hunt shares the vibrant energy and optimism of Suite for Cello No.3 in C. A strikingly different atmosphere to the other Suites, Bach’s No.3 is filled with lively dances and an air of celebration.
Finally, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cellist Rohan de Korte concludes the voyage through all six suites with the dramatic intensity of Suite for Cello No.5. With haunting and rich melodies, the depth of Bach’s talent is on full display throughout a performance that’ll leave audiences on the edge of their seat.
THURSDAY 27 FEB 7PM
Primrose Potter Salon
Rosanne Hunt baroque cello
Rohan De Korte
Johann
Bach
LA COMPAÑIA BAROQUE ECHOES
A stunning journey from the Scottish Highlands to the lively metropolis of Baroque London.
Joined by soprano Jacqueline Porter, Renaissance ensemble La Compañia brings their virtuosity and flair to the hauntingly evocative rhythms and melodies of the Celtic and English Baroque eras.
Directed by Danny Lucin, La Compañia embodies its repertoire with precision, flexibility, and vibrant musicality. Unearthing some of the most beautiful and fascinating music from the 16th and early 17th centuries, the ensemble is recognised as Australia’s preeminent period instrumental group specialising in Renaissance and early Baroque music.
Audiences will embark on a musical journey woven through time. From the Scottish Highlands to the Emerald Isle and the lively metropolis of Baroque London, witness a program of heartfelt laments, graceful ayres and exuberant jigs and reels.
SATURDAY 1 MAR 7PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
La Compañia ensemble
Danny Lucin cornetto, director
Jacqueline Porter soprano
REPERTOIRE
Anon.
Ireland: Óró Mhór a Mhóirín
An Drumadóir
William Thomson
Scotland: Lochaber
Thomas Oliver & George Boyd
John Anderson My Jo
Henry Purcell
The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act I: If Love’s a Sweet Passion
Strike the Viol
John Playford
Bonny Kathern Loggy
Drive the Cold Winter Away, Bobbing Joe
MATTHIAS GOERNE
SINGS WINTERREISE WITH DANIIL TRIFONOV
Considered one of the most versatile and internationally sought-after vocalists of his generation, Matthias Goerne reunites with GRAMMY® Awardwinning pianist Daniil Trifonov for a one-night-only performance.
With Trifonov described as ‘a knockout’ (The Washington Post) and Goerne a ‘commanding vocalist’ (The New York Times), these titans of the classical world present an unforgettable rendition of Schubert’s masterpiece, Winterreise
Composed in the final year of Schubert’s life, this haunting song cycle ventures through a profoundly emotional winter landscape and draws listeners through expressive vocals intertwined with nuanced pianism.
Transforming simple elements – a crow, a frozen stream – into powerful metaphors for human experience, Schubert’s expressive genius is on full display in this performance that’ll highlight Elisabeth Murdoch Hall’s reputation of being a vessel for unforgettable storytelling.
TUESDAY 1 APR 7.30PM
VENUE
ARTISTS
REPERTOIRE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Matthias Goerne
baritone
Daniil Trifonov piano
Franz Schubert Winterreise, D.911
Pictured: Daniil Trifonov (left) and Matthias Goerne (right)
CLAIRE CHASE
SEX MAGIC
A riot of flutes, electronics, and kinetic percussion.
Described as ‘the North Star of her instrument’s ever-expanding universe’ (The New York Times), Brooklyn-based instrumentalist Claire Chase invites listeners to step into a unique sound world. Fiercely dedicated to creating new ecosystems for the music of our time, Chase has premiered hundreds of works by a new generation of artists. As the first flautist to be awarded both a MacArthur Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize for Classical Music from Lincoln Center, she has performed with prestigious orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Munich Chamber Orchestra.
Performing Sex Magic by acclaimed Australian composer Liza Lim, this evocative work explores an alternative cultural perspective of women’s power, the lifemaking forces of childbirth, and the womb centre as a site of divinatory wisdom and utterance. With extravagant technique and bold staging, experience a compelling ritual where a riot of flutes, electronics, and kinetic percussion come to life from one of one of the world’s most astonishing artists.
WEDNESDAY 16 APR 6PM
THURSDAY 17 APR 6PM
JANE AUSTEN’S MUSIC
PEMBERLEY REVISITED
Step into the world of Jane Austen for Melbourne Recital Centre’s celebration of the beloved author’s 250th birthday.
After an evocative presentation in 2024, the music of Jane Austen’s time is further explored in this delightfully enchanting musical event. Transporting listeners to the drawing rooms and picturesque surroundings of Pemberley, Rachael Beesley, Aura Go and Lizzy Bennet’s Band bring the musical heart of Austen’s most cherished novels to life.
