MSO Giving

My thanks to so many of you who have shared very special memories and heartfelt messages of tribute following the very sad news of the passing of Sir Andrew Davis CBE. We honoured his great legacy with our musicians and staff (current and former) recently which was very special; several tributes were shared, and yes, there were negronis on hand! I have been ruminating on the idea of connection of late, and how important it is in these times. When I see the foyer full of happy faces post-performance, I am uplifted by knowing that art and music are vital to creating long-lasting connections, friendships and new perspectives.

On the theme of connection, I wanted to honour and acknowledge two long-standing MSO supporters.

The first is the Robert Salzer Foundation, who have been generously supporting the MSO for the past decade. 2024 marks what would have been Robert’s centenary - he was born in Vienna in 1924 - as well as he and his late wife Betty’s 70th wedding anniversary. As key contributors to Australia’s cultural life, the Foundation that Robert and Betty started and nurtured has enriched the lives of so many. We are deeply thankful to them both.

The second is the Freemasons Foundation Victoria. With a shared commitment of building strong and vibrant communities, their support

has enabled our regional touring since 2019. Memorably, they pledged additional support so we could play in the bushfire-impacted community of Mallacoota back in 2021. It was a beautiful act of kindness that has stayed with all of us. Thank you.

In exciting news behind the curtain, I hope you have seen that both Maestro Martín and Ben Northey have recently renewed their tenures, as Chief Conductor and Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor – Learning and Development respectively. This is wonderful news and ensures we have the strongest artistic leadership for the future.

Lastly, next month the end of the financial year draws near. There is the opportunity to support our tax season appeal or renew your patronage for another uplifting year of world-class orchestral music and shared stories of connection. As always, we are grateful for your continued support.

Looking forward to seeing you in the concert hall soon.

My best wishes as always,

Suzanne Dembo Director, External Affairs and Philanthropy Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

304,623 LIVE AUDIENCE

177 PERFORMANCES

58 WORLD PREMIERES*

168

AUSTRALIAN WORKS PERFORMED*

200

ADDITIONAL ARTISTS ENGAGED MSO CONCERTS VIEWED IN

88 COUNTRIES

22,000+ STUDENTS AND LIFELONG LEARNERS ATTENDED 18 SCHOOLS’ PERFORMANCES AND 194 EDUCATION WORKSHOPS ONLINE AND IN PERSON *including arrangements

The Impact of Your Support

IN FOCUS

Engaging the community

The MSO’s commitment to providing music and learning opportunities across Victoria engaged over 10,000 people in eight regional communities. In metro Melbourne, MSO for Schools concerts captivated over 12,000 students and teachers. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, these learning experiences remained accessible with $9 tickets.

Thanks to all our regional, learning and community program supporters for expanding access to world-class orchestral music and learning opportunities.

IN FOCUS

First Nations First

On top of extraordinary performances celebrating our First Nations artists, the MSO presented the inaugural First Voices Showcase, a celebration of our First Voices composer’s program. Noongar man and conductor, Aaron Wyatt, led MSO musicians in the world premiere of two works by Ngaanyatjarrtaa Pitjantjatjara singer/ songwriter, Vonda Last (Awakening) and Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta and Yuin artist, composer and sound designer, James Henry (Wiidhaa).

Thanks to MSO Major NAIDOC Week Partner, Equity Trustees, the Ullmer Family Foundation and members of the MSO First Nations Giving Circle for your support.

What a treat it was, a real celebration of the power and beauty of music, these amazing instruments and artists who play them

– Weekend Notes, 25 June 2023

Martín, with energetic yet supple hands, beseeches (the orchestra) to join him on this wondrous musical journey, and the musical results speak for themselves

– Classic Melbourne, 10 November 2023

Thanks to your generosity, we can continue to enrich lives through music.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you MSO for sharing your immense skills and collective love of music with us… and also bringing that talent and passion on the road!

– Audience member

FUN FACT

In 2023, the MSO Library undertook a complete retypesetting of Australian composer Margaret Sutherland’s Haunted Hills from her original handwritten score. Prior to this, Haunted Hills was rarely performed, but thanks to MSO’s librarians, this work is now being presented by other orchestras, extending the reach and profile of this important Australian composer.

