MSO Season 2024 Brochure

MANY STORIES. ONE MSO.

WELCOME TO SEASON 2024

Welcome to the MSO’s 2024 Season. We have had a lot of fun programming this year’s concerts and the Orchestra is looking forward to welcoming international stars and local artists to share our stage.

I would like to thank the MSO team for their hard work and leadership in curating this year’s program. Also to our world-class musicians who create memorable moments every week.

And a special thanks to you, our subscribers. You are the lifeblood of our organisation and without you we wouldn’t be here. It is a privilege to perform for you and to connect with you through our music.

I look forward to seeing you again soon.

2024 will be a truly special year for the MSO and we are excited to share it with you. Our dear Jaime Martín returns to make magic with our Orchestra, and in doing so will inspire countless Melburnians and Victorians.

It has been wonderful to see so many subscribers return to the MSO in 2023. We know many more of you will take your seats again next Season. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Based on audience feedback, we are pleased to offer a new 12-concert Thursday Night subscription series (with a bonus subscriber discount). Don’t miss it.

2024 will also see us spread our wings into more suburban and regional venues than ever before.

Big thank you to my colleagues who have worked tirelessly to develop the 2024 program, and to those of you who subscribe, donate, and support our Orchestra on stage and off.

Jaime Martín Chief Conductor

Sophie Galaise Managing Director

WHAT’S YOUR MSO STORY?

Maybe you've been a subscriber for many years like Anne (cover, top right), or maybe you’re introducing a young one to live music like Sowmya is with her daughter Sufi (top left)

Perhaps an MSO concert is your perfect ‘date night’, like former MSO Chorus member Luke and his husband Nigel (bottom left), or maybe you just come to everything you possibly can (and share it on Instagram), like our super-fan Charlie (bottom right)

Every story is different, but together they create the perfect harmony of moments, memories and delights, brought to life by the talented musicians of the MSO.

Join us in 2024 for a season of stories that will last a lifetime.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

KEY DATES

Subscription packages available from: 7PM, 19 JULY 2023

Secure the best seats at the best prices by subscribing early!

Earlybird deadline: 18 AUGUST 2023

Purchase your subscription before the earlybird deadline and we’ll waive the transaction and postage fees. Plus, you'll be entered to win a fabulous prize package including MSO tickets, a night at the Sofitel and more!

Renewing subscribers’ deadline: 22 SEPTEMBER 2023

Subscribe by the renewal deadline to guarantee the same seats from your 2023 set series subscription.

RETURNING AFTER A BREAK?

We’d love to see you back in the concert hall in one of our set series or as part of a Create Your Own Series. Book early to secure the best seating.

NEW SUBSCRIBERS

Book early for the best selection!

Individual concerts available to purchase from: 10AM, 3 OCTOBER 2023

REQUIRE ASSISTANCE?

The MSO offers services and facilities to ensure our events are accessible to everyone, including: Wheelchair and mobility aid access, Hearing assistance, Accessible parking.

Please make your access requirements known at time of booking. If you or a member of your party require accessible seating please complete the accessible seating information section on your booking form. The MSO is an affiliate of the Companion Card program and admits carers to concerts as ticketed complimentary guests when a valid companion card is presented. Please call the MSO Box Office on (03) 9929 9600 for further details.

HOW TO BOOK

Visit mso.com.au/2024

Phone (03) 9929 9600 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm)

In person at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall (Mon–Fri, 10am–3pm until 28 September 2023)

RENEWING SUBSCRIBERS

See pages 50–55 for subscription package details. Renew (or change) your subscription seats for a set series at mso.com.au/2024

Phone (03) 9929 9600 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm)

Email boxoffice@mso.com.au

Return your enclosed renewal form by post to:

MSO Box Office

Reply Paid 9994

Melbourne VIC 3001

(no stamp required if posted in Australia)

CREATE YOUR OWN SERIES

Select performances and seats to build your very own bespoke package of concerts throughout 2024.

Learn more about Create Your Own Series pricing on page 56. Book early for the best seats at the best price! Pricing subject to change from 25 September 2023.

GEELONG SUBSCRIPTIONS

Book via Geelong Arts Centre (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) 81 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220

Phone 1300 251 200

Email boxoffice@geelongartscentre.org.au

All details correct as of 26 June 2023. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra reserves the right to vary without notice programs, prices, artists and/or venues as may become necessary.

Please visit mso.com.au/terms for the MSO’s privacy policy, terms and conditions.

Credits Design SGY / Printing and distribution Immij / Orchestra and attendee photos Laura Manariti / Production Phil Paschke and Katya Dibb

SUBSCRIBER REWARDS

Full details at mso.com.au/rewards

BEST SEATS

• Renew your set series subscription by 22 September to keep the same seat you held in 2023, or have first priority for new seats if you’d like to make a change.

• Create Your Own Series to lock in the best available seats in the house during the priority period.

• Receive presale access to new concerts and special events announced through 2023 and 2024.

CONCERT PROGRAMS

• Show your concert ticket to receive your free printed concert program (normal price $5).

DISCOUNTS

• Save up to 20% on single ticket prices with a subscription.

• $50 bonus ‘add-on’ concerts available at time of subscription (set series only).

• Save 10% on any additional 2023 tickets ordered with your subscription.

• Save 10% on the best available price for additional MSO ticket purchases all season (including presales!).

• Discounts on MSO merchandise and recordings.

• Discounts at Arts Centre Melbourne restaurants and bars, cultural partners across Australia and New Zealand, and corporate partners throughout the year.

• Discounted access to MSO.LIVE, the Orchestra’s online home.

FEE-FREE FLEXIBILITY

• If your plans change, you can easily exchange your tickets fee-free (save $15 per exchanged ticket).

• If you forget or lose your tickets, we’ll replace them at no charge.

SHARE THE LOVE

• Receive complimentary double passes to two MSO concerts in 2024 (to give away or for yourself) – simply opt-in to receive emails from the MSO!

Being an MSO subscriber is rewarding in so many ways – whether it’s the thrill of a captivating performance, the inspiration that follows a concert, or the joy of a shared experience.

WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF A FULL LIFE?

At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. A life where you can appreciate the little things.

Rediscover lost passions and plunge headfirst into new ones.

Surround yourself with new people, old friends and close family. Live with opportunities and experiences at your doorstep.

That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectations of ageing, while bringing joy and meaning to every moment.

rymanhealthcare.com.au

DAVID & SHIRLEY Ryman Residents

The MSO respectfully acknowledges the people of the Eastern Kulin Nations as the Traditional Custodians of the un-ceded land on which we work. We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging and honour the world’s oldest continuing music practice.

GREAT STORIES.

In 2024 we celebrate music’s ability to tell stories that move and inspire us, from evocative soundscapes to works inspired by great literature.

Join us on a journey both thrilling and profound as we explore the great stories in music.

HIGHLIGHTS

RYMAN HEALTHCARE SEASON

OPENING GALA: JAIME CONDUCTS THE PLANETS p.21

AMERICAN STORIES: BERNSTEIN, GERSHWIN AND MORE p.23

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI p.24

JAIME CONDUCTS A HERO’S LIFE p.26

JAIME CONDUCTS ROMEO AND JULIET p.32

Look for the great stories symbol throughout Season 2024, or visit mso.com.au/stories to view all events in this theme.

AUSTRALIAN MUSIC & FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS.

New work is in the MSO’s DNA.

Season 2024 features 13 new commissions, including 11 by Australian composers and more than half written by women. We continue to support emerging artists through the Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers and First Voices Composer programs. We also continue to work respectfully in partnership with First Nations artists and communities to celebrate the oldest continuing music practice in the world.

CYBEC SHOWCASE p.16

METROPOLIS: HIDDEN

THOUGHTS SERIES p.25, 33 & 34

FIRST VOICES SHOWCASE p.27

RYMAN HEALTHCARE WINTER

GALA: CARMINA BURANA p.31

NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATION p.32

Look for the symbols throughout Season 2024, or visit mso.com.au/australian to view all events in this theme and learn more about the Australian and First Nations artists we collaborate with.

NGAPA WILLIAM COOPER p.39

HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN

William Barton performs Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry at the Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala

WOMEN IN MUSIC.

EVENTS P.19–20

EARS WIDE OPEN:

CLARA SCHUMANN

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED: A TRIBUTE TO OLIVIA

NEWTON-JOHN

MASTERCLASS WITH RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS

Incredible female composers, conductors and soloists from Australia and overseas are featured throughout Season 2024. We celebrate their contributions to the arts at our special International Women’s Day events in March.

Mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis joins us in March for Mahler 3.

FESTIVALS.

BAROQUE FESTIVAL

2–6 APRIL

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Explore the exciting musical world of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel in a sublime week, culminating in a performance of St John Passion marking the 300th anniversary of its premiere.

CONCERTS

BACH AND VIVALDI CONCERTOS

HANDEL AND VIVALDI ARIAS

ST JOHN PASSION

See page 22 for details.

METROPOLIS

MSO’s New Music Series

MSO Composer in Residence Katy Abbott’s series of works Hidden Thoughts is presented throughout 2024 as part of our Metropolis series. Each work includes text sourced from the public, elevating the perceived ‘ordinary and mundane’ into powerful and meaningful statements of grace and kindness. See page 34 for details on sharing your story with Katy as part of this series.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL

19–30 NOVEMBER

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Experience the breathtaking range of Beethoven’s symphonic output in a stunning fortnight covering all nine symphonies of one of classical music’s most brilliant composers.

CONCERTS

SYMPHONIES 1 & 3

SYMPHONIES 2 & 5

SYMPHONIES 4 & 6

SYMPHONIES 7 & 8

RYMAN HEALTHCARE SPRING

GALA: BEETHOVEN'S NINTH

See pages 42–43 for details.

CONCERTS

HIDDEN THOUGHTS I p.25

HIDDEN THOUGHTS II p.33

VIVALDI RECOMPOSED /

HIDDEN THOUGHTS III p.34

EAST MEETS WEST.