Set your heart aflutter and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Pride and Prejudice and experience the very melodies that may have inspired one Mr. Darcy to
declare, ‘My feelings will not be repressed.’ Or delight in the playful banter between music and prose as Rachael and Aura explore the repertoire that would find itself right at home in Emma and Sense and Sensibility
Throughout these two hour-long performances, Austen’s razor-sharp wit and keen observations on love and society come to vivid life through carefully chosen readings and period-perfect musical selections. From lively country dances to intimate chamber pieces, each note resonates with the spirit of Austen’s world and offers a deeper appreciation for the musical landscape that shaped her timeless stories.
SATURDAY 10 MAY 4PM & 7PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Rachael Beesley music director Aura Go piano
Lizzy Bennet’s Band
IN CONVERSATION
In-between performances, from 5.15pm, join iconic Melbourne book editor, event moderator and bookseller, Jaclyn Crupi for a discussion about Jane Austen; her literature and her legacy.
DANIEL LOZAKOVICH
Witness one of today’s most exciting and sought-after violinists.
Daniel Lozakovich is renowned for possessing ‘perfect mastery’ (Le Figaro) of his instrument. Born in Stockholm in 2001, he began playing the violin at age seven and made his solo debut two years later with the Moscow Virtuosi. Signed by Deutsche Grammophon at just 15, Lozakovich has quickly established himself as a luminary in the field with a career that has seen him perform with prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic, and Royal Danish Orchestra.
In his debut performance at Melbourne Recital Centre, witness Lozakovich bring his remarkable skill to three of Bach’s most celebrated works. Featuring Violin Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004, its powerful final movement is considered one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. From intricate passages to moments of deep reflection, Lozakovich highlights Bach’s genius through impeccable technique and compelling intensity.
MONDAY 12 MAY 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth
ARTIST
REPERTOIRE
Murdoch Hall
Daniel Lozakovich violin
Johann Sebastian Bach
Violin Sonata No.1 in G minor, BWV 1001
Partita No. 3 in E, BWV 1006
Violin Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004
GENESIS BAROQUE
WITH SARA MACLIVER
A heartfelt program of soul-nourishing compositions exploring love in both human and divine forms.
Following a sold-out Melbourne Recital Centre debut in 2024, Genesis Baroque returns to the Primrose Potter Salon for a collaboration with one of Australia’s favourite sopranos, Sara Macliver.
Believed to have been composed as a celebration of marriage, J.S. Bach’s Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten opens amidst a frosty atmosphere. Shortly after, thoughts of spring and love rise culminating in a joyous French gavotte in which Sara Macliver’s voice will dance throughout the Primrose Potter Salon.
The elegance of George Frideric Handel’s Trio Sonata in C minor begins this hour-long voyage through the spectrum of passion and love, with Henry Purcell’s An Evening Hymn concluding the evening and leaving audiences with music piercing their soul.
FRIDAY 16 MAY 6PM & 8PM VENUE
REPERTOIRE
George Frideric Handel
Dietrich Buxtehude
STEPHEN HOUGH
One of the most distinctive artists of his generation, Sir Stephen Hough returns to Melbourne Recital Centre for a one-nightonly performance of Romantic era masterpieces.
Originally met with hostility and doubt from audience and artists alike, Liszt’s Sonata for Piano in B minor is now considered a cornerstone of piano repertoire. With innovative structures and a woven narrative, Liszt’s artistry and technical brilliance paired with Hough’s ‘transcendental technique and poetic imagination’ (Sunday Times) creates an unforgettable and dynamic listening experience.
With its lyrical and poetic qualities, for which Chopin is renowned, the great composer’s Sonata No.3 in B minor is the perfect conclusion to a rich evening of musicmaking. From the captivating opening notes right through to the nuance and passion of the closing chords, this technically challenging work earns its place as one of Chopin’s most compelling compositions.
MONDAY 2 JUN 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTIST
Stephen Hough piano
REPERTOIRE
Cécile Chaminade
Automne
L’Autre Fois
Franz Liszt
Sonata for Piano in B minor, S178
Cécile Chaminade
Thème varié
Les Sylvains
Frédéric Chopin
Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op.58
NOBUNTU
Experience the pure and soulstirring voices of Nobuntu.
Hailing from Zimbabwe, Nobuntu is an internationally acclaimed all-female a cappella quartet lauded for their ‘rich voices and exhilarating rhythms’ (Sarasota HeraldTribune). Making their Australian debut at Melbourne Recital Centre, their inventive performances range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz and Gospel music. Representing a new generation of young African women singers, Nobuntu’s mission is the belief that music can be a powerful vehicle for change, one that transcends racial, tribal, religious, gender, and economic boundaries.
Immerse yourself in Nobuntu’s pure and soulful voices as the ensemble performs a vibrant program of traditional songs and original arrangements. Featuring minimalist percussion, traditional instruments such as the Mbira (thumb piano), and authentic dance movements, join Nobuntu in this uplifting experience as they celebrate and preserve their culture, beauty, and heritage through art.