Maestro Martín: Above and Beyond

With the recent welcome announcement that the MSO’s Chief Conductor would be leading the Orchestra for a further three years, we sat down with Maestro Martín to reflect on his time so far, and the future ahead.

It's abundantly clear when chatting to Jaime that he is a connoisseur of life. From hosting paella parties for the wind section at his Southbank apartment (violin is up next), converting strangers into orchestra fans at Chin Chin (true story) and having a signature martini named after him (MSO Partner Patient Wolf’s Jaime Martín Martini), his energy and warmth are evident.

“I love the Orchestra, I love Melbourne, and I love Victoria,” he enthuses as he explains why he’s thrilled to have extended his tenure as Chief Conductor until 2028. “Obviously the Orchestra is very high quality and amazing, but I love the flexibility of the players. I feel very free to explore with them and the personal relationships we have formed.” He chuckles remembering the places he’s been recognised when out and about – a sure sign that his profile in Melbourne is perhaps a little higher than he ever expected.

“I was at the NGV doing one of their free guided tours, and someone came up to me for a selfie – I was a little embarrassed! Then I was on a wine tour and the bus driver said: “Excuse me, but are you the conductor at the MSO?” And just the other day, it was an Uber driver!” Jaime laughs.

“It makes me happy to know that the MSO audience is so diverse. Because music, in the end, is for all. I love to be able to ask them what they love and what tickles them.”

MSO subscriptions and ticket sales are at an all-time high. Jaime muses on why people are returning to concert halls in such high numbers.

“It’s seeking connection to the sense of community. And I think that's something that we appreciate, particularly now after COVID. Music, theatre, sport – to see the collective emotions of people, this is something that comforts us. Have you noticed that when you go to a concert, or to a museum, and you see something you like, your first instinct always is to look at the face of the person with us?”

Jaime continues this train of thought. “This is what we couldn't do during the pandemic, and we lost that connection. When you’re at a live

event, you’re together, gasping at something incredible, and there’s beauty in that moment. It is the physical power of community.”

He thinks about the role of the arts in a society that is rapidly changing.

“We are arriving at a moment where we cannot trust what is real or what is not. We don't know if this photograph or film is real, or somebody has created it with AI. More than ever, we need to touch things or to feel.

To hear sounds in the concert hall, we know they are real,” says Jaime. He recalls the energy in the room for the first meet up of Future MSO – a new initiative aimed at bringing

The most important role of a conductor is to focus the energy of each member of the orchestra, to make people feel that they have room to express themselves.

together the next generation of orchestral music lovers, and one that Jaime is especially passionate about.

“It’s not only important to foster young people’s love of the art form, but also elemental. We really must develop this. Meeting this group, hearing what they had to say and how much they appreciated evenings like we had together, you see their commitment and what the Orchestra means to them. I think that's a lovely, wonderful sign for the future. It’s creating a social context for them, because you can then meet people that enjoy the same thing.”

In the three years Jaime has been at the MSO, there have been a plethora of highlights. He casts his mind back to share a few of his absolute standouts.

“The opening concert I did as a chief conductor, in which we combined a new piece by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO with William Barton the soloist, called Baparripna - I would never forget that concert. That concert brings together my idea of how I want my relationship with the Orchestra to work, which is to bring the great music from all masters like Mahler, but also to focus and to really pay attention to the situation in Australia and in this case, First Nations people as part of the culture and the heritage of this country. And because of that, it's part of the future. So I am very committed to that,” he says.

“We also played a piece by Margaret Sutherland, who is a Melbourne composer and a hero of the time. Celebrating the work of Australian composers and pioneers like Margaret is also about preserving the past while breathing new life into it.”

“I have to add another special moment,” Jaime says with palpable excitement.

“It’s the first concert of our last season, in which we perform and start our recording adventure with Siobhan Stagg. I just saw it today! Siobhan performed a piece by Debussy - orchestrated by Australian composer Brett Dean - and Strauss. This will be our first CD together, which will be released by LSO Live.”

The MSO has always had a strong international reputation, one that continues with the upcoming tour to Singapore in August.

“Our natural home, our natural audience, and the natural stage for us is Melbourne. But I think touring is very important.