HIGHLIGHTS

CHINESE NEW YEAR p.17

JAIME CONDUCTS ROMEO AND JULIET p.32

TAN DUN: NINE p.37

SHOSTAKOVICH’S FIRST CELLO CONCERTO p.39

In 2024 we celebrate the Year of the Dragon at our annual Chinese New Year concert, and welcome great artists from across Asia in compelling programs throughout the year.

Look

Nodoka Okisawa conducts the MSO in Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto in October.

MAHLER & DVOŘÁK

MSO Chief Conductor Jaime Martín continues his exploration of the complete symphonies of Gustav Mahler and Antonin Dvořák – two masters of the form.

HIGHLIGHTS

MAHLER SYMPHONY NO.3 p.20

14–16 March

DVOŘÁK SYMPHONY NO.8 p.30

27–29 June

GREAT COMPOSERS. MSO CHORUS

From Fauré’s serene Requiem to Beethoven’s glorious Ode to Joy, hear the voice of the MSO’s choral repertoire at concerts throughout Season 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS

ST JOHN PASSION p.22

SONG CYCLES p.27

RYMAN HEALTHCARE WINTER

GALA: CARMINA BURANA p.31

FAURÉ’S REQUIEM p.36

MEET OUR ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE.

In 2024 we welcome extraordinary artists to our Artistic Family.

KATY ABBOTT Composer in Residence

Forensically curious about concepts of connection, place and humour which are threaded throughout her work, Katy Abbott is a highly-awarded Australian composer whose works are performed and recorded around the world. She is an Honorary Senior Fellow at Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and founded The Artists’ Mentor, which supports established artists across disciplines to build long-term, vibrant careers with impact.

ERIN HELYARD Artist in Residence

Erin Helyard is an inspiring conductor, a virtuosic and expressive performer of the harpsichord and fortepiano, and a lucid scholar who is passionate about promoting discourse between musicology and performance. His work as Artistic Director and co-founder of Pinchgut Opera and the Orchestra of the Antipodes has forged new standards of excellence in historically informed performance. Erin leads the MSO in two Baroque Festival concerts and our annual Messiah performances in December. Erin appears courtesy of Pinchgut Opera.

KAREN KYRIAKOU Artist in Residence, Learning & Engagement

Karen Kyriakou’s work as an educator, presenter, author and composer/arranger is underpinned by her passion for music’s unique capacity to unite and inspire. She works broadly in the area of music education, with students from kindergarten to tertiary level. With more than 25 years’ experience in the field, Karen is renowned for her ever-innovative approach to music education. Karen has led the MSO's ever-popular Jams for Juniors since its inception.

• Priority access to tickets

• Event invitations

• Free drinks at Hamer Hall

• Ticket offers

•

Gin and Music

Sunday 11 February / 12pm & 2.30pm

Patient Wolf Distilling Co., South Melbourne

TICKETS

Free for Friends of the MSO – limited tickets; RSVPs essential.

$30 Standard

What better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon than with a cocktail and live music?

Your ticket includes a drink (gin, beer, wine or premium soft drink) and a performance by musicians of the 2024 MSO Academy.

CYBEC SHOWCASE

THE LION KING IN CONCERT

Tuesday 30 January / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Carlo Antonioli conductor

PROGRAM

New MSO commissions by Martin Cheney, Katia Geha, Klearhos Murphy and Christine Pan

Cybec Foundation supports the MSO to present the Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program each year. The program selects four participants to be mentored by leading Australian composers and compose a 10-minute piece. See the world premiere of these works at this showcase!

Saturday 3 February / 1pm

Saturday 3 February / 7.30pm

Plenary, MCEC

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Nicholas Buc conductor

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2024, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will premiere Disney’s The Lion King in Concert, as it performs the beloved Oscar® winning songs by Elton John and Tim Rice and Oscar® winning score by Hans Zimmer, live to screen. Relive the story of Simba as he embarks through the Pride Lands on a journey of discovery and makes new friends along the way. This is a concert event for the whole family.

Part of Music and Ideas.

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

MSO ACADEMY CHAMBER CONCERT

Wednesday 7 February / 1pm

St Paul’s Cathedral

Free Admission

CHINESE NEW YEAR.

Saturday 17 February / 7.30pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Xu Zhong conductor

Hui He soprano

PROGRAM

Li Spring Festival Overture

Qiufeng Pamier, How Beautiful My Home Town

Liu & Mao Dance of the Yao Tribes

Leoncavallo I Pagliacci: Qual Fiamma avea nel guardo

Dvořák Symphony No.9 From the New World

Welcome the Year of the Dragon with superstar Chinese soprano Hui He (pictured) and the MSO, conducted by Xu Zhong.

Join us for one of 2024’s cultural highlights in a program that blends Chinese and Western masterworks to celebrate cross-cultural connections through music.

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

SIDNEY MYER FREE CONCERTS

The Sidney Myer Free Concerts are made possible by the MSO Sidney Myer Trust Fund, in association with:

The MSO has been performing outdoor concerts for more than 90 years, and has presented our annual free concert series at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl since 1959.

Join us for spectacular symphonic performances in the great outdoors. Our 2024 program will be announced soon – stay tuned for more details at mso.com.au/bowl.

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED A TRIBUTE TO OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

Thursday 7 March / 7.30pm

Friday 8 March / 7.30pm

Saturday 9 March / 1pm

Saturday 9 March / 7.30pm

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

In 2022, Australia and the world lost an icon and artist that spanned generations. To celebrate the legacy of Olivia Newton-John, some of Australia’s music greats, along with the MSO, will perform greatest hits from her films and record-breaking albums including Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re the One That I Want, Physical, Make a Move on Me, Xanadu, Magic, I Honestly Love You and more. A donation from these concerts will be made to Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.

Photo Michelle Day

EARS WIDE OPEN: CLARA SCHUMANN

MARVELLOUS MOZART

JAIME CONDUCTS MAHLER 3

Monday 4 March / 6.30pm

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jen Winley conductor

Ingrid Martin presenter

Aura Go piano

PROGRAM

C. Schumann Piano Concerto (excerpts)

Take a deep dive into Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with Ingrid Martin as your guide. A renowned concert pianist in the 19th century, Schumann’s own compositions were rarely performed in her own time. Join us to explore this remarkable work from a composer whose brilliance was long overlooked.

Thursday 7 March / 7.30pm

Melbourne Recital Centre

Friday 8 March / 7.30pm

Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee

Saturday 9 March / 7.30pm

Whitehorse Performing Arts Centre, Nunawading

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Paavali Jumppanen director / piano

PROGRAM

Mozart Piano Concerto No.23

Mozart Rondo for Piano in D Major

Mozart Piano Concerto No.24

Thursday 14 March / 7.30pm

Saturday 16 March / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Raehann Bryce-Davis mezzo-soprano

Upper voices of the MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

Young Voices of Melbourne

PROGRAM

Mahler Symphony No.3

Available as part of the Ears Wide Open Series. Hear the full work at ‘Forbidden Love’ with Alexandra Dariescu (p.40).

Given his reputation as a larger-than-life trickster, it’s no surprise that Mozart’s capacity for crafting characters from sound is unparalleled. ANAM’s Artistic Director Paavali Jumppanen leads the MSO from the piano for this vivid insight into Mozart’s brilliance.

Available as part of the Recital Centre Series. Werribee and Nunawading performances available soon at mso.com.au.

Fasten your musical seatbelts for one of the most thrilling symphonic rides in the repertoire: Mahler’s truly epic Third Symphony, under the baton of Chief Conductor Jaime Martín. The forces of the MSO are bolstered by Young Voices of Melbourne, the MSO Chorus, and electrifying American mezzo-soprano

Raehann Bryce-Davis.

Available as part of the Thursday and Saturday Night Hamer Hall series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

MASTERCLASS WITH RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS

Tuesday 12 March / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Part of Music and Ideas.

GUESTS OF NOTE: RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS AND JAIME MARTÍN

Friday 15 March / 7.30pm

Iwaki Studio, ABC Southbank Centre

Fundraising Dinner – see page 49 for details.

JAIME CONDUCTS THE PLANETS

Thursday 21 March / 7.30pm

Saturday 23 March / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Alban Gerhardt cello

Upper voices of the MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

PROGRAM

Elgar Cello Concerto

Holst The Planets

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon Earth**

Join the MSO and Jaime Martín for two of the most emotionallystirring works of all time. Alban Gerhardt brings intense musicality to perform Elgar’s ravishing Cello Concerto, and Gustav Holst’s magnificent The Planets gets a new celestial addition from Yorta Yorta composer Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO.

**World Premiere of an MSO Commission

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ELGAR’S CELLO CONCERTO

Friday 22 March / 11am

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Alban Gerhardt cello

PROGRAM

Elgar Cello Concerto plus works for solo cello

Elgar composed his Cello Concerto in the aftermath of the First World War. This extraordinary piece – at once emotionally reserved and overflowing in its lyrical expansiveness – has become a cornerstone of 20th century music.

Available as part of the MSO Mornings Series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH JAIME MARTÍN

Tuesday 19 March / 6.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Part of Music and Ideas.

The MSO Gala Series is proudly presented by MSO Premier Partner, Ryman Healthcare.

BAROQUE FESTIVAL

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

Explore the exciting musical world of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel with Baroque expert Erin Helyard and superstar soprano Samantha Clarke. This sublime week culminates with Stephen Layton, one of the most in-demand choral conductors of our time, leading a 300th anniversary performance of Bach’s St John Passion.

Available as a Festival package of 3 concerts (see page 55 for details).

Individual performances can be included in a Create Your Own Series package, or added to another subscription purchase.

BACH AND VIVALDI CONCERTOS

Tuesday 2 April / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 5 April / 7.30pm

Ballarat Civic Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Erin Helyard* director / harpsichord

Tair Khisambeev violin

PROGRAM

Vivaldi Concerto for Violin in F, RV 569

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3

Vivaldi Concerto for Violin in G minor, RV 577

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.1

Telemann Overture (Suite) in D Major, TWV 55:D22

*MSO Artist in Residence

Ballarat performance available soon at mso.com.au.