WEDNESDAY 25 JUN 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Nobuntu vocal ensemble
REPERTOIRE
Traditional Earth Song
Joyline Sibanda Ingoma Yami
Duduzile Sibanda Uyangiphoxa
Nanguyana
Zanele Manhenga Cula
Letta Mbulu arr.
Nobuntu
Music In The Air
Not Yet Uhuru
Peter Muparutsa arr.
Nobuntu Rwizi
Duduzile Sibanda/ Zanele Manhenga Qina
Duduzile Sibanda Ilanga
Zanele Manhenga Black Tax
Bill Withers
Lean On Me
Zanele Manhenga
Narini
Thandeka Moyo Siyambonga
SJAELLA
Experience the ethereal voices of Sjaella.
Following a stunning debut at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2023, German a cappella ensemble Sjaella returns to the stage with their ethereal and soul-stirring voices. Embodying a blend of youthful exuberance and refined artistry, their performances at the Rheingau Musik Festival, Mozarteum Salzburg, and collaborations with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra have cemented their reputation as one of the most captivating vocal ensembles of our time.
Performing commissioned works and original arrangements from their critically acclaimed album Origins, Sjaella seamlessly traverses contemporary and Baroque masterpieces. From the opening notes of David Lang’s poignant evening morning day to Henry Purcell’s enchanting adaptation of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Fairy Queen, Sjaella masterfully weaves old and new in a performance rich with sensitivity and depth.
FRIDAY 25 JUL 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Sjaella vocal ensemble
REPERTOIRE
David Lang evening morning day
Henry Lawes
Have you e’er seen the morning sun?
Henry Purcell
The Fairy Queen, Z.629
Thus the ever grateful spring (Spring)
Here’s the summer, sprightly, gay (Summer)
See my many coloured fields (Autumn) Now winter comes slowly (Winter)
Meredi Crystallized Sjaella Hypophysis
Henry Purcell
The Fairy Queen, Z.629
See, even night herself is here (Night)
I am come to lock all fast (Mystery)
One charming night (Secrecy) Hush, no more (Sleep) Ēriks Ešenvalds
Stars
Paola Prestini
A Triptych for Our Time: I Apocalypse?
II Dead Soul
III Ascending Stairways Sjaella Vacuum
FRIDAY 1 AUG 2025 6PM
CHANGING WILDS ENSEMBLE
OUR DUTY TO CARE
A cross-disciplinary, cross-genre blend of music designed to enable exploration within and beyond yourself.
In this Melbourne Recital Centre exclusive, the 2025 instalment of Robert McIntyre’s climate-based concert curation covers themes relating to climate change, empathy, loss, hope, and more. Our Duty to Care features the music of renowned Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds alongside Australians Robert McIntyre, Laura Abraham, Anne Cawrse, and Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2024 Artist-in-Residence Nat Bartsch. Featuring project group Changing Wilds Ensemble, led by artistic director and composer Robert McIntyre, this curated performance in the Primrose Potter Salon blends wide-ranging genres to convey powerful messages.
Centred around Robert McIntyre’s Our Duty to Care, with text by Savanna Wegman, this cross-disciplinary work for soprano voice and piano trio is based on Sharma v Minister for the Environment [2021] FCA 560. This groundbreaking environmental law case, which legally proved climate change to be real, has been the catalyst for legislative action globally.
VENUE
Primrose Potter Salon
ARTISTS
Changing Wilds Ensemble
Robert McIntyre
composer, curator, flute
Bridgette Kelsey
soprano
Georgina Lewis
piano
Isabel Hede violin
Stephanie Arnold cello
Savanna Wegman
poet
REPERTOIRE
Ólafur Arnalds (arr. Sam Williams) Particles
Nat Bartsch
Homecoming
Laura Abraham
A Hazy Memory
Robert McIntyre
Every third dawn
Ólafur Arnalds
The Bottom Line
Robert McIntyre
A Sea Spray of Ash
Anne Cawrse
Time’s long ruin
Robert McIntyre
Our Duty to Care
Ólafur Arnalds
and we’ll leave it there
TUESDAY 30 SEP 6PM & 8PM
QUARTZ
DEATH AND THE MAIDEN
Acclaimed Melbourne string quartet, Quartz, returns to Melbourne Recital Centre for a performance featuring one of the greatest chamber works of all time.
The fifth movement of Australian composer Richard Meale’s String Quartet No.2 has long had a life of its own. Dedicated to the recent loss of a dear friend, Meale’s Cantilena Pacifica achieved stand-alone fame for its lyrical violin stretching mournfully over a gentle accompaniment.