Firstly, it's important for the wellbeing of the Orchestra to play. Not to always play at home, to play away, to get away from their comfort zone. But I think it's also important for our audience because they know us. If we succeed outside of Melbourne, it will help to make our audience proud of us.”

He is proud that he has found another artistic home in Melbourne and reflects on his role as conductor.

“My job as a conductor is to focus the energy of 100 people. Everybody in the orchestra will have their own ideas of how they want particular music to happen. What I must do is to try to direct all this energy willingly. The most important role of a conductor is to focus the energy of each member of the orchestra, to make people feel that they have room to express themselves,” he ruminates.

“It's very important in this process that people stay with you, rather than you losing them along the way. Their part is a very precious and valued part of the whole.”

He shares a last thought for the MSO’s generous and loyal patrons.

“By supporting the MSO, you are helping the future of the Orchestra and making sure that future generations will be able to enjoy what you are enjoying right now. We have a responsibility to help preserve the past while looking to the future.”

MARTÍN’S MELBOURNE

Coffee order?

A flat white from St. Ali at South Melbourne Markets.

Spot for quiet contemplation?

The Royal Botanic Gardens –nature with Melbourne skyline in the background. So beautiful.

Current favourite dish?

The kingfish sashimi at Chin Chin.

Best place to wander?

The lovely little shops in Fitzroy for finding pottery objects or funky books.

Jaime Martín with mezzo-soprano, Raehann Bryce-Davis

Jaime Martín with MSO patron, Anna Tomada

Snapshots

SIDNEY MYER FREE CONCERTS

In February, the MSO celebrated several milestones for our Sidney Myer Free Concerts - 90 years since the passing of the late Sidney Myer, 95 years of free MSO outdoor concerts, and 65 years of these concerts in the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl. We’re incredibly grateful to the Myer family and were honoured to have Sidney Myer’s youngest daughter, Lady Marigold Southey AC, address the Bowl audience. Thank you to everyone who joined us across the three evenings!

Photo Credits: Mark Gambino.

1: Ben Northey, Edgar Myer, Sophie Galaise and Lady Southey AC. 2: Siobhan Macken, Rebecca Callaghan, Catherine Hempenstall and Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe. 3: Matt and Sascha Becker. 4: Edgar Myer and Suzie Wnukowska-Mtonga. 5: Margaret Jackson AC and Sophie Galaise. 6: Myer Family members with David Li AM and Sophie Galaise. 7: Lady Potter AC (right) and guest. 8: David Moffatt, Lady Southey AC and Lindy Shelmerdine.

Pictured

RYMAN HEALTHCARE SEASON OPENING GALA

We welcomed back Maestro Martín at the Ryman Healthcare Season Opening Gala, featuring the world premiere of Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO's incredible Earth, commissioned by the MSO to complement Holst’s The Planets. The post-concert event was extra special with the announcement of Maestro Martín’s tenure extension until 2028! Photo Credits: Laura Manariti.

Pictured 1: Ryman Healthcare CEO Cameron Holland and Jaime Martín. 2: Peter Berry and Amanda Quirk. 3: Bill and Melissa Fleming. 4: Elizabeth Romanowski and Jaime Martín.

Snapshots

FUTURE MSO

MSO’s new young patron network, Future MSO, was officially launched on Friday 15 March. The lively event introduced new faces to the Orchestra with an entertaining Q&A featuring Maestro Martín and Raehann Bryce-Davis, and the first taste of the Jaime Martín Martini bottled cocktail, our collaboration with MSO partner, Patient Wolf. We welcome and thank our inaugural Future MSO patrons and look forward to growing the network. Photo Credits: Laura Manariti.

Next gen music fans can learn more about Future MSO by contacting Christina Chiam on chiamc@mso.com.au or (03) 8646 1551.

Pictured 1: Jessica Agoston Cleary, Alexandra Champion de Crespigny and guest. 2: Josh and Theresa Chye. 3: Demetrio Zema and Jaime Martín. 4: Michelle Wood and Raehann Bryce-Davis. 5: Emily Beauchamp and Marigold Hayward. 6: Diane Hodgdon and Barry Mowszowski.