HANDEL AND VIVALDI ARIAS

Thursday 4 April / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Erin Helyard* director / harpsichord / organ

Samantha Clarke soprano

Tair Khisambeev violin

Matthew Tomkins violin

Elina Faskhi cello

PROGRAM

Vivaldi Concerto in D, RV 562a

Vivaldi Dorilla in Tempe: Rete, Iacci, e strali adopra

Vivaldi Ottone in Villa: Leggi almeno, tiranna infedele

Vivaldi La fida ninfa: Alma opressa da sorte

Handel Concerto grosso in B-flat, HWV 313

Handel Rinaldo: Molto voglio & Lascia

ch’io pianga

Handel Agrippina: Ogni vento ch’ai porto lo spinga

Handel Concerto for Organ in D minor

Handel Theodora: With darkness deep, as is my woe

Handel Samson: Let the bright seraphim

*MSO Artist in Residence

ST JOHN PASSION

Saturday 6 April / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Stephen Layton conductor

Ruairi Bowen Evangelist, tenor

Christopher Richardson Christus, bass

David Greco Pilatus, bass

Sara Macliver soprano

Ashlyn Tymms alto

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

PROGRAM

Bach St John Passion

AMERICAN STORIES: BERNSTEIN, GERSHWIN AND MORE

BERNSTEIN, GERSHWIN AND CHINDAMO

Thursday 11 April / 7.30pm

Saturday 13 April / 2pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 12 April / 7.30pm

Costa Hall, Geelong

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Northey conductor

Jonathon Ramsay trombone

PROGRAM

Barber Overture to The School for Scandal

Joe Chindamo Ligeia Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra

Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Gershwin An American in Paris

Australian composer Joe Chindamo’s concerto is brought to life by Australian Jonathon Ramsay – currently Principal Trombone at Berlin Philharmonic. Favourites from American composers Barber, Bernstein and Gershwin will put a spring in your step with their vivid dance rhythms in full orchestral glory.

Monday 15 April / 6.30 pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Northey conductor

Jonathon Ramsay trombone

PROGRAM

Joe Chindamo Ligeia Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra

Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Gershwin An American in Paris

Get your gang together and pop on your dance shoes for this concert featuring a unique work for trombone and orchestra composed by Joe Chindamo alongside enduring American favourites. You’ll be tapping your toes all the way home.

Available as part of the Thursday Night and Saturday Matinee Hamer Hall series, and the Geelong Series.

Available as part of the Quick Fix at Half Six Series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH BEN NORTHEY

Wednesday 10 April / 6.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Part of Music and Ideas.

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI.

‘I am a Jedi, like my father before me...’

In the spectacular, climactic sixth episode of the original Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Experience the scope and grandeur of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi live in concert as John Williams’ epic score comes to life courtesy of your MSO.

Thursday 18 April / 7.30pm

Friday 19 April / 7.30pm

Saturday 20 April / 1pm

Tuesday 23 April / 7.30pm

Wednesday 24 April / 7.30pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Nicholas Buc conductor

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

HIDDEN THOUGHTS I

JAIME CONDUCTS ENIGMA VARIATIONS

Sunday 21 April / 11am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Rob Cossom curator

The Consort of Melbourne vocal ensemble

PROGRAM

Meale Incredible Floridas

Katy Abbott* Hidden Thoughts I: Do I Matter?

MSO percussionist Rob Cossom curates the first of the 2024 MSO Chamber Series concerts with an all-Australian program. Katy Abbott’s first work in her Hidden Thoughts series, in which the composer incorporates anonymous survey responses from women as narration, is paired with Richard Meale’s visceral Incredible Floridas.

*MSO Composer in Residence

Available as part of the MSO Chamber Series.

Thursday 2 May / 7.30pm

Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash

Friday 3 May / 7.30pm

Melbourne Town Hall

Saturday 4 May / 7.30pm

Frankston Arts Centre

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Tair Khisambeev violin

PROGRAM

Britten The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Elgar Enigma Variations

Chief Conductor Jaime Martín makes his Melbourne Town Hall debut, and returns to Monash, with this stunning program of perennial English charmers – some of the most popular orchestral music ever written.

Available as part of the Melbourne Town Hall Series and Create Your Own Series. Frankston performance available soon at mso.com.au.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

REGIONAL VICTORIA WORKSHOP TOUR

23–24 April

JAIME CONDUCTS A HERO’S LIFE

RACHMANINOV AND WEINBERG RACHMANINOV’S THIRD SYMPHONY

Thursday 9 May / 7.30pm

Saturday 11 May / 2pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)+

PROGRAM

Smyth Overture from The Wreckers

Work to be announced

R. Strauss Ein Heldenleben

From Greek tragedies to Marvel movies, the Hero protagonist is an enduring feature of storytelling. Join the MSO under the baton of Jaime Martín for this fast-paced, action-packed homage to the heroic.

+This performance is part of ANAM and MSO’s Orchestral Training Partnership.

Available as part of the Thursday Night and Saturday Matinee Hamer Hall series.

Thursday 16 May / 7.30pm

Saturday 18 May / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jonathon Heyward conductor

Tine Thing Helseth trumpet

PROGRAM

Shostakovich Festive Overture

Weinberg Trumpet Concerto

Rachmaninov Symphony No.3

Norwegian trumpet soloist Tine Thing Helseth performs Weinberg’s extraordinary concerto, the perfect work to highlight the instrument’s considerable range of personality. American conductor

Jonathon Heyward rounds out the A-list for this spectacular concert anchored by Rachmaninov’s expressive Symphony No.3.

Available as part of the Thursday Night Plus and Saturday Night Hamer Hall series.

Friday 17 May / 11am

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jonathon Heyward conductor

PROGRAM

Shostakovich Festive Overture

Rachmaninov Symphony No.3

One of the most exciting conductors on the international scene, Jonathon Heyward leads the MSO in this stellar program of Rachmaninov’s sweeping third and final symphony and Shostakovich’s effervescent overture.

Available as part of the MSO Mornings Series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

MASTERCLASS WITH TINE THING HELSETH

Wednesday 15 May / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Featuring trumpet soloists from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

Part of Music and Ideas.

MOZART AND TCHAIKOVSKY

SONG CYCLES

Thursday 23 May / 7.30pm

Melbourne Town Hall

Friday 24 May / 7.30pm

Costa Hall, Geelong

Saturday 25 May / 7.30pm

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Han-Na Chang conductor

Jack Schiller bassoon

PROGRAM

Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik

Mozart Bassoon Concerto

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5

Join Korean conductor Han-Na Chang as she conducts the MSO in this delightful program of musical treasures, including lively works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky’s striking Fifth Symphony.

Saturday 25 May / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones conductor

PROGRAM

Jonathan Dove The Passing of the Year

Joe Twist An Australian Song Cycle

The MSO Chorus performs the contemporary choral music of Jonathan Dove and Australian composer Joe Twist. Both known for their approachable style, these two beautifully-crafted works provide a poignant and moving sonic experience.

Available as part of the Melbourne Town Hall, Geelong and Bendigo series.

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

FIRST VOICES SHOWCASE

Wednesday 22 May / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

CLASSIC KIDS: THE PEASANT PRINCE

EARS WIDE OPEN: DVOŘÁK

Saturday 1 June / 10.30am

Saturday 1 June / 12.30pm^

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Ingrid Martin conductor

Katy Abbott presenter

PROGRAM

Katy Abbott* The Peasant Prince

A story of hope, freedom and family love. Join the MSO as they bring the beautiful picture book The Peasant Prince to life. Based on his best-selling memoir Mao’s Last Dancer, this work narrates with words and music the inspiring story of Li Cunxin’s childhood and follows his subsequent journey to become one of the world’s greatest ballet dancers.

*MSO Composer in Residence

^Relaxed performance

Available as part of the MSO Classic Kids Series.

Monday 3 June / 6.30pm

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Leonard Weiss* conductor

Nicholas Bochner presenter

PROGRAM

Dvořák Symphony No.8 (excerpts)

Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony is, simply, a joy. The music has a natural, unforced quality that belies its complexity, and layers of truly original textures and ear-worm-worthy melodies shine with sparkling clarity. Learn more about this marvellous work with your guide Nicholas Bochner.

*Cybec Assistant Conductor

Available as part of the Ears Wide Open series. Hear the full work at ‘Jaime conducts Rachmaninov and Dvořák’ (p.30).

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

THE PEASANT PRINCE

Friday 31 May / 10.30am, 12.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Ingrid Martin conductor

Katy Abbott presenter

PROGRAM

Katy Abbott The Peasant Prince

SYMPHONY IN A DAY

Saturday 1 June / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Featuring community musicians side by side with members of the MSO

Carlo Antonioli conductor

Applications open February 2024.

SCHUMANN AND TCHAIKOVSKY

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SIXTH SYMPHONY

Thursday 13 June / 7.30pm

Saturday 15 June / 2pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Anja Bihlmaier conductor

Alexander Melnikov piano

PROGRAM

R. Schumann Manfred: Overture

R. Schumann Piano Concerto

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 Pathétique

Join the MSO and conductor Anja Bihlmaier in exploring the musical introspection of two of classical music’s most profoundly talented and intensely emotional composers. Tchaikovsky considered his Sixth Symphony to be ‘the best thing I ever composed or shall compose’, and pianist Alexander Melnikov brings star power and originality to Robert Schumann’s fantastic concerto.

Available as part of the Thursday Night and Saturday Matinee Hamer Hall series.

Monday 17 June / 6.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Anja Bihlmaier conductor

PROGRAM

R. Schumann Manfred: Overture

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 Pathétique

In his own words, Tchaikovsky said his Sixth Symphony was ‘the best thing I ever composed or shall compose’. Full of nostalgic warmth, passion, and heart, the Sixth is a musical meditation on the joys of a life remembered, tempered by deeply private pain.