Named after, and taking inspiration from, a song he had written many years earlier, Schubert’s Death and the Maiden – a meditation on the fragility of mortality – is one of the composer’s most acclaimed works.
Written at a time when Schubert himself was unwell, Death and the Maiden tells the story of a woman pleading with Death to spare her. Pulsing with intense emotion and drama, the stormy passages and gentle melodies throughout remain proof of Schubert’s brilliant lyricism and provide an unforgettable listening experience.
VENUE
Primrose Potter Salon
ARTISTS
Quartz
Kathryn Taylor
violin
Philippa West
violin
Merewyn Bramble
viola
Zoe Wallace cello
REPERTOIRE
Richard Meale
String Quartet No.2
V. Cantilena Pacifica
Franz Schubert
String Quartet No. 14 in
D minor, D 810, Death and the Maiden
CLARA-JUMI KANG
+ LATITUDE 37
An artist of supreme musicality, impeccable refinement and poise, violinist Clara-Jumi Kang marks her inaugural Melbourne Recital Centre performance in this Dynamic Double Set performance opened by Baroque ensemble Latitude 37.
Having recently made her debut with the likes of the BBC Proms and New York Philharmonic, in this one-night-only recital Clara-Jumi shares a program of solo violin works, including Bach’s Violin Partita No.2.
Written in dedication of his father, Mieczysław Weinberg’s Sonata No.3 overflows with high drama and anguished lyricism. Over the course of this one extended movement, Weinberg takes listeners on a journey of emotional soulsearching before the passion of Ysaÿe’s Sonata No.3 shifts the energy with building tensions and its famous firework finish.
Often considered the pinnacle of solo works for the violin, Bach’s Violin Partita No.2 showcases the composer’s ability to create immense fullness from a single instrument. With intricate melodies throughout the opening movements, tensions steadily rise before the legendary final movement – Chaconne – takes centre stage. With peaks, valleys and heart-wrenching beauty, Clara-Jumi Kang’s maiden voyage on the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall stage is the ultimate showcase of her flawless technique and deep musicality.
MONDAY 15 SEP 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Set 1: Latitude 37
Set 2:
Clara-Jumi Kang violin
REPERTOIRE
Set 1:
Philipp Heinrich Erlebach
Sonata sesta in F
Dietrich Buxtehude
Trio Sonata in A minor, BuxWV272
Set 2:
Mieczysław Weinberg
Sonata No.3 for Violin Solo, Op.126
Eugène Ysaÿe
Sonata No.3 ‘Ballade’
Johann Sebastian Bach
Violin Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004
BENJAMIN GROSVENOR
British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is internationally acclaimed for his sonorous lyricism and understated brilliance at the keyboard.
Described as a ‘genius who has reached the height of his interpretive powers’ (Spectator), his virtuosic interpretations are underpinned by a unique balance of technical mastery and intense musicality. Recently named one of the top 50 pianists ever on record by Gramophone, Grosvenor is regarded as one of the most important pianists to emerge in several decades.
In an exclusive Melbourne recital, witness Grosvenor up close and personal as he performs a captivating program of beloved works. From Mussorgsky’s richly evocative Pictures at an Exhibition to Chopin’s Romantic masterpiece Piano Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor, Op.35, featuring the famous Funeral March, Grosvenor breathes new and vivid life into these timeless compositions.
TUESDAY 14 OCT 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTIST
Benjamin Grosvenor piano
REPERTOIRE
Frédéric Chopin
Piano Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor, Op.35
Maurice Ravel
Gaspard de la nuit
Modest Mussorgsky
Pictures at an Exhibition
AFFINITY QUARTET
INCANTATION
Award-winning ensemble Affinity Quartet returns to Melbourne Recital Centre to present three profoundly moving works from the 18th century to the present.
Considered a groundbreaking work from the moment it premiered in 1893, Debussy’s only string quartet, with its shimmering textures and innovative harmonies, transports audiences to an impressionistic world. A defining moment in chamber music, Debussy left an undeniable mark on future composers including French-born Héloïse Werner.
Described as ‘a composer of subtle imagination’ (Gramophone), Werner’s Incantation in Four Parts blurs the boundaries between the four instrumentalists to take listeners on a journey of play and discovery. In this Melbourne premiere, presented alongside the emotional depths of Mozart’s Adagio and Fugue in C minor, Affinity Quartet showcase their impressive performance prowess described by critics as ‘flawless’ (Limelight).
FRIDAY 7 NOV 2PM & 6PM
VENUE
Primrose Potter Salon
ARTISTS
Affinity Quartet
Seonhye Song
violin
Nicholas Waters
violin
Meagan Turner viola
Mee Na Lojewski cello
REPERTOIRE
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K.546
Héloïse Werner
Incantation in Four Parts
MELBOURNE PREMIERE
Claude Debussy
String Quartet in G minor, Op.10 L.91
DANIEL MÜLLERSCHOTT
WITH KONSTANTIN SHAMRAY
In this musical odyssey spanning three centuries, German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott and pianist Konstantin Shamray join forces for an unforgettable soul-stirring performance.