OPEN REHEARSAL

MSO’s first Open Rehearsal for the year saw Maestro Martín lead the Orchestra through a fascinating rehearsal of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with soloist, Alban Gerhardt. We hope you enjoyed (re)connecting with each other and look forward to seeing you at the next Open Rehearsal on 28 August. See the back page for upcoming events. Photo Credits: Laura Pemberton.

Pictured 1: Annie Neil and guest. 2: Ted Mills, Sandy Dent, Cecilie Hall and Jennifer Henry. 3: Jane Clancy and Simone Clancy. 4: John Jones and MSO Head of Philanthropy, Christina Chiam. 5: Suzanne Dembo with Lyn and John Coppock. 6: Rhyl Wade and Clem Gruen. 7: Wendy Hall and Chris Friday.

GREAT SCOT!

After a decade presiding over music programming at one of Europe’s most distinguished and eclectic music festivals, Andrew Moore has flown halfway across the world to call Melbourne home. Meet the MSO's new Director of Programming.

It’s just days into his role, and the MSO’s newest addition already feels at home.

“There’s Jaime,” he observes with a smile, looking out the office window on a sunny autumn afternoon.

“It’s funny, we’ve only met twice in person, but have had many long conversations over the phone and Zoom. It feels like we’re already quite aligned, and I’m excited about how the artistic partnership will grow.”

He continues, explaining his role in more detail, and with contagious enthusiasm.

“The Director of Programming role is about helping realise the Conductor’s artistic vision for the orchestra. What are the ambitions, the breadth, the pieces the audience needs to work up to? And how can I use the network and relationships I’ve built over the past decade to bring those ambitions to life?”

Andrew spent the past ten years as Head of Music at the Edinburgh International Festival. In that time, he brokered appearances by a range of classical music stars, while also spotting the brightest of up-and-coming talent.

“There was no other role like it in Europe and it was incredibly exciting. But it’s very different working up to one festival moment in the calendar, to programming a year-round orchestra

with such a varied repertoire,” Andrew notes. “I am thrilled to be here, especially at this point in MSO’s story –it really is an international orchestra and that was part of what drew me here.”

Andrew is passionate about building strong relationships with artists. “In my previous role, artists wanted to come because of the people involved in the festival and because of the artistic environment we fostered. We made sure to look after people well, and I’ll be bringing that sensibility into this role.”

Andrew reflects on where his own love of orchestral music came from as a wee lad from Scotland.

“Growing up, my grandfather was quite musical and encouraged me to play. Cello was the first instrument I learnt, and I was fortunate to have music education throughout my school years – I never had private lessons,” he remembers fondly.

“It very much mirrors the journey that MSO has created for musical experiences for young people through the Learning and Engagement unit.”

“There were also these great music magazines for kids that came with orchestral recordings. I particularly remembered Dvorak New World Symphony, and the 4th Orchestral Suite by JS Bach.

Then I went and saw a chamber orchestra live, and I was hooked.”

Cello made way for double bass, the focus of Andrew’s university studies.

“I never play as much as I would like, but when I do, I find I’m pleasantly surprised that I’m not completely terrible!” Andrew says with a laugh.

His wife Louisa and his beloved dog Laurel, a miniature Labradoodle, will be joining him in six months time, with Louisa taking up a post at Orchestra Victoria.

“It will be a bit of a transitionary time, but I’m sure it will go quickly. There’s a lot to absorb so it will give me that absolute focus time,” says Andrew.

First order of priority: getting to know the MSO audience.

“I love going to everything, being out in the foyer after, having honest discussions with the patrons,” he laughs.

“It’s great when you build that trust and you can challenge the audience – you say you like Mahler, but you won’t come see an early Schoenberg piece? Trust me when I say I think you’ll like it.”

“I’ve already noticed that there’s subtle differences between the audiences at the different venues here in Melbourne, and I can’t wait to meet and get to know MSO patrons – I’m not shy!”

MSO Academy

READY FOR TAKE-OFF

Two years after launching, MSO Academy – a prestigious yet practical pathway to an orchestral career – is expanding. We spoke to Nick Bochner, our Head of Learning and Engagement, to hear about the program’s growth.