Available as part of the Quick Fix at Half Six Series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH ANJA BIHLMAIER

Wednesday 12 June / 10am

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

MSO for Schools

CHAMBER MUSIC WITH THE MSO ACADEMY

JAIME

CONDUCTS

RACHMANINOV AND DVOŘÁK

Sunday 23 June / 11am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Tiffany Cheng curator

Members of 2024 MSO Academy

PROGRAM

Program to be announced in 2024

Witness the next generation of orchestral musicians in this chamber performance, as members of the 2024 MSO Academy collaborate with MSO violinist Tiffany Cheng to curate and perform this program. Learn more about the MSO Academy and our commitment to emerging artists on page 48.

Available as part of the MSO Chamber Series.

Thursday 27 June / 7.30pm

Saturday 29 June / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 28 June / 7.30pm

Costa Hall, Geelong

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Denis Kozhukhin piano

PROGRAM

Glinka Ruslan and Lyudmila: Overture

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2

Dvořák Symphony No.8

Joined by dazzling Belgian pianist Denis Kozhukhin, Jaime Martín conducts the MSO in this uplifting program of musical treats, including a lively operatic overture, Rachmaninov’s enduringly popular Second Piano Concerto, and a sparkling and joyful symphony from Dvořák.

Available as part of the Thursday Night and Saturday Night Hamer Hall series, and the Geelong Series.

RYMAN HEALTHCARE WINTER GALA

CARMINA BURANA

Thursday 4 July / 7.30pm

Friday 5 July / 7.30pm

Saturday 6 July / 2pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

William Barton yidaki

Kathryn Radcliffe soprano

Andrew Goodwin tenor

Christopher Tonkin bass

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

Young Voices of Melbourne

PROGRAM

R. Strauss Don Juan

Sculthorpe Earth Cry

Orff Carmina Burana

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

GUESTS OF NOTE: WILLIAM BARTON AND JAIME MARTÍN

Saturday 6 July / 7.30pm

Iwaki Studio, ABC Southbank Centre

Fundraising Dinner – see page 49 for details.

Under Chief Conductor Jaime Martín, this year’s Winter Gala brings together a stellar ensemble of vocal soloists and the MSO Chorus for the thundering Carmina Burana. Queensland’s 2023 Australian of the Year – the extraordinary yidaki (didgeridoo) virtuoso

William Barton – performs Peter Sculthorpe's evocative Earth Cry.

Available as part of the Thursday Nights Plus and Saturday Matinee series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

The MSO Gala Series is proudly presented by MSO Premier Partner, Ryman Healthcare.

Friday 12 July / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Join the MSO for a special performance that celebrates First Nations music and artists.

Explore the rich history of the oldest music practice on earth in an inspiring evening of cultural collaboration.

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

9–13 July

ROMEO AND JULIET JAIME CONDUCTS ROMEO AND JULIET

Thursday 18 July / 7.30pm

Saturday 20 July / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Christian Li* violin

PROGRAM

Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture

Paganini Violin Concerto No.1

Prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet

Jaime Martín conducts two vivid depictions of Shakespeare’s most famous love story. Plus, Christian Li presents a thrilling display of theatricality in Paganini’s heroic violin concerto.

*MSO Young Artist in Association

Available as part of the Thursday Night and Saturday Night Hamer Hall series.

TCHAIKOVSKY’S

Friday 19 July / 11am

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Christian Li* violin

PROGRAM

Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture

Paganini Violin Concerto No.1

Prodigious violinist Christian Li joins the MSO for Paganini’s virtuosic First Violin Concerto, and Jaime Martín conducts Tchaikovsky’s musical testament to Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers.

*MSO Young Artist in Association

Available as part of the MSO Mornings Series.

Proudly presented by MSO Major NAIDOC Week Partner, Equity Trustees.

TRANSFORMATIONS

HIDDEN THOUGHTS II

CLASSIC KIDS: PETER AND THE WOLF

Thursday 1 August / 7.30pm

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Christopher Moore director / viola

PROGRAM

R. Strauss Metamorphosen

Schoenberg Transfigured Night

A lush work by a young Schoenberg and an elegy by Richard Strauss written in his later years are featured in this program for string orchestra led by Principal Viola Chris Moore.

Saturday 3 August / 8.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Leonard Weiss** conductor

Lotte Betts-Dean mezzo-soprano

Richard Piper narrator

PROGRAM

Katy Abbott* Hidden Thoughts II: Return to Sender

Saturday 10 August / 10.30am

Saturday 10 August / 12.30pm^

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Aaron Wyatt conductor

PROGRAM

Rob Cossom The Bird’s Voice Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf

Available as part of the Recital Centre Series.

The second of Katy Abbott’s Hidden Thoughts series uses the words contained in undelivered letters to asylum seekers in detention on Nauru Island. Exuding kindness and compassion, these stories of home and place reflect the generous heart of Australians to create an emotionally moving experience.

*MSO Composer in Residence

**Cybec Assistant Conductor

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

PETER AND THE WOLF

Friday 9 August / 10.30am, 12.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Aaron Wyatt conductor

PROGRAM

Rob Cossom The Bird’s Voice Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf

JAYSON GILLHAM IN RECITAL

Sunday 11 August / 11am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

Peter and the Wolf is a classic introduction for the young to the sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. The irreverent story of Peter and his menagerie of animals has resonated deeply with generations of children, and this special MSO production brings the imaginative world of music alive for young audiences, with the addition of puppets.

^Relaxed performance

Available as part of the MSO Classic Kids Series.

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH JEN WINLEY

Tuesday 13 August / 10am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

MSO for Schools

THE FOUR SEASONS RECOMPOSED

Ground-breaking composer Max Richter’s minimalist-inspired music is equally at home in the concert hall as it is on screen, having featured in Arrival, and episodes of Black Mirror and The Last of Us, among many others.

His innovative fresh take on Vivaldi’s ubiquitous work topped the classical charts in 22 countries in 2012, and continues to awe devotees of the original and new fans alike. Learn everything you need to know about this ground-breaking reimagining at Ears Wide Open, then experience the complete work at Metropolis: Vivaldi Recomposed / Hidden Thoughts III.

EARS WIDE OPEN: MAX RICHTER

Monday 5 August / 6.30pm

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Carlo Antonioli conductor

Nicholas Bochner presenter

PROGRAM

Max Richter The Four Seasons Recomposed (excerpts)

What relevance does a 250-year-old piece of music have for a modern post-minimalist composer? Join us to find out how Max Richter incorporated and drew inspiration from the best bits of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to create a reinvigorated version of a masterpiece.

Available as part of the Ears Wide Open Series.

VIVALDI RECOMPOSED / HIDDEN THOUGHTS III

Friday 9 August / 7.30pm

Saturday 10 August / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Northey conductor

Sunny Kim vocalist

Andrew O’Connor baritone

Pamela Rabe narrator

PROGRAM

Max Richter The Four Seasons Recomposed

Katy Abbott* Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe**

Experience Max Richter's novel refresh of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Then, the third piece in the award-winning Hidden Thoughts series sets anonymously collected stories to music to capture the human experience of awe. The stories tell of unexpected encounters and of being moved by music, art, nature, kindness and courage.

If you’d like to contribute a story to this work, please complete a short anonymous survey at bit.ly/stories-of-awe

*MSO Composer in Residence

**World premiere of an MSO Commission

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

MOZART AND BRAHMS BRAHMS’ THIRD PIANO QUARTET

Wednesday 14 August / 7.30pm

West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul

Thursday 15 August / 7.30pm

Melbourne Town Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jen Winley conductor

Jayson Gillham piano

PROGRAM

Fauré Suite from Masques et bergamasques

Mozart Piano Concerto No.12

Brahms Symphony No.1

Conductor Jen Winley helms this concert paying tribute to artists who inspire other artists, including Mozart’s homage to his mentor J.C. Bach, performed by Jayson Gillham, and Brahms’ First Symphony, containing palpable musical influence from Beethoven.

Available as part of the Melbourne Town Hall Series. Warragul performance available soon at mso.com.au.

Sunday 18 August / 11am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Gabrielle Halloran curator

PROGRAM

Britten Phantasy Quartet

Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Basson and Piano

Brahms Piano Quartet No.3

MSO violist Gabrielle Halloran curates this exquisite program of chamber works – two written by composers early in their careers, contrasted with a mature work from Brahms written over a 20-year period.

Available as part of the MSO Chamber Series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

SNARE DRUM AWARD: 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Monday 26 August / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH LAWRENCE RENES

Wednesday 28 August / 6.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Part of Music and Ideas.

DVOŘÁK AND BRUCKNER FAURÉ’S REQUIEM

Thursday 29 August / 7.30pm

Saturday 31 August / 2pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Lawrence Renes conductor

Siobhan Stagg soprano

Roderick Williams baritone

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

PROGRAM

Elena Kats-Chernin Mythic Sibelius Symphony No.7

Fauré Requiem

Experience the otherworldly in this sublime program conducted by Lawrence Renes, culminating in Fauré’s divine Requiem, featuring the MSO Chorus and much-loved soloists Siobhan Stagg and Roderick Williams.

Thursday 5 September / 7.30pm

Saturday 7 September / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 6 September / 7.30pm

Costa Hall, Geelong

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Daniel Carter conductor

Karen Gomyo violin

PROGRAM

Smetana The Bartered Bride: Overture

Dvořák Violin Concerto

Bruckner Symphony No.4 Romantic

The MSO welcomes extraordinary violinist Karen Gomyo and German-based Australian conductor Daniel Carter for this glorious program of Czech and German gems to satiate your musical soul.

Available as part of the Thursday Night and Saturday Night Hamer Hall series, and the Geelong Series.

Available as part of the Thursday Night Plus and Saturday Matinee Hamer Hall series.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

GUESTS OF NOTE: SIOBHAN STAGG AND RODERICK WILLIAMS

Friday 30 August / 7.30pm

Iwaki Studio, ABC Southbank Centre

Fundraising Dinner – see page 49 for details.

SIOBHAN STAGG AND RODERICK WILLIAMS IN RECITAL

Sunday 1 September / 11am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

TAN DUN: NINE.

