Performed by the George Ellis Orchestra, hear two powerful seminal works the Low and “Heroes” Symphonies inspired by David Bowie’s iconic albums.

In 1977, David Bowie abandoned the indulgences of his Thin White Duke LA existence and relocated to Berlin, where – with electronic and ambient music architect Brian Eno as producer, and in the shadow of the wall which divided the city – they created two of the most distinctive albums in rock history.

Low and “Heroes” employed Eno’s bleak audio landscapes and Bowie's evocative lyrics and sense of melody to create brooding compositions and world building sonic collages.

Twenty years later influential composer and leading light in music with repetitive structures, Philip Glass, was inspired by Bowie and Eno’s stark soundscapes to create two seminal classical works - the Low and “Heroes” Symphonies.

In his symphonies, Glass finds additional layers to the works which inspired him and brings a sense of drama, emotional impact and warmth to the chill of the original works.

Experience a wonderfully intense symphonic journey, which takes the musical essence of Bowie and Eno’s creations and re-expresses them through Glass’s unmistakeable and hypnotic brand of alchemy, setting the ghosts of the original works in poetic, shining relief, through the filter of another, equally iconoclastic and unique genius.

Philip Glass will not appear at this performance.

Melba Collective present an evening of divine repertoire by Australian and international composers. Initially brought together by the concert’s title piece and a shared enthusiasm for connecting with art in all its forms, Melba Collective have since developed an array of eclectic and engaging programs that unite their unique combination of artistry and expertise. The Gorgeous Nothings’ features music by two Wagga-based composers, Major Greg Peterson from the Australian Army Band Kapooka, and award-winning composer John Shephard. Shephard’s work ‘The Art of Conversation’ will receive its world premiere performance at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

Come see the newest stars of the operatic stage! The IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition has long been considered the premier showcase for Australasia’s finest young singers and is the home of ‘The Mathy’, the most prestigious award given to a young opera and classical singer.

For a fraction of the cost of a ticket to the opera you can enjoy an evening of the finest classical singing accompanied by the Opera Australia Orchestra. The IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition Finals Concert gives you a unique chance to hear the new generation of opera stars perform some of the most loved and memorable work in the classical singing canon.

Join us to hear the young operatic stars perform in the 2024 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition Finals Concert.

Flutist Eliza Shephard will be performing Cecile Chaminade’s Concertino with the Opera Australia Orchestra while the judges deliberate the outcome of the competition.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL, is one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Set in a seaside town in Maine, CAROUSEL follows the love story of Billy Bigelow, a handsome but troubled carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a young mill worker.  It is the enduring tale of love, redemption, and the struggle to find our place in the world.

Since its premiere on Broadway in 1945, CAROUSEL has been praised for its poignant storyline, memorable characters, and unforgettable score, which includes timeless hits such as “If I Loved You”, “Soliloquy”, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

This lavish concert production stars two of Australia’s most celebrated leading ladies, Anna O’Byrne (The Mousetrap, My Fair Lady, Love Never Dies) and Marina Prior (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins). With a stellar cast of thrilling performers and an on-stage orchestra, this concert is not to be missed!

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL, is one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Set in a seaside town in Maine, CAROUSEL follows the love story of Billy Bigelow, a handsome but troubled carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a young mill worker.  It is the enduring tale of love, redemption, and the struggle to find our place in the world.

Since its premiere on Broadway in 1945, CAROUSEL has been praised for its poignant storyline, memorable characters, and unforgettable score, which includes timeless hits such as “If I Loved You”, “Soliloquy”, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

This lavish concert production stars two of Australia’s most celebrated leading ladies, Anna O’Byrne (The Mousetrap, My Fair Lady, Love Never Dies) and Marina Prior (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins). With a stellar cast of thrilling performers and an on-stage orchestra, this concert is not to be missed!

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL, is one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Set in a seaside town in Maine, CAROUSEL follows the love story of Billy Bigelow, a handsome but troubled carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a young mill worker.  It is the enduring tale of love, redemption, and the struggle to find our place in the world.

Since its premiere on Broadway in 1945, CAROUSEL has been praised for its poignant storyline, memorable characters, and unforgettable score, which includes timeless hits such as “If I Loved You”, “Soliloquy”, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

This lavish concert production stars two of Australia’s most celebrated leading ladies, Anna O’Byrne (The Mousetrap, My Fair Lady, Love Never Dies) and Marina Prior (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins). With a stellar cast of thrilling performers and an on-stage orchestra, this concert is not to be missed!

Two iconic and evocative masterpieces of the twentieth century are paired with exhilarating new orchestral works.

Manuel de Falla and Dmitri Shostakovich both wear their national identity on their sleeves. Nights in the Gardens of Spain is one of the most beloved works for piano and orchestra with its rich atmosphere and evocations of Spain’s Moorish history, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No.9 is filled with a tragic exaltation for Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany the year before its premiere.

We welcome principal conductor in residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Northey, to conduct these much loved works along with two much newer compositions; Anna Meredith’s electric Nautilus and the world premiere of a new work by Noongar composer/conductor/violist Aaron Wyatt, the Monash University Ed Byrne Commission for 2024. These will be performed alongside Samuel Barber’s heartwrenching Adagio for Strings.

The Monash Academy Orchestra is delighted to welcome distinguished soloist Angela Li to perform de Falla’s masterwork.

Monash Academy Orchestra
Benjamin Northey conductor
Angela Li piano

Anna Meredith Nautilus
Aaron Wyatt Voiceless*
Manuel de Falla Nights in the Gardens of Spain
Samuel Barber Adagio for Strings
Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No.9

*Monash University Ed Byrne Commission 2024

ELISION has established an international reputation for its engagement with complex and virtuosically challenging aesthetics.

PROGRAM

Mary BELLAMY Abrasion (2011)
for cello

Luke PAULDING Jupiter Dreaming (2013)
for alto saxophone & percussion

Nathaniel OTLEY Phytoplankton (2022)
for flute & bass flute (two players) WORLD PREMIERE

Liza Lim EHWAZ (2010)
for trumpet & percussion (mainly vibraphone)

Einar Torfi EINARSSON Zone of proximity:(and the weakly interacting massive particles) (2023)
for recorder & cello WORLD PREMIERE

Erika VEGA Etra (2008)
solo flute

Eclectus Duo is a flute and percussion duo focused on presenting unique and creative musical experiences. Eliza Shephard and Alexander Meagher are vibrant interpreters of a diverse range of music with interests and backgrounds in theatre, dance, and martial arts. Individually highly sought after musicians, Eclectus Duo form a powerful combination of artists, bringing innovative theatrical works to life and giving voice to unheard and undiscovered gems in music to spark the curiosity of their audiences. Their thoughtful and engaging programs have been presented in spaces such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Abbotsford Convent, McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery, and Montsalvat Art Centre.

They have collaborated