Chief Conductor’s Report

As I reflect on the 2022 Season, I am filled with happiness not only for a year of great music but also for the warm welcome I received from the MSO family. It was truly a special year for me, as it marked my first year as Chief Conductor of this incredible orchestra.

We were able to collaborate with so many great artists from Australia and around the world, including Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Pablo SainzVillegas, Yeol Eum Son, and Jonathan Biss— performing Brett Dean’s dynamic new piano concerto commissioned by the MSO—and the MSO’s very own Principal Viola, Christopher Moore; all alongside the incredible musicians of the MSO.

As an orchestra, we were privileged to share the stage with extraordinary First Nations artists including Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO whose stirring new work Baparripna opened our season and William Barton who’s masterful playing of the Yidaki was a highlight. The Orchestra’s performance with Uncle Archie Roach AC at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl not long before his passing is a moment I was honoured to experience from the audience and one that will remain with all of us for the rest of our lives.

Away from our mainstage, the MSO undertook an expansive program of learning and engagement activity and regional touring. I was delighted to travel with a group of our musicians to Mildura where we were so warmly received by the community, reminding all of us that our MSO Family extends right across Victoria. I also spent two joyous days working with an orchestra of community musicians who rehearsed and performed side-by-side with MSO musicians in our annual Symphony in a Day project.

Throughout the season, I was constantly astounded by the artistry and commitment of the musicians of our orchestra, who set such a high standard of orchestral excellence. This was particularly evident in our performances of the three Stravinsky ballets and the performances of Verdi’s mighty Requiem for which we were joined by fine musicians from ANAM and the MSO Chorus, our sister ensemble who continue to thrive under the inspirational leadership of Warren Trevelyan-Jones.

As I look to the future there is so much to be excited about. I am confident that we will continue to build upon the successes of the 2022 Season and bring even more outstanding music and performances to our communities. Thank you for your continued support of the MSO. We could not do what we do without you, and we look forward to sharing many more wonderful experiences with you in the years to come.

A YEAR OF RECOVERY

230,954 LIVE AUDIENCE

148 PERFORMANCES

98% SURVEY RESPONDENTS BELIEVE THE MSO IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CITY’S CULTURAL LIFE

1.4M DIGITAL AUDIENCE

232 SCHOOLS WORKSHOPS ATTRACTING

16,137 school-aged students and teachers/views

9

MSO CONCERTS VIEWED IN COUNTRIES

59

95% SURVEY RESPONDENTS BELIEVE THAT THE MSO IS A TRULY GREAT ORCHESTRA

36 SCHOOLS PERFORMANCES ATTRACTING

7,871 school-aged students and teachers/views

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT TALKS, CONVERSATIONS & LEARNING EVENTS ATTRACTING

17,399 people/views

93 WORLD PREMIERES*

135

AUSTRALIAN WORKS PERFORMED*

92

MSO COMMISSIONS PERFORMED*

Awards

WINNER

APRA AMCOS Art Music Award for Performance of the Year: Notated Composition

For WATA: a Gathering for Manikay Performers, Improvising Soloists and Orchestra, a collaboration between by David Yipininy Wilfred and Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred, Paul Grabowsky AO, the Australian Art Orchestra, and the MSO, under conductor Benjamin Northey.

WINNER

ARIA Award for Classical Music Album of the Year

For the MSO recording of The Enchanted Loom: Orchestral Works by Carl Vine by the MSO and Sir Andrew Davis through ABC Classic.

WINNER

Sophie Galaise

Asia Society Australia’s Melbourne Asia Game Changer—Champion of Recovery

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34,993 INSTAGRAM followers (22% increase)

19,586

YOUTUBE subscribers (5% increase)

13,060

TWITTER followers

435

TIKTOK followers (new in 2022)

6,667 LINKEDIN followers (23% increase)

3,972

NEWS MENTIONS with audience reach of

129,923,607