Saturday 14 September / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Tan Dun conductor

Lu Siqing violin

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

PROGRAM

Beethoven The Creatures of Prometheus: Overture

Tan Dun Violin Concerto: Rhapsody & Fantasia

Tan Dun Nine, Choral Concerto**

Beethoven Symphony No.9: Ode to Joy

MSO Artistic Ambassadors Tan Dun and Lu Siqing join the Orchestra for a celebratory performance. Paired with the famous Ode to Joy from the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth, Tan Dun conducts the Australian premier of his choral concerto, Nine. This work is Dun’s response to Beethoven, co-commissioned by the MSO and the Philharmonic Society of London – the very group who commissioned Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony two hundred years ago.

**Australian premiere of an MSO Co-commission

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

TAN DUN IN CONVERSATION

Wednesday 11 September / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Part of Music and Ideas.

MASTERCLASS WITH LU SIQING

Thursday 12 September / 6.30pm

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Part of Music and Ideas.

MUSIC FOR HARP AND STRINGS BEETHOVEN AND MENDELSSOHN

Thursday 19 September / 7.30pm

Melbourne Town Hall

Friday 20 September / 7.30pm

Ballarat Civic Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Umberto Clerici conductor

Satu Vänskä violin

PROGRAM

Rossini La Scala di Seta: Overture

Beethoven Violin Concerto

Mendelssohn Symphony No.3 Scottish

Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Satu Vänskä joins QSO Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici for a wonderful program that sees the MSO performing music of child prodigy Felix Mendelssohn alongside that of the (then) living legend he looked up to: the great Ludwig van Beethoven.

Sunday 22 September / 11am

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Yinuo Mu curator

PROGRAM

Bax Quintet for Harp & Strings

Debussy Les cloches for harp and cello

Debussy En Bateau for harp and cello

Dvořák Terzetto in C for two violins and viola

Caplet Conte Fantastique for Harp & Strings

Explore the intriguing combination of harp and strings at this chamber performance, including Bax’s atmospheric quintet and Caplet’s dramatic work inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, The Masque of the Red Death

Available as part of the MSO Chamber Series. Available as part of the Melbourne Town Hall Series. Ballarat performance available soon at mso.com.au.

NGAPA WILLIAM COOPER

SHOSTAKOVICH’S FIRST CELLO CONCERTO

Thursday 26 September / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Nigel Westlake conductor

Lior vocals

Dr Lou Bennett AM vocals

Ngapa William Cooper was born out of a rich collaboration between composer Nigel Westlake, singer-songwriter Lior, and performer and academic Dr Lou Bennett AM. With Westlake leading from the podium, these acclaimed artists will bring their dynamic stage presence to this new orchestral work.

Ngapa William Cooper explores the strength and compassion of Yorta Yorta activist Uncle William Cooper. In 1938, Cooper led the Australian Aborigines’ League through the streets of Melbourne in the only non-Jewish protest worldwide against the events of Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany. Performed in English and Yorta Yorta language, it is a celebration of a man who left behind a legacy of resistance, solidarity and empathy.

Ngapa William Cooper was commissioned by UKARIA with support from Ulrike Klein AO and the Adelaide Festival as part of Finding Our Voice, which was supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, an Australian Government initiative. Symphonic realisation commissioned by The Australian Youth Orchestra.

Thursday 3 October / 7.30pm

Saturday 5 October / 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Nodoka Okisawa conductor

Steven Isserlis cello

PROGRAM

Akutagawa Triptyque for String Orchestra

Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.1

Naomi Dodd* New Work**

Prokofiev Symphony No.7

Acclaimed Japanese conductor Nodoka Okisawa and legendary English cellist Stephen Isserlis return to Melbourne for this exhilarating program, anchored by Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto and Prokoviev’s shimmering final symphony.

*Cybec Young Composer in Residence

**World premiere of an MSO Commission

Available as part of the Thursday and Saturday Night Hamer Hall series.

Available as part of a Create Your Own Series, or add this event to a subscription purchase.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

GUESTS OF NOTE: NODOKA OKISAWA AND STEVEN ISSERLIS

Friday 4 October / 7.30pm

Iwaki Studio, ABC Southbank Centre

Fundraising Dinner – see page 49 for details.

FORBIDDEN LOVE

DEBUSSY, WAGNER AND STRAUSS

Thursday 10 October / 7.30pm

Saturday 12 October / 2pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Fabien Gabel conductor

Alexandra Dariescu piano

PROGRAM

Debussy (arr. Altinoglu) Pelléas and Mélisande: Suite

C. Schumann Piano Concerto

Wagner Tristan and Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod

R. Strauss Die Frau ohne Schatten: Symphonic Fantasy

From Debussy’s and Wagner’s doomed lovers to Richard Strauss’ colourful Fantasy, this program explores the passion and catastrophe of forbidden love conducted by Fabien Gabel. Alexandra Dariescu joins the MSO as soloist in Clara Schumann’s long overlooked Piano Concerto.

Monday 14 October / 6.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Fabien Gabel conductor

PROGRAM

Debussy (arr. Altinoglu) Pelléas and Mélisande: Suite

Wagner Tristan and Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod

R. Strauss Die Frau ohne Schatten: Symphonic Fantasy

Prepare for a heartbreakingly beautiful program as French conductor Fabien Gabel leads the MSO through the thrilling illicit encounters and devastating separation of forbidden love.

Available as part of the Thursday Night Plus and Saturday Matinee Hamer Hall series.

Available as part of the Quick Fix at Half Six Series.

KADDISH: A HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CONCERT.

Thursday 31 October / 7.30pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Northey conductor

Christopher Latham director

Young Voices of Melbourne

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

PROGRAM

Bernstein Symphony No.3 Kaddish

Elena Kats-Chernin and William Barton The Night of Broken Glass*

Plus works by Schulhoff, Ullmann, Krása, Klein, Haas, Szpilman, Weiner, Bischofswerder, Dreyfus and Korngold

*World premiere

Presented in partnership with the Australian War Memorial.

The Australian War Memorial (AWM) and the MSO mark 80 years since the liberation of the first extermination camps in 1944 with a special performance of mourning and remembrance. The AWM’s first musical Artist in Residence, Christopher Latham OAM, curates a program that includes Leonard Bernstein’s Kaddish Symphony, a new work by Elena Kats-Chernin and William Barton, and works by Jewish composers, musicians and artists.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

Image One Spring by Karl Bodek and Kurt Conrad Löw, courtesy of Yad Vashem

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Jaime Martín conductor

Experience the breathtaking range of Beethoven’s symphonic output in a stunning fortnight covering all nine symphonies of one of classical music’s most brilliant composers.

Available as a Festival package of concerts (see page 55 for details). Individual performances can be included in a Create Your Own Series package, or added to another subscription purchase.

SYMPHONIES 1 & 3

Tuesday 19 November / 7.30pm

PROGRAM

Beethoven Symphony No.1

Beethoven Symphony No.3 Eroica

The MSO’s Beethoven Festival kicks off at Hamer Hall with his First and Third symphonies. Consider this concert the musical Sparknotes version of how Beethoven constructed a symphonic footbridge between the Classical and Romantic eras.

SYMPHONIES 2 & 5

Thursday 21 November / 7.30pm

PROGRAM

Beethoven Symphony No.2

Beethoven Symphony No.5

Beethoven’s Second and Fifth symphonies are featured in this concert of musical contrasts. Both with dramatic openings, the Second is full of captivating melodies and good cheer, whereas Beethoven’s famous Fifth is the sound of fate knocking at the door.

SYMPHONIES 4 & 6

Saturday 23 November / 7.30pm

PROGRAM

Beethoven Symphony No.4

Beethoven Symphony No.6 Pastoral

Beethoven’s two most feel-good symphonies make up the middle of our Festival fortnight. The lightness of the Fourth and the escape to the country of the Sixth are musical self-care of the highest order!

SYMPHONIES 7 & 8

Monday 25 November / 6.30pm

PROGRAM

Beethoven Symphony No.7

Beethoven Symphony No.8

Avoid peak hour with a quick post-work Beethoven fix at this early-evening concert of his energetic and playful Seventh and Eighth symphonies.

RYMAN HEALTHCARE SPRING GALA

Available as part of the Quick Fix at Half Six Series.

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH.

Thursday 28 November / 7.30pm

Friday 29 November / 7.30pm

Saturday 30 November / 2pm

Lauren Fagen soprano

Michaela Schuster alto

Stuart Skelton tenor

Sam Dale Johnson bass

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

AUSLAN Choir

PROGRAM

James MacMillan Concerto for Orchestra*

Beethoven Symphony No.9 Choral

After eight symphonies, Beethoven took his Ninth to a whole new level by composing the biggest symphony in existence –a mammoth work depicting the triumphant union of all mankind. Join us for the grand finale of our Beethoven Festival – featuring some of Australia’s best opera singers, the MSO Chorus, and a brand new work from one of the UK’s most sought-after composers – under the baton of Chief Conductor Jaime Martín.

*Australian premiere of an MSO Co-commission

The MSO Gala Series is proudly presented by MSO Premier Partner, Ryman Healthcare.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH CLASSIC KIDS: A SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS

Friday 6 December / 7.30pm

West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul

Saturday 7 December / 7.30pm

Costa Hall, Geelong

Friday 13 December / 7.30pm

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo

Saturday 14 December / 7pm

Sunday 15 December / 5pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Erin Helyard* director

Stacey Alleaume soprano

Helen Sherman alto

Michael Petrucelli tenor

David Greco bass

MSO Chorus

Warren Trevelyan-Jones chorus director

PROGRAM

Handel Messiah

Handel’s greatest oratorio celebration is still as potent today as it was at its premiere more than 280 years ago. Inspiring joy and wonder from both first-time listeners and those who’ve made it a yearly tradition, Messiah will have you singing ‘Hallelujah!’ all the way home.

*MSO Artist in Residence

Available as part of the Geelong and Bendigo series, or as part of a Create Your Own Series. Warragul performance available soon at mso.com.au.