Bringing Bach’s beloved Cello Suite No.3 to life, the resonant tones of Müller-Schott’s music-making will swirl throughout the unmatched acoustics of the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. A delicate dance between melody and harmony, this solo masterpiece for cello sets the scene before the dramatic shift to the intensity of Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata. With the turbulent energy of its era, the Sonata’s brewing tension and passionate outbursts perfectly showcase the compelling artistry of these two great performers. Finally, the luscious intimacy of Brahm’s Sonata for Cello and Piano No.2 draws audiences into a world of warmth and nostalgia, with the connection between instruments, and players, taking centre stage.
TUESDAY 25 NOV 7.30PM
VENUE
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ARTISTS
Daniel
Konstantin Shamray piano
REPERTOIRE
Müller-Schott cello
Johann Sebastian Bach Cello Suite No.3 in C, BWV 1009
Dmitri Shostakovich
Cello Sonata in D minor, Op.40
Johannes Brahms Sonata for Cello and Piano No.2 in F, Op.99
Pictured: Konstantin Shamray (left) and Daniel Müller-Schott (right)
Make a matinee date with the Australian National Academy of Music and Mozart, and enjoy complimentary morning tea. Join us solo, part of a duo, or ensemble, there’s music and morning tea for everyone.
Find out more at melbournerecital.com.au/mozart
MOZART SERENADE
Claude Debussy arr. Sachs
Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Serenade No.9 in D Major, K.320, ‘Posthorn’
Alison Mitchell (ANAM Faculty) flute
Damien Eckersley (ANAM Faculty) double bass ANAM Musicians
TUESDAY 20 MAY 11AM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
MOZART, HAYDN, BEETHOVEN
Joseph Haydn String Quartet Op.33 No.6 in D major
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Quartet in D minor, K421
Ludwig van Beethoven Große Fuge, Op.133
Australian String Quartet ANAM Musicians
WEDNESDAY 25 JUN 11AM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Kyrie from the Requiem in D minor (arr. brass ensemble) Lacrimosa from the Requiem in D minor (arr. brass ensemble)
Dmitri Shostakovich Chamber Symphony, Op.110a
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525
Adam Chalabi (Head of Violin, ANAM Faculty) violin/director ANAM Musicians
WEDNESDAY 3 SEP 11AM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
MOZART & MARSEILLAISE
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Sonatas for 4 hands, K.381
Piano Sonatas for 4 hands, K.358
Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle arr. Young La Marseillaise
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major, K.503
Paavali Jumppanen (ANAM Artistic Director) piano/director ANAM Musicians
WEDNESDAY 12 NOV 11AM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
LOVE A WEEKDAY MATINEE?
Join Schola Cantorum for an unforgettable 11am performance on Monday 17 February. To find out more, visit page 37.
TICKETING
Subscriptions on sale Tuesday 19 November
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
MINI MUSIC-LOVERS
Escape from screens, schoolbooks and everyday routines! Calling little ears and big imaginations, let’s go on a music-fuelled adventure at Melbourne Recital Centre. Featuring big concerts, mini concerts and hands-on workshops that spark curiosity and creativity, your mini music-lovers will be left buzzing long after the last note.
More School Holiday programming for 2025 to be announced. Find out more at melbournerecital.com.au/mini
WEDNESDAY 22 & THURSDAY 23 JANUARY
Make a day of it and join us in January for face painting, a photo booth, a chance to stand on the conductor’s podium, and more!
PLAY DATE WITH ALL THE QUEENS MEN
WEDNESDAY 22 JAN 10.30AM Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
WOODY’S BUSH CABARET
WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY
9.30AM & 11.30AM Primrose Potter Salon
THURSDAY 23 JANUARY 10.30AM
THURSDAY 23 JANUARY
9.30AM & 11.30AM
TICKETING Tickets on sale now Book now at melbournerecital.com.au or contact our Box Office on (03) 9969 3333 (M-F, 11am-5pm)
EXPERIENCE PATHWAYS
Need some help choosing your concert selection? Here’s some suggestions to build your package and curate your own musical adventure.
ALL STARS
Go global with international all stars. Your mustsee international artists and ensembles.
Travel across the globe with:
Daniel Lozakovich
Clara-Jumi Kang + Latitude 37
Stephen Hough
The Balanas Sisters
Benjamin Grosvenor
Daniel Müller-Schott with Konstantin Shamray
NEW MUSIC
Dare to try something different with new music discovery. Your sonic explorers who dare to push boundaries.