Nick Bochner is cheerful, with cause to be smiling. MSO Academy, one of the programs he helped create as part of the MSO’s Learning and Engagement team, is poised for expansion. Currently a 12-month long program, it became evident there would be benefit in extending the Academists’ experience over a two-year period. This means additional emerging musicians will have the opportunity to learn and thrive under the MSO’s mentorship - and in a deeper and more meaningful way - with extra performance experience to add to their bows (pardon the pun).

“Since our first initial six-month pilot in 2022, 13 Academists have been in the program, counting this year’s cohort,” Nick explains. “By expanding to a two-year format, we’ll have eight Academists in any given year.”

The MSO Academy is a paid, year-long program for up to four emerging musicians each year. They are guaranteed 60+ mainstage calls as well as chamber music projects; mentorship with permanent MSO musicians and professional development and industry training. This year’s intake features Donica Tran (violin), Alexandra Allan (oboe), Tasman Compton (bassoon) and Adam Davis (trumpet).

With the MSO constantly in demand for festivals and international collaborations – the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the

Royal Academy of Music in London as examples – a secondary, extension year for the Academists was born.

“The second-year idea was an organic development,” Nick reflects. “The demand for international and national opportunities was growing, and we thought: “what a wonderful opportunity for the Academists to have access to these experiences; let’s put them in the mix.”

Expanding the program also had the benefit of the second year Academists being on hand to support the newer cohort. Mentorship is a key objective of the program.

“The mentorship aspect of the MSO Academy is so important. It's very valuable for the permanent musicians to pass on their experience, and it also keeps them in touch with what’s happening with the younger generation of musicians. It was very much designed as a two-way program, to enrich the Academists and the Orchestra players.”

The MSO Academy has been generously supported by Platinum Patrons Di Jameson OAM and Frank Mercurio.

“The patrons become another source of support for them, which is lovely. Our Co-Deputy Chair Di was really the driving force of the program, she is so invested in developing young people and her influence cannot be understated.”

Ultimately, MSO Academy is about knowledge sharing and strengthening the future of the Australian orchestral canon.

“As part of his new contract, Ben [Northey]’s remit has expanded to Artistic Advisor for Learning and Engagement. This means he has input into designing the program and is part of the Academist’s professional development. He and I have both reached the age and stage of our careers where everything we’ve learnt, we want to invest back,” Nick says with passion.

“The question for us was: how can we build the Australian orchestral sector to its fullest potential? Training programs like the MSO Academy are a big piece of the puzzle.”

If you’d like to help foster the next generation of exceptional musicians, please contact Charlotte Crocker, Philanthropy Lead at crockerc@mso.com.au

Two of a kind

MSO Assistant Principal Second Violin Monica Curro, and distinguished molecular biologist and MSO patron Professor Emeritus Mary-Jane Gething AO (known as MJ) may seem like opposites. But look beyond the surface and you’ll find a deep and abiding friendship forged on shared values, a love of the arts and a sprinkling of mischief. MJ supports Monica’s position through the MSO’s Adopt a Musician initiative.

Monica

Having MJ support my position is the BEST. I always play from the heart but it makes the performance much more personal when she’s there.

Ifirst met MJ and Joe (MJ’s late husband) in 2014 after Stefan – my partner in everything – had spoken with Joe at a Melba Opera Trust event about our then new ensemble PLEXUS. They invited us for tea shortly after, and Joe asked us: “how do you plan to fund PLEXUS?” We answered with an amount we thought we needed, and MJ jumped in and said “I don’t think that’s quite enough” and offered more. I burst into tears! In fact, it still makes me teary remembering that – it was so generous, and very telling of the type of person she is. Joe reminded me a lot of my father – gruff, intense and brilliant, yet kind – while MJ was all sweetness, light and gorgeousness.

MJ is mischievously lovely, ridiculously generous and blisteringly intelligent. She carries her love of research into normal life and has given me a deeper appreciation of the layers of history. We took a road trip down to Port Campbell to visit the site of the Loch

Ard shipwreck, and she was able to tell me all about Tom and Eva, the only two survivors out of the 52 people on board. It was quite profound. I am a bigpicture, creative type, while MJ is great with detail.

Having MJ support my position is the BEST. I always play from the heart but it makes the performance much more personal when she’s there. I’m fortunate to have a permanent position with the MSO, but I’m deeply concerned about our entire arts sector, and I think it’s appalling that most artists in Australia are not funded at the level they should be. Without the arts, your souls will shrivel up - you won’t even realise until it is too late!