Saturday 14 December / 10.30am

Saturday 14 December / 12.30pm^

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Leonard Weiss* conductor

Karen Kyriakou** presenter

Vocal Quartet from Melba Opera Trust

Celebrate the season with a magical performance featuring traditional carols, modern holiday favourites and classically Christmas selections. Symphonic joy and cheer for the whole family!

*Cybec Assistant Conductor

**MSO Artist in Residence

^Relaxed performance

Available as part of the MSO Classic Kids Series.

IWAKI AUDITORIUM, ABC SOUTHBANK CENTRE

WORKSHOP TIMES FOR ALL DATES: Saturdays at 10am / 11am / 12pm / 1pm

Jams for Juniors is the perfect way to introduce babies and toddlers to the magic of music! Children aged 0–5 and their adults can explore, play and join in at these popular 30-minute musical workshops led by MSO Artist in Residence Karen Kyriakou.

JAMS FOR JUNIORS. CLASSIC KIDS.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

PERFORMANCE TIMES FOR ALL DATES:

Saturdays at 10.30am or 12.30pm (relaxed)

MSO Classic Kids returns to Hamer Hall, to inspire and entertain children aged 5–12.

3-concert Relaxed Performance packages are available, designed for music lovers of all ages who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

1 / Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet / 10 February

2 / Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto / 16 March

3 / Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony / 4 May

4 / Bizet’s Carmen / 15 June

5 / Dvořák’s New World Symphony / 27 July

6 / Grieg’s Peer Gynt / 7 September

7 / Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony / 19 October

8 / Beethoven’s Ninth / 7 December

General admission $128

All attendees big and small require a ticket.

Jams for Juniors & Classic

1 / The Peasant Prince / 1 June

2 / Peter and the Wolf / 10 August

3 / A Symphonic Christmas / 14 December

3 CONCERTS PACKAGE

One reserve $66

SUPPORT YOUR MSO

Dear Music Lover,

For 118 years, the MSO has been here for thousands of Victorians to turn to, providing an enduring soundtrack to a diverse array of individual stories, lives and moments across the generations.

But the next chapter in MSO’s own story – and our ability to continue presenting thrilling Seasons of orchestral music – can’t be written without the generosity and support of people like you: musiclovers who know first-hand how music can enrich and transform lives.

Your tax-deductible gift to the MSO helps ensure we present more than 200 exciting collaborations, events, and performances each year. It also helps us deliver an array of initiatives to develop our next generation of Australian artists, from accessible music education, to harnessing music’s unifying power to celebrate the stories of our diverse community, including First Nations people.

So as you look forward to another stirring and deeply moving Season of music with us, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to your Orchestra.

There are many ways to support the MSO and the things you care about:

• Become an MSO Patron: With an annual gift of $500 or more, receive exclusive invitations to a range of events, from drinks at concert intervals to open rehearsals and dinners with musicians.

• Adopt a Musician: Get to know your favourite player through our Adopt a Musician program, where you can honour their talent, artistry, and life-long commitment to music.

• NEW! Attend our Guest of Note Fundraising Dinners: Support our core Artistic program while enjoying an intimate evening of conversation, fine food, wine – and of course music! – with some of the biggest superstars in our 2024 Season.

• Donate to a program you are passionate about or join a Giving Circle: Choose a particular area that is important to you, including commissioning, regional touring, the instrument fund, Learning & Access, Emerging Artist Development, First Nations programming, or the MSO Chorus, among others.

• Leave a gift in your Will: Join the Conductor’s Circle by leaving a gift in your Will to the MSO. Members are recognised in concert programs and at events, including our annual Conductor’s Circle luncheon. You can easily make a donation with your subscription renewal, by visiting mso.com.au/give, or by contacting the MSO’s Philanthropy team on (03) 8646 1551 or at philanthropy@mso.com.au.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference, and is deeply appreciated. From all of us here at the MSO, thank you.

Suzanne Dembo Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs

CYBEC SHOWCASE

Tuesday 30 January

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

MASTERCLASS WITH RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS

Tuesday 12 March

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH JAIME MARTÍN

Tuesday 19 March

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH BEN NORTHEY

Wednesday 10 April

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

MASTERCLASS WITH TINE THING HELSETH

Wednesday 15 May

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

FIRST VOICES SHOWCASE

Wednesday 22 May

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

MUSIC AND IDEAS

Discover more about our music!

Music & Ideas events include open rehearsals, masterclasses and conversations with the world class artists, producers and composers working on stage and behind the scenes at the MSO.

OPEN REHEARSALS $19

OTHER TICKETS $15 unless otherwise indicated.

ALL EVENTS BEGIN AT 6.30PM

Supported by

OPEN REHEARSAL WITH LAWRENCE RENES

Wednesday 28 August Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

TAN DUN IN CONVERSATION

Wednesday 11 September

Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

MASTERCLASS WITH LU SIQING

Thursday 12 September Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Proudly presented by MSO Major NAIDOC Week Partner, Equity Trustees.

EMERGING ARTISTS

We believe in building the future of our artform by supporting the next generation of musicians, artists, composers, and conductors.

MSO FIRST VOICES COMPOSER PROGRAM

An annual program for emerging First Nations composers aiming to enhance cultural vibrancy through collaboration and the nurturing of talent. First Voices offers participants an orchestral music commission along with the opportunity to workshop intensively with MSO First Nations Creative Chair Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, musicians from the Orchestra and guest composer mentors.

MSO First Voices is supported by Equity Trustees, the Ullmer Family Foundation and members of MSO First Nations Giving Circle.

ENSEMBLE DUTALA RESIDENCY

The Ensemble Dutala Residency provides emerging First Nations instrumentalists the opportunity to undertake side by side workshops with the MSO, receive mentorship from established MSO players, and perform alongside the MSO. This Residency, developed in partnership with Short Black Opera, is a first in Australia and redefines the landscape of Indigenous engagement in the arts.

Ensemble Dutala Residency is supported by Equity Trustees, the Ullmer Family Foundation and members of MSO First Nations Giving Circle.

MSO ACADEMY

Providing young instrumentalists a vital final bridge to a successful career, the MSO Academy is an exciting opportunity for post-graduate musicians. During the year-long program Academy members perform in MSO concerts, receive mentoring and participate in a full range of professional development activities designed to prepare them for a career in music.

CYBEC 21ST CENTURY AUSTRALIAN COMPOSERS’ PROGRAM

Cybec Foundation supports the MSO to present the Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program each year. The program selects four participants to be mentored by leading Australian composers and compose a 10-minute piece. The four pieces are performed by the MSO in a showcase, with one of the participants to be chosen as the MSO’s Young Composer in Residence. Since 2003 when the program was introduced, over 80 composers from across Australia have had works commissioned and performed by the MSO.

Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program is supported by Cybec Foundation

AUSTRALIAN CONDUCTING ACADEMY

The Australian Conducting Academy presents a unique opportunity for aspiring conductors from Australia and New Zealand to learn from experienced orchestral leaders and to have the chance to work with all major orchestras in Australia. Presented by the Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland, Sydney, Tasmanian and West Australian symphony orchestras and Orchestra Victoria. The Academy will be led by Johannes Fritzsch and mentors will include other renowned Australian and international conductors such as our own Maestro Benjamin Northey.

The Australian Conducting Academy is supported by the Ian Potter Foundation.

SNARE DRUM AWARD

Established by MSO percussionist Robert Cossom in 2004, the Snare Drum Award is designed to encourage the pursuit of excellence in snare drum performance in Australia and New Zealand.

Open to undergraduate tertiary students from Australia and New Zealand, this award provides an exclusive opportunity for applicants to further develop audition skills and performance techniques in a professional environment. Join us for the 20th Anniversary on 26 August 2024 to see the next generation of percussionists compete!

The MSO Snare Drum Award is supported by Tim & Lyn Edward, Cecilie Hall, and the late Hon. Michael Watt KC.

The MSO Academy is supported by Platinum Patrons Di Jameson OAM and Frank Mercurio.

FUNDRAISING DINNER SERIES Guests of Note

Share an intimate evening of conversation, fine food, wine – and of course music! –with some of the Season’s biggest superstars, all while raising funds for the MSO.

1/ RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS AND JAIME MARTÍN

Friday 15 March

2/ WILLIAM BARTON & JAIME MARTÍN

Saturday 6 July

3/ RODERICK WILLIAMS AND SIOBHAN STAGG

Friday 30 August

4/ NODOKA OKISAWA AND STEVEN ISSERLIS

Friday 4 October

$500

per person

$400 of each ticket is a tax-deductible donation supporting the MSO’s Artistic program to bring the world’s finest artists to Melbourne.

$3,500 table of 8

$2,800 of each table price is a tax-deductible donation supporting the MSO’s Artistic program to bring the world’s finest artists to Melbourne.

3-dinner package

$1,200 per person – choose any 3 dinners

$960 of each package is a tax-deductible donation supporting the MSO’s Artistic program to bring the world’s finest artists to Melbourne.

Tickets strictly limited. BOOK NOW MSO.COM.AU/DINNERS

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

THURSDAY NIGHTS

Thursdays 7.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 6.45PM

1/ Jaime conducts Mahler 3 (p.20) / 14 March

2/ American Stories: Bernstein, Gershwin and more (p.23) / 11 April

3/ Jaime conducts A Hero’s Life (p.26) / 9 May

4/ Schumann and Tchaikovsky (p.29) / 13 June

5/ Jaime conducts Rachmaninov and Dvořák (p.30) / 27 June

6/ Jaime conducts Romeo and Juliet (p.32) / 18 July

7/ Dvořák and Bruckner (p.36) / 5 September

8/ Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto (p.39) / 3 October 8

THURSDAY NIGHTS PLUS

Thursdays 7.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 6.45PM

Includes all Thursday Night Series concerts, plus four more evenings throughout the year:

9/ Rachmaninov and Weinberg (p.26) / 16 May

10/ Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Carmina Burana (p.31) / 4 July

11/ Fauré’s Requiem (p.36) / 29 August

12/ Forbidden Love (p.40) / 10 October

$50

Tan

Bonus Concert

(p.37)

$50 Bonus Concert

Tan Dun: Nine (p.37)

Saturday 14 September at Hamer Hall

Select the Thursday Nights Plus subscription to experience all 12 concerts at Hamer Hall, and save even more – up to 20%!