Dare and discover with:
Claire Chase – Sex Magic
Changing Wilds Ensemble – Our Duty to Care
Nobuntu
Tamala Shelton & Tenzin Choegyal – Cradle of Life
New Music at Melbourne Recital Centre is generously supported by the Robert Salzer Foundation.
SOARING VOICES
Escape the everyday with soaring voices. Your vocalists who carry you to an ethereal realm.
Be transported by:
Nobuntu
Sjaella
Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver
Matthias Goerne sings Winterreise with Daniil Trifonov
CLASSICAL MIX
Get started with a classical starter mix. Your suggested sampler if you’re new to classical music.
Begin your journey with:
Bach Cello Suites Part II
Quartz – Schubert’s Death and the Maiden
La Compañia – Baroque Echoes
Jane Austen’s Music – Pemberley Revisited
Tamala Shelton & Tenzin Choegyal – Cradle of Life
Affinity Quartet – Incantation
VARIETY PACK
Or why not roll the dice with your very own variety pack? Your mixed musical assortment of all that is on offer.
Try a mix of:
Clara-Jumi Kang + Latitude 37
Daniel Müller-Schott with Konstantin Shamray
Claire Chase – Sex Magic
Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver
Nobuntu
Jane Austen’s Music – Pemberley Revisited
Tamala Shelton & Tenzin Choegyal – Cradle of Life
Affinity Quartet – Incantation
MORE SOUNDS TO DISCOVER
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Praised for his ‘genuine originality’ (The New York Times), Rufus Wainwright presents an intimate, solo performance in his highly anticipated return.
FRIDAY 10 JAN 7.30PM
SATURDAY 11 JAN 7.30PM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
TRIPTYCH BY ROBIN FOX
Internationally celebrated audio-visual artist, Robin Fox, combines electronic music and AV mechanical synesthesia in the first performance as part of his 2025 artistic residency.
THURSDAY 30 JAN 7.30PM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
SCHOLA CANTORUM
Frequently heard in concert halls around the world and on the soundtrack of many of history’s greatest films, Schola Cantorum from the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School London share their angelic voices in this ethereal matinee performance.
MONDAY 17 FEB 11AM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
HANIA
RANI
One of the world’s most transcendent modern pianists, Hania Rani, returns for a captivating performance of her new album, Ghosts.
FRIDAY 21 FEB 7.30PM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
KATIE NOONAN AND KARIN SCHAUPP
SONGS OF THE SOUTHERN SKIES VOLUME II
Returning to their acclaimed Southern Skies catalogue, and presenting songs by their favourite antipodean artists, Katie and Karin reunite to share stories by Australia’s finest female artists.
FRIDAY 4 APR 7.30PM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ALLISON RUSSELL
GRAMMY® Award-winner Allison Russell presents an evening of soulful, genre-defying, emotionally charged music alongside powerful storytelling.
TUESDAY 15 APR 7.30PM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Marking his first Melbourne performance in over a decade, RY X blends ethereal vocals, haunting melodies, and minimalist instrumentation in an intimate Melbourne Recital Centre debut performance. RY X
THURSDAY 24 APR 7.30PM
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
ROBIN FOX
Cutting-edge creators find their artistic home and creative playground.
Visionary audio-visual raconteur and founding director of Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS), Robin Fox takes up artistic residency at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2025.
Fox’s audio-visual laser works, which synchronise sound and visual electricity in hyper-amplified 3D space, have been performed in over 60 cities worldwide. Recent works include Night Sky for Brisbane Festival, Aqua Luma and BEACON for Mona Foma, Library of Light for Illuminate Adelaide, and MONOCHORD for Rising Festival.
Working across live performance, exhibitions, public art and composition, Fox will experiment with and explore new sonic territories. With access to the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, every sound and every beam has the power to spark something distinctive and exciting.
Find out more at melbournerecital.com.au/residence
HOW TO BOOK TICKETS
Whether you’re looking to connect with friends, or an excuse to put your phone away for the night, live music is the perfect opportunity to do something for you.
To book tickets to any of the events listed throughout this brochure, and to explore the other unforgettable musical experiences that take place on our stages:
Information is correct at the time of printing (30 September 2024)
Terms and conditions can be viewed at melbournerecital.com.au/terms
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE MEMBERSHIPS
Become a part of the Melbourne Recital Centre’s community of members to receive a range of benefits!
MUSIC LOVER MEMBERSHIP
$50/YEAR
Our most popular membership provides great savings and priority access to tickets:
Waived transaction fees on all bookings
Ticket discounts on selected performances
10% discount at Melbourne Recital Centre foyer bars and Blondie
Free access to Guided Tours for you and a friend
• Exclusive special offers and priority access to events
• and more!
Visit melbournerecital.com.au/membership to sign up, and for further information.
PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP
$200/YEAR
Premium Members enjoy all the benefits of a Music Lover membership, plus: 20% discount on select performances
One complimentary Music Lover Membership for a friend — valued at $50
Free exchanges between some performances if your plans change
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
$5/YEAR
Student Members unlock a great range of yearly benefits, including $15 Student Rush tickets to all Melbourne Recital Centre Presents concerts.
See more for less with savings and offers all year round, including:
$15 Student Rush tickets from 48 hours prior to an event
Ticket discounts on selected performances
10% discount at Melbourne Recital Centre foyer bars and Blondie
Ticket offers especially for students
• Free access to Guided Tours for you and a friend
SUPPORT MELBOURNE’S MUSIC SCENE
MAKE A GIFT
By making a tax-deductible donation to Melbourne Recital Centre, you will be joining an inspired community of fellow music-lovers who are passionate about Melbourne’s vibrant musical ecosystem. Your donation will bring great music to life in our city by supporting opportunities for talented local artists to build flourishing careers, as well as providing a platform for the greatest musicians from around the world to move, excite, and delight local audiences.
In appreciation of the crucial role that you will play in filling Melbourne Recital Centre with great music, you will enjoy invitations to a variety of special patron events throughout the year, and your gift will be recognised on our website, in our Annual Report, and in concert programs.
Please donate to Melbourne Recital Centre today and play your part in bringing live music to life at Melbourne Recital Centre.
NAME A SEAT
Celebrate your love of live music, honour a loved one, or commemorate a special occasion with a seat plaque in the extraordinary Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Your seat plaque is a recognition of your $2,000 tax-deductible donation to Melbourne Recital Centre, and will be displayed on your chosen seat in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for 10 years.
You can dedicate your seat to a special person or include a message of your choosing, with up to 25 characters per line, across two lines. Some restrictions apply.
Following the installation of your plaque, you will be invited to view your dedicated seat and to enjoy a private behind- the-scenes tour of the Centre.
Donate by scanning the QR code
To learn more about making a donation or dedicating a seat, please visit: melbournerecital.com.au/support or contact Alistaire Bowler, Head of Development on (03) 9207 2653 or alistaire.bowler@melbournerecital.com.au
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility seating
Companion cards
Hearing Loop
& escalators
Accessible parking
Additional info
Accessible seating in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Melbourne Recital Centre has identified locations within the auditorium where patrons do not need to use stairs to reach their seats. These seats are located in row U of the Stalls, row A of the Circle, and seats 11 - 15 of both upper wings.
Accessible seating in Primrose Potter Salon
There are no steps in the Primrose Potter Salon and all events are general admission. Seats on an aisle generally have an armrest attached and wheelchair spaces are available. As the configuration of this space is flexible, please advise the Box Office of any access requirements when booking.
The Centre accepts the Companion Card for all visitors with a disability who require a companion at all Melbourne Recital Centre events.
Patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing may access our hearing loops in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon. Please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position to access this service, or request a receiver and headphones from the Front of House team.
In Elisabeth Murdoch Hall the hearing loop is available in Stalls only. The hearing loop is available throughout the Primrose Potter Salon.
Lift access is available to all foyer levels of the building and all backstage areas (except the Orchestra Pit). Escalator access is also available between Ground Level and Level 1 foyer.
Accessible car spaces are available throughout Southbank, including at the Arts Centre Melbourne car park, on Sturt Street outside the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and on Dodds Street outside Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre.
Information on signage, accessible toilets, and assistance animals, as well as access resources including a Welcome to the Centre Guide, Social Script, Communication and Picture Boards, and Large Print Venue Map are available at melbournerecital.com.au/access or by contacting our Box Office.
Lifts
SHARE YOUR MUSIC STORIES
Stories unfold on and off our stages, and the world needs stories of connection and community now, more than ever.
Music is the common bond that brings us together from all walks of life. Whether it’s the lively chatter and banter before a concert, the anticipation and awe while taking in our architecture and acoustic, the spontaneous applause when your artist, ensemble or band walks onto stage, natural connections sparked between strangers or the deepening of existing, friendly bonds, these are true moments of togetherness that transcend age, culture, and background.
CONNECT WITH US
We want to hear about your feel-good moments at Melbourne Recital Centre. Share your moments and memories with us at melbournerecital.com.au/moments Use the hashtag #MelbRecitalMoment across social media.
Pick up a card in our foyers to fill in and submit it at the box office. We can’t wait to read them.
In the months ahead, you’ll notice a shift in how Melbourne Recital Centre looks and feels. The program in your hands is just the beginning as we begin to introduce more of an exciting and new visual identity we’ve created for Melbourne Recital Centre.