MJ and I seem opposite on the surface, but philosophically, we are kindred spirits. We agree on what’s important. Her support means everything to me. She's one of my most precious friends; the Adopt a Musician connection means I just get to see her even more often.

MJ

The thing that struck me most about Monica when we first met was the depth of her commitment to music and musicians - her emotional commitment to them and to the arts community in general. Music wasn’t really part of my childhood. My father had six LPs and they were a mix of sung comedy and a few classics. I learned an instrument for about five minutes until the teacher and I agreed that it wasn't my skill! When I met Joe he, already an eminent scientist, was also an opera and classical music fanatic. I just went with the flow and became more and more entranced. Many of my friends at university weren’t scientists. I've always balanced my scientific life with the humanities, and even more so now that I'm retired. I think it helps keep me sane!

Monica is a tour de force, full of joie de vivre … not to mention generous

What I like about my gift to the MSO via the Adopt a Musician program is that it honours Monica…it helps her to act as a conduit to supporting all musicians.

and supportive. We once went together to the Adelaide Festival and even in the streets of the city we couldn't walk more than about ten paces without Monica being greeted by someone she knew. It was so funny. And she's also the sort of person that if she meets someone she doesn’t already know, she'll be their best friend in about five minutes. Scientists don't earn much, but late in our careers Joe and I did a piece of research that yielded an improvement patent for a drug used to treat heart attack and stroke. This earned us more money than we had ever dreamed of, but we were already settled in our lifestyle and didn’t need it for ourselves. It has been such a privilege and pleasure giving it away to support causes close to our hearts. Monica and I pretty much agree on everything when it comes to music, and life. She understands my tastes

very well. Before Joe died, he had insisted that he didn't want a funeral, so we had a concert in his honour instead. Monica and Stefan chose and played the most beautiful music, with full understanding of what would most touch my heart. What I like about my gift to the MSO via the Adopt a Musician program is that it honours Monica. The gift doesn’t enrich her monetarily in any way, but as with her many other activities in our musical ecosystem, it helps her to act as a conduit to supporting all musicians - it’s what she lives for - and I think she should get every assistance possible to do that.

To continue supporting the Orchestra you love, while getting to know your favourite player, why not Adopt a Musician! To learn more, contact Charlotte Crocker at crockerc@mso.com.au

Meet Christina Chiam

MSO’S NEW HEAD OF PHILANTHROPY

1. Welcome Christina to the MSO family! What led you here?

Music and the arts have been part of my life since I was child, so I always saw the arts as being part of my career. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to combine a personal love into my professional life.

2. You've had a long, successful career in the arts so far - can you share some highlights?

There are two experiences that have really shaped my perspective. The first was the Australian Youth Orchestra where I saw the importance of developing future orchestral musicians to create a healthy ecosystem for the art form.

Second, the sheer scale of the Toronto Film Festival and how North America views fundraising for the arts was also quite formative for me.

3. You’re clearly a huge culture vulture! Can you give us your top 3 arts or culture moments/ performances that have stood out?

1. MSO Carmina Burana (2017)

The scale and connection of the chorus and Orchestra together produced such a spellbinding experience - I’m thrilled I get to see it again in July.

2. There is a vibrant indie theatre scene in Sydney – it’s minimal

funding and maximum heart. Lucy Clements’ works with New Ghost Theatre Company blew me away.

3. I recently saw my 17-year-old niece step on stage for the first time and she was so good! I had tears in my eyes - it was a proud Aunty moment.

4. You have helped raise millions of dollars for the arts. What inspires meaningful giving?

At the heart of it, any relationship needs to be underpinned by mutual values and alignments of beliefs and passions. If you care about similar things and take the time to build trust and understanding, you can achieve meaningful impact together. It’s about mutual respect and transparency.

5. You're now Head of Philanthropy at MSO - what are you most excited about in this role?

Community and connection are more important than ever – to me, and to society. It’s being able to build those connections with MSO donors, who have this incredible shared love of music, to make it all possible.