Saul Lewis Principal Third Horn Position supported by Cecilie Hall and the late Hon Michael Watt KC

SATURDAY MATINEES

Saturdays 2pm

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 1.15PM

1/ American Stories: Bernstein, Gershwin and more (p.23) / 13 April

2/ Jaime conducts A Hero's Life (p.26) / 11 May

3/ Schumann and Tchaikovsky (p.29) / 15 June

4/ Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Carmina Burana (p.31) / 6 July

5/ Fauré’s Requiem (p.36) / 31 August

6/ Forbidden Love (p.40) / 12 October

SATURDAY NIGHTS

Saturdays 7.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 6.45PM

1/ Jaime conducts Mahler 3 (p.20) / 16 March

2/ Rachmaninov and Weinberg (p.26) / 18 May

3/ Jaime conducts Rachmaninov and Dvořák (p.30) / 29 June

4/ Jaime conducts Romeo and Juliet (p.32) / 20 July

5/ Dvořák and Bruckner (p.36) / 7 September

6/ Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto (p.39) / 5 October

$50 Bonus Concert

Elgar’s Cello Concerto (p.21)

Friday 22 March at Hamer Hall

A Reserve $594 $570

B Reserve $486 $462

C Reserve $438 $414

D Reserve $384 $360

$50 Bonus Concert

Chinese New Year (p.17)

Saturday 17 February at Hamer Hall

6 CONCERTS AT HAMER HALL

6 CONCERTS AT HAMER HALL STD CONC

Prudence Davis Principal Flute Position supported by Anonymous

QUICK FIX AT HALF SIX

Mondays 6.30pm

POST-CONCERT TALKS AT 7.45PM

1/ Bernstein, Gershwin and Chindamo (p.23) / 15 April

2/ Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony (p.29) / 17 June

3/ Debussy, Wagner and Strauss (p.40) / 14 October

4/ Beethoven Festival: Symphonies 7 & 8 (p.43) / 25 November

MSO MORNINGS

Fridays 11am

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 10.15AM

1/ Elgar’s Cello Concerto (p.21) / 22 March

2/ Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony (p.26) / 17 May

3/ Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet (p.32) / 19 July

$50

$50

(p.40) Saturday 12 October at Hamer Hall

Rohan Dasika Double Bass

TOWN HALL

Friday / Thursdays 7.30pm

ORGAN RECITALS AT 6.30PM

1/ Jaime conducts Enigma Variations (p.25) / 3 May

2/ Mozart and Tchaikovsky (p.27) / 23 May

3/ Mozart and Brahms (p.35) / 15 August

4/ Beethoven and Mendelssohn (p.38) / 19 September

RECITAL CENTRE

Thursdays 7.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 6.45PM

1/ Marvellous Mozart (p.20) / 7 March

2/ Transformations (p.33) / 1 August

$50 Bonus Concert

American Stories: Bernstein, Gershwin and more (p.23)

Thursday 11 April at Hamer Hall

$50 Bonus Concert

Debussy, Wagner and Strauss (p.40)

Monday 14 October at Hamer Hall

Lorraine Hook First Violin

GEELONG

Fridays / Saturday 7.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALKS AT 6.45PM

1/ American Stories: Bernstein, Gershwin and more (p.23) / 12 April

2/ Mozart and Tchaikovsky (p.27) / 24 May

3/ Jaime conducts Rachmaninov and Dvořák (p.30) / 28 June

4/ Dvořák and Bruckner (p.36) / 6 September

5/ Handel’s Messiah (p.44) / 7 December

CHAMBER

Sundays 11am

1/ Hidden Thoughts I (p.25) / 21 April

2/ Chamber Music with the MSO Academy (p.30) / 23 June

3/ Brahms’ Third Piano Quartet (p.35) / 18 August

4/ Music for Harp and Strings (p.38) / 22 September

5 CONCERTS AT COSTA HALL STD CONC

$50 Bonus Concert

Forbidden Love (p.40)

Saturday 12 October at Hamer Hall

$50 Bonus Concert

Carmina Burana (Saturday Matinee) (p.31)

Saturday 6 July at Hamer Hall

EARS WIDE OPEN

Mondays 6.30pm

1/ Clara Schumann (p.20) / 4 March

2/ Dvořák (p.28) / 3 June

3/ Max Richter (p.34) / 5 August

Supported by 3 EVENTS AT MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE STD CONC

One Reserve $105 $90

$50 Bonus Concert

Bernstein, Gerswhin and Chindamo (p.23)

Monday 15 April at Hamer Hall

BENDIGO

Saturday / Friday 7.30pm

1/ Mozart and Tchaikovsky (p.27) / 25 May

2/ Handel’s Messiah (p.44) / 13 December

$50 Bonus Concert

Carmina Burana (Saturday Matinee) (p.31)

Saturday 6 July at Hamer Hall

BAROQUE FESTIVAL

2–6 April (p.22)

1/ Bach and Vivaldi Concertos

2/ Handel and Vivaldi Arias

3/ St John Passion

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL

19–30 November (p.42–43)

1/ Symphonies 1 & 3

2/ Symphonies 2 & 5

3/ Symphonies 4 & 6

4/ Symphonies 7 & 8

5/ Beethoven’s Ninth

AT

5 CONCERTS AT HAMER HALL

Philippa West Second Violin Position supported by Andrew Dudgeon AM

CREATE YOUR OWN SERIES

Select 5+ concerts from the list below.

MSO Geelong, Classic Kids, Jams for Juniors and Music and Ideas are not available as part of Create Your Own Series. All concerts at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall unless indicated.

Blockbusters

The Lion King in Concert (MCEC, The Plenary) (p.16)

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert (p.24)

Group 1

Special Events & Ryman Healthcare Galas

Season Opening Gala: Jaime conducts The Planets (p.21)

Winter Gala: Carmina Burana (Thursday & Friday) (p.31)

Beethoven Symphonies 2 & 5 (p.42)

Spring Gala: Beethoven’s Ninth (p.43)

Handel’s Messiah (p.44)

Hamer Hall Thursday Nights

Jaime conducts Mahler 3 (p.20)

American Stories: Bernstein, Gershwin and more (p.23)

Jaime conducts A Hero’s Life (p.26)

Rachmaninov and Weinberg (p.26)

Schumann and Tchaikovsky (p.29)

Jaime conducts Rachmaninov and Dvořák (p.30)

Winter Gala: Carmina Burana (p.31)

Jaime conducts Romeo and Juliet (p.32)

Fauré’s Requiem (p.36)

Dvořák and Bruckner (p.36)

Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto (p.39)

Forbidden Love (p.40)

Group 2

Special Events

Chinese New Year (p.17)

A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John (p.19)

Baroque Festival: St John Passion (p.22)

Winter Gala: Carmina Burana (Saturday) (p.31)

Metropolis: Vivaldi Recomposed / Hidden Thoughts III (p.34)

Tan Dun: Nine (p.37)

Beethoven Symphonies 1 & 3 (p.42)

Beethoven Symphonies 4 & 6 (p.43)

Hamer Hall Saturday Nights

Jaime conducts Mahler 3 (p.20)

Rachmaninov and Weinberg (p.26)

Jaime conducts Rachmaninov and Dvořák (p.30)

Jaime conducts Romeo and Juliet (p.32)

Dvořák and Bruckner (p.36)

Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto (p.39)

Hamer Hall Saturday Matinees

American Stories: Bernstein, Gershwin and more (p.23)

Jaime conducts A Hero’s Life (p.26)

Schumann and Tchaikovsky (p.29)

Winter Gala: Carmina Burana (p.31)

Fauré’s Requiem (p.36)

Forbidden Love (p.40)

Group 3

Special Events

Bach and Vivaldi Concertos (p.22)

Handel and Vivaldi Arias (p.22)

NAIDOC Week Celebration (p.32)

Ngapa William Cooper (p.39)

Kaddish: A Holocaust Memorial Concert (p.41)

MSO Mornings

Elgar’s Cello Concerto (p.21)

Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony (p.26)

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet (p.32)

Quick Fix at Half Six

Bernstein, Gershwin and Chindamo (p.23)

Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony (p.29)

Debussy, Wagner and Strauss (p.40)

Beethoven Festival: Symphonies 7 & 8 (p.43)

Group 4

Melbourne Recital Centre

Marvellous Mozart (p.20)

Transformations (p.33)

Group 5

Melbourne Town Hall

Jaime conducts Enigma Variations (p.25)

Mozart and Tchaikovsky (p.27)

Mozart and Brahms (p.35)

Beethoven and Mendelssohn (p.38)

Group 6

Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash

Jaime conducts Enigma Variations (p.25)

Group 7

Special Events (Iwaki Auditorium)

Song Cycles (p.27)

Metropolis: Hidden Thoughts II (p.33)

Group 8

Chamber (Iwaki Auditorium)

Hidden Thoughts I (p.25)

Chamber Music with the MSO Academy (p.30)

Brahms’ Third Piano Quartet (p.35)

Music for Harp and Strings (p.38)

Group 9

Ears Wide Open (Melbourne Recital Centre)

Clara Schumann (p.20)

Dvořák (p.28)

Max Richter (p.34)

Group 10

Winter Recitals (Iwaki Auditorium)

Jayson Gillham (p.33)

Siobhan Stagg and Roderick Williams (p.36)

Group 11

Bendigo (Ulumbarra Theatre)

Mozart and Tchaikovsky (p.27)

Handel’s Messiah (p.44)

Add up the cost of your tickets using the prices below.

*Prices subject to change so book early for the best rate.

Save up to 10%*! Book by 22 September 2023 for priority access to seats at all MSO concerts, and guarantee the best price for your 2024 subscription add-on concert.

