“The international online audience was treated to superb wind playing, spearheaded by oboist Thomas Hutchinson.”
– The Age, 22 March 2020 (Beethoven’s Symphony No.7)
“Northey and his players enjoyed tapping into Copland’s appealing mix of gentle humour and nostalgia, performing with verve and empathy in equal measure.”
– The Age, 21 June 2020 (Fanfare and Melodies)
“Judging from the sustained standing ovation which met this work at its conclusion.. the majority of audience members responded to this new artistic fusion with unbridled joy.”
– ArtsHub, 25 February 2020 (Season Opening Gala: Beethoven 9, Circa and Cheetham) “This concert was recorded and filmed, with the quality of both the sound and visuals at a highly professional level. Using several camera close ups of the conductor, orchestral members, soloists and chorus heightened the enjoyment of watching it on screen.”
– ArtsHub, 6 April 2020 (Broadcast of 2019’s Stravinsky Double Bill)
“Shot through with plenty of light and shade, the finale displayed a devil-maycare attitude that provided a much need tonic in these uncertain times.”
– The Age, 22 March 2020 (Beethoven’s Symphony No.7)
“Melbourne has never seen a staging of the Ninth like this.”
– Limelight, 24 February 2020 (Season Opening Gala: Beethoven 9, Circa and Cheetham)
“An absolute pleasure of an evening, heartfelt and tear-inducing but ultimately healing in its vision of simplicity and harmony — a treasure for die hard fans and fi rst timers alike!”
– Theatre Press, 29 February 2020 (Music from the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki)
“Northey proved himself to be a master of balance throughout.”
– The Age, 22 March 2020 (Beethoven’s Symphony No.7)
Connecting our Audiences Across the Globe
From a caravan park in Tasmania, to an apartment in Barcelona, over the course of the MSO’s Keep The Music Going campaign, the Orchestra received more than 25,000 comments and messages of support. For many, it was their fi rst time experiencing the MSO.
“ Am watching this performance from a campervan in a caravan park in Tasmania. What a wonderfu l chance to be in the audience.”
“My fi rst MSO experience, and it’s wonderfu l!”
“ What a great idea. I congratulate you MSO for making your beautifu l music available to audiences locked up at home. It will raise our spirits in this troubling time. Congratulations wonderfu l MSO”
“ A bit of bliss amongst the chaos, Th ank you MSO.”
“ Th is is great evidence of the importance of the arts to the welfare of the community beyond only economic terms. Congratulations MSO on responding so quickly and sharing your music with us all!”
“ Absolutely fantastic...an absolute pleasure to sit back and enjoy. Th ank you xx”
“ Th ank you for continuing to share the music and keep the arts community front and centre even though we cannot experience it live!”
“ So enjoying this, it’s washing away all the stress of the current crisis .”
“ It was beautifu l to listen to and see the orchestra playing. I pretended I was in the front row. I never get to sit there usually we are up in the balcony. Th ank you to everyone in the MSO you are all amazing in your craft . I usually can't aff ord to go to all your concerts, this way I have seen every single one. During this time the MSO has been my shining star. Th ank you to everyone, one and all.”
“ Th ank you to MSO for stepping up and showing us that no matt er what we will go through, Th e Arts will be there for the community . If we have the Arts then a thread of culture still exists.”
“ Th is was such an honour to be a part of, thanks to all the artists involved. Singing makes the world a bett er place.” “ Just fi nished watching your concert. Loved the music and extremely talented musicians. Th ank you so much for your live streaming over the last 2 months. Music has sustained and delighted me during the pandemic.”
“ Th ank you so much for this extraordinary opportunity . We were reduced to tears. A very emotional arrangement and so very well put together. And to the musicians and everyone at MSO big virtual hugs to you all.”
“ Please get the message to the performers that this was wonderfu l for so many people that were watching.”
“ Th ank you so much MSO for sharing this. Me, like so many others, really needed this tonight. Such a comfort (and pure treat!) to #keepthemusicgoing. You have no idea the impact you’re having on Melbourne right now, the nation, and around the world.”
“A beautifu l solution to strange times.”
“ It was so beautifu l — an unexpected side eff ect of this crisis may be to make the arts more accessible to those who’d ordinary be excluded. Looking forward to the next show.”
“ Th is is awesome — a live concert while we are in fu ll lockdown.”
“ Th ank you so much MSO and all involved for streaming this performance. It’s so lovely to momentarily immerse myself in your music and not focus on what is happening in the world.”
“ Th is has been amazing, my 10 year old is totally transfi xed the whole time!”
“ What a beautifu l, sparkling clean performance which is a testament to the highly professional, talented musicians led by maestro Benjamin Northey. Playing 6ft apart and still producing a great, balanced sound and without an audience there is just wonderfu l. Th e vocalists and chorus were just outstanding. What a thrill it must be to be there live, in person to hear such beautifu l music.”