6. What have you learnt so far at the MSO that’s surprised you?

That the heat of a 36-degree day will not stop 10,000 music fans from carving out their favourite spot on the Sidney Myer Music Bowl lawn!

7. Do you have a favourite instrument?

As a child in the car with my mum, I heard the flute for the first time and it stopped me in my tracks. I then spent seven years trying, and failing, to master it.

8. What are you most looking forward to in the program?

I can’t wait to hear Max Richter’s The Four Seasons Recomposed, which also features a world premiere work by our composer in residence Katy Abbott. It will be divine.

9. To finish off, can you share three fast facts about you?

I used to be an Irish dancer.

I am sadly gluten intolerant (but will suffer to eat an almond croissant!)

Without fail, I annually read Pride and Prejudice

10. Finish this sentence: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is ... a warm musical hug that lifts our spirits and enhances our lives.

KEITH’S PICKS

Introducing Keith’s Picks! A handy guide to MSO concert highlights from our very own Donor Liaison and music aficionado, Keith Clancy. This issue, Keith has selected one for newbies, one for harp fans and one you may have overlooked.

Beethoven Festival

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER

HAMER HALL

I always recommend Beethoven’s Symphonies to people who may be new to orchestral music. They are well-known works that teach you how to listen to classical music. All nine symphonies are very different, but any

Forbidden Love

are a wonderful entry point. I will be at every single one, as nothing compares to the electrifying effect of hearing such intensely expressive music live.

Chamber Music Series

SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER, 11AM

IWAKI AUDITORIUM

MSO Principal Harp Yinuo Mu has curated an adventurous program of chamber works for harp and strings by Arnold Bax, Debussy, Dvorak and Andre Caplet, whose Conte Fantastique is rarely heard in the concert hall. Well worth getting up early for on a Sunday morning!

Supporting MSO’s Instrument Fund is a powerful way to keep MSO musicians performing at the top of their game. We're working hard to replace Yinou’s harp after 20 years. Contact Christina Chiam to learn how you can help chiamc@mso.com.au

THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER, 7 : 30 PM AND SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER, 2 PM

HAMER HALL

Led by charismatic French conductor Fabien Gabel, this ravishing program features rare quasi operatic delights - a suite from Debussy’s only opera Pelleas et Melisande; the “Prelude and Liebestod” from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde; and a sweeping symphonic poem

drawn from Richard Strauss’ opera, The Woman without a Shadow. The theme of illicit or forbidden love is also captured in a rare performance of the Piano Concerto by Clara Schumann with Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu.

Upcoming Supporter Events

JUNE

POST-CONCERT PATRON LOUNGE: JAIME CONDUCTS RACHMANINOV & DVORAK

Thursday 27 June, Hamer Hall

JULY

GUEST OF NOTE FUNDRAISING DINNER: JAIME MARTÍN & WILLIAM BARTON*

6:30pm, Saturday 6 July, Iwaki Auditorium

ADOPT A MUSICIAN DINNER SUPPORTERS EVENT

6:30pm, Tuesday 16 July, Sofitel

2025 SEASON LAUNCH

6:15pm, Wednesday 17 July, Hamer Hall

AUGUST

SNARE DRUM AWARD SUPPORTER EVENT

6:30pm, Monday 26 August, Iwaki Auditorium

OPEN REHEARSAL & PATRONS LOUNGE: WITH LAWRENCE RENES 5:30pm, Wednesday 28 August, Hamer Hall

GUEST OF NOTE FUNDRAISING DINNER: RODERICK WILLIAMS & SIOBHAN STAGG*

6:30pm, Friday 30 August, Iwaki Auditorium

SEPTEMBER

POST-CONCERT PATRON LOUNGE: DVORAK & BRUCKNER

Thursday 5 September, Hamer Hall

OCTOBER

POST-CONCERT PATRON LOUNGE: FORBIDDEN LOVE

Thursday 10 October, Hamer Hall

NOVEMBER

MSO GUARDIANS HIGH TEA

Tuesday 12 November, Sofitel

POST-CONCERT PATRON LOUNGE: SPRING GALABEETHOVENS NINTH

Thursday 28 November, Hamer Hall

* Ticketed Event

Times and dates are subject to change. Individual invitations will be issued. Please RSVP for catering purposes.