ADD-ON TICKET PRICES

Music and Ideas General admission (adults and children 2+ years all need a ticket) $13

$85 $77 $67

Chinese New Year / A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John / St John Passion / Vivaldi Recomposed / Hidden Thoughts III / Tan Dun: Nine / Beethoven Festival:

Ryman Healthcare Galas / Beethoven Festival: Symphonies 2 & 5 / Handel’s Messiah

Bach and Vivaldi Concertos / Handel and Vivaldi Arias / NAIDOC Week Celebration / Ngapa William Cooper / Kaddish: A Holocaust Memorial Concert

$125 $114 $92 $83 $72 Conc. $120 $109 $88 $79 $68

Std $89 $80 $74 $63 $53 Conc. $84 $75 $70 $59 $48

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert Std $134 $116 $89 $71 Conc. $129 $111 $84 $66

MSO Monash: Jaime conducts Enigma Variations Std $67 $58 $49 $31 Conc. $63 $54 $45 $27

Symphony in a Day One reserve (adults and children 2+ years all need a ticket) $26

Song Cycles / Metropolis: Hidden Thoughts II One reserve Std $49 Conc. $45

Classical. On demand.

Experience the MSO, top local ensembles and more of the world’s finest orchestras at MSO.LIVE. Watch live and on-demand HD performances, with superior audio quality, on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.

Start your membership now at MSO.LIVE.

YOUR MSO

FIRST VIOLINS

VIOLAS

CELLOS

SECOND VIOLINS

Tair Khisambeev Acting Associate Concertmaster Di Jameson OAM and Frank Mercurio#

Deborah Goodall

Monica Curro Assistant Principal Dr Mary-Jane Gething AO#

Rachael Tobin Associate Principal Anonymous#

Fiona Sargeant

Isy Wasserman

Mark Mogilevski

Peter Edwards Assistant Principal

Anne-Marie Johnson

Isin Cakmakcioglu

Tiffany Cheng Glenn Sedgwick#

Katharine Brockman

Patrick Wong Hyon-Ju Newman#

Kathryn Taylor

Kirsty Bremner

Kirstin Kenny

Freya Franzen

Roger Young Shane Buggle and Rosie Callanan#

Sarah Curro Cong Gu Newton Family in memory of Rae Rothfield#

Anthony Chataway Dr Elizabeth E Lewis AM#

Matthew Tomkins Principal The Gross Foundation#

Peter Fellin

Robert Macindoe Associate Principal

David Berlin Principal

Christopher Moore Principal Di Jameson OAM and Frank Mercurio#

Gabrielle Halloran

Andrew Hall

Eleanor Mancini Anne Neil#

Elina Faskhi Assistant Principal Di Jameson OAM and Frank Mercurio#

Rohan de Korte Andrew Dudgeon AM#

Sarah Morse

Lorraine Hook

Mary Allison

Lauren Brigden

Philippa West Andrew Dudgeon AM#

Michelle Ruffolo

Angela Sargeant Michelle Wood Andrew and Judy Rogers#

John Arcaro Tim and Lyn Edward#

Shaun Trubiano Principal Percussion

Rosie Turner John and Diana Frew#

Mike Szabo Principal Bass Trombone

Sarah Beggs

Ann Blackburn The Rosemary Norman Foundation#

Craig Hill Rosemary and the late Douglas Meagher#

Rachel Shaw Gary McPherson#

Andrew Macleod Principal Piccolo

Michael Pisani Principal Cor Anglais

Jon Craven Principal Bass Clarinet Nicolas Fleury Principal Margaret Jackson AC# Owen Morris Principal

Brock Imison Principal Contrabasson

Benjamin Hanlon Di Jameson OAM and Frank Mercurio# HORNS

TUBA BASSOONS & CONTRA -BASSOON

HARP CLARINETS & BASS CLARINET

OBOES & COR ANGLAIS

FLUTES & PICCOLO

DOUBLE BASSES

Timothy Buzbee Principal

Natasha Thomas Dr Martin Tymms and Patricia Nilsson#

Prudence Davis Principal Anonymous# Wendy Clarke Associate Principal David Thomas Principal Philip Arkinstall Associate Principal Elise Millman Associate Principal

PERCUSSIONIST JOHN ARCARO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE MSO SINCE 1990.

2024 ARTISTIC FAMILY

Our Artistic Family comprises influential musicians, conductors and composers from across Australia and abroad.

Warren Trevelyan-Jones MSO Chorus Director

Naomi Dodd Cybec Young Composer in Residence Cybec Foundation#

Lu Siqing Artistic Ambassador

Katy Abbott Composer in Residence

Jaime Martín Chief Conductor

Benjamin Northey Principal Conductor in Residence

Hiroyuki Iwaki AO† Conductor Laureate in memoriam

Sir Andrew Davis Conductor Laureate

Erin Helyard Artist in Residence

Karen Kyriakou Artist in Residence, Learning & Engagement

Tan Dun Artistic Ambassador

Xian Zhang East meets West Ambassador

Leonard Weiss Cybec Assistant Conductor Cybec Foundation#

Dr Anita Collins Learning and Engagement Creative Chair

Christian Li Young Artist in Association

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO First Nations Creative Chair

CONNECT WITH US

CONTACT

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

ABC Southbank Centre 120–130 Southbank Boulevard

Southbank VIC 3006, Australia

GPO Box 9994, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia (03) 9929 9600 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm) mso.com.au

FIND US ON SOCIALS

MSO BOARD

David Li AM Chairman

Di Jameson OAM Co-deputy Chair

Helen Silver AO Co-deputy Chair

Shane Buggle, Andrew Dudgeon AM, Martin Foley, Lorraine Hook, Margaret Jackson AC, David Krasnostein AM*, Gary McPherson, Farrel Meltzer, Edgar Myer, Glenn Sedgwick, Mary Waldron

Board Directors

Oliver Carton Company Secretary

*until August 2023

EXECUTIVE

Sophie Galaise

Managing Director

Judith Clark

Executive Assistant to the Managing Director

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

Guy Ross

Chief Operating Officer

Simonette Turner

Head of Orchestra Management

Callum Moncrieff

Head of Touring & Chorus

Nina Dubecki

Orchestra Manager

Eljo Agenbach

Assistant Orchestra Manager

Daniel Boaden

Production Coordinator

Rory Wilson

Production Coordinator

Meg Bowker

Orchestra & Chorus Coordinator

Mark Sutcliffe

Executive Producer, MSO Presents

Erika Noguchi

Producer, MSO Presents

Steele Foster

Head of Media

Sam Meuleman

Digital Content Producer

Adam Weitzer

Digital Content Administrator

Laura Pemberton

Digital Content Coordinator

Fiona McDonald

Head of People & Culture

Alexandra Fitzgerald

People & Culture Business Partner

PROGRAMMING

John Nolan Director of Programming

Warren Trevelyan-Jones Chorus Director

Katharine Bartholomeusz-Plows

Head of Artistic Planning

Andrew Groch

Artistic Planning Manager

Grace Ip

Programming Coordinator

Luke Speedy-Hutton

Orchestra Library Manager

Veronika Reeves

Orchestra Librarian

Jennifer Powell

Orchestra Librarian

Stephen McAllan

Artist Liaison

Nicholas Bochner

Head of Learning & Engagement

Erica Dawkins

Emerging Artists Lead

Keturah Haisman

Schools Program Lead

PHILANTHROPY & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Suzanne Dembo

Director, Philanthropy & External Affairs

Caroline Buckley

Head of External Affairs

Nickie Warton

Head of Philanthropy

Charlotte Crocker

Philanthropy Lead – Administration & Programs

Catherine Hempenstall

Grants & Reporting Lead

Rosemary Shaw

Philanthropy Lead – Campaigns & Communications

Keith Clancy

Donor Liaison

PARTNERSHIPS

Jayde Walker

Director of Business Development

Christopher Cassidy

Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships

Aidan Fürst

Partnerships Coordinator

Olivia Ouyang

East meets West Engagement Lead

FINANCE

Sharon Li

Chief Financial Officer

Emily Zhang

Financial Controller

Zoe Gao

Financial Accountant

Lynn Tejano

Payroll & Finance Officer

Eric Lai

Accounts Officer

MARKETING & SALES

Dylan Stewart

Director of Marketing & Sales

Clare Douglas

Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Sally Hern

Digital Marketing Manager (acting)

Emiko Hunt

Digital Marketing Manager (on leave)

Phil Paschke

Digital Projects Manager

Katya Dibb

Graphic Designer

Claudia Biaggini

Marketing Coordinator

Stephanie Sheridan

Concert Program Administrator

Prue Bassett

Publicity Manager

Shannon Toyne

Senior Manager, Sales & Customer Experience

Sarah Camm

Box Office Manager

Nicole Rees

Ticketing Operations & Insights Lead

Marta Arquero

Box Office Operations Coordinator

Rowan Donaldson

Box Office Supervisor

Sam Harvey

Database Administrator

MSO PARTNERSHIPS

Our mission is to work with our partners to enrich people’s lives through meaningful musical experiences. We understand the importance of differentiated partnership opportunities and the need for return on investment. We pursue best practice partnerships by building offerings to meet business needs in a way never previously imagined.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

PREMIER PARTNERS

MAJOR PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

MEDIA AND BROADCAST PARTNERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

EDUCATION PARTNER VENUE PARTNER

ORCHESTRAL TRAINING PARTNER

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS

EAST MEETS WEST

PROGRAM SUPPORTERS

Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne

Ministry of Culture and Tourism China

SUPPORTING PARTNERS CONSORTIUM PARTNERS

SUPPORTERS

If you are interested in partnering with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra contact Jayde Walker, Director of Business Development: 0417 864 702 or walkerj@mso.com.au

Xiaojian Ren & Qian Li

The Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, The Angior Family Foundation, The William and Lindsay Brodie Foundation, Flora & Frank Leith Trust, Perpetual Foundation – Alan (AGL) Shaw Endowment, Sidney Myer MSO Trust Fund

Mr Wanghua Chu & Dr Shirley Chu

Quest Southbank Bows for Strings Ernst & Young