A GLIMPSE OF THINGS AHEAD
MUSIC FOR THE DARING
The new visual identity isn’t just a change in appearance; it’s a statement of bold intent. Our work focused on capturing a more confident expression of Melbourne Recital Centre’s spirit—one that pushes boundaries, celebrates the daring pioneers of music, and invites audiences to embrace the unfamiliar. Every performance has the power to transform those who attend. We’re extending that same sense of discovery to new audiences, challenging them to step outside their comfort zones and experience something truly remarkable. The invitation is simple but powerful: explore fearlessly and be changed by what you find.
HINTS OF HONEYCOMB
Our design nods to the striking hexagonal windows that define Melbourne Recital Centre’s façade. These shapes weave through the visual identity as a subtle yet consistent reminder of the building’s iconic structure. While the reference might not be evident at first, the more you engage with the brand, the more these shapes reveal themselves, becoming a quiet symbol of the Recital Centre’s architectural and cultural identity.
COLOUR INSPIRED BY ARTISTS
The colours, inspired by the musicians, are as dynamic as the artists themselves. We created a unique tool that extracts complementary colours from artist images, enhances them for vibrancy, and ensures accessibility. This creates a purpose-made palette for each performance, keeping every promotion visually distinct and harmonious. It’s a streamlined process that reflects the individuality of each artist while keeping the brand’s look fresh, exciting, and inclusive.
VISUALLY DIVERSE, CONSISTENTLY RECOGNISABLE
The new visual identity is built to be versatile and unmistakable. We’ve designed a system that plays with bold typography, rich colours, and signature hexagonal shapes, allowing for endless creative variations. Each application looks unique, but together, they speak the same bold visual language. This depth and variety help maintain a consistent, recognisable presence across all touchpoints—from posters to digital spaces and everything in between—and extend the lifespan of the work.
UPDATED WEBSITE
The upcoming website, developed by Studio Bravo, will adopt the new identity and visual language. Using the same dynamically generated colour system, the website will ensure a seamless connection between advertising campaigns and the online experience. The site will be more intuitive and userfriendly, with a focus on accessibility, making it easier than ever to explore Melbourne Recital Centre’s offerings, purchase tickets, and engage with everything the venue has to offer.
EXPRESSIVE IN SUBTLE WAYS
More than just a visual refresh, this identity reflects the soul of Melbourne Recital Centre. From clever poster lines like “Take the road less listened” to tickets whispering “Ready your ears,” every touchpoint is designed to surprise and delight. The little details offer a sense of discovery and joy, adding additional layers to an overall rich experience.
THE CENTRE OF THE PRECINCT
As Melbourne Recital Centre marks its sixteenth year, MASS is thrilled to be part of this pivotal moment. Partnering with MRC, especially during a time of change and growth, has been an absolute joy. With exciting developments across the Melbourne Arts Precinct, we’re proud to support MRC in reasserting its role as Melbourne’s hub for live music. We designed this new identity with the same adventurous spirit that has always defined Melbourne Recital Centre—a spirit that inspires, challenges, and rewards those ready to explore something new. More than just looking ahead, it’s an invitation to celebrate boldness and embrace the future with confidence.
Tim Kotsiakos Creative Director & Founder MASS studiomass.com.au
Thank
Patrons & Life Members
Founding Patron
The
Founding Benefactors
The Kantor Family
The Calvert-Jones Family
Lyn Williams AM
Helen Macpherson
Smith Trust
Robert Salzer Foundation
The Hugh Williamson Foundation
Benefactor Patrons
Lady Primrose Potter AC
The Late Betty Amsden AO DSJ
Peter McMullin AM & Ruth McMullin Principal
Life Members
Lin Bender AM
Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
Jim Cousins AO
Kathryn Fagg AO
Margaret Farren-Price & Ronald Farren-Price AM
Richard Gubbins
Penny Hutchinson
Julie Kantor AO
Stephen McIntyre AM
Richard Mills AM
Jordi Savall
Lady Primrose Potter AC
Mary Vallentine AO
Melbourne Recital Centre
Cnr Southbank Blvd & Sturt St
Southbank, VIC, 3006
Ready to book?
Vist melbournerecital.com.au
or contact our Box Office
+61 3 9699 3333 (Mon-Fri 11am-5pm)
boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au
Board Members
Prof. Andrea Hull AO, Chair
Liz Grainger, Deputy Chair
Andrew Apostola
Anthony Cavanagh
The Hon. Mary Delahunty
Kate Duncan
Assoc. Prof Jody Evans
Mark Freeman
Monica Lim
Peter McMullin AM
Executive Team
Sandra Willis, Chief Executive Officer
Marshall McGuire, Director of Programming
Sarah MacPherson, Director of Corporate Services
Jasja van Andel, Head of Operations
Alistaire Bowler, Head of Development
Latoyah Forsyth, Head of Marketing and Visitor Experience This brochure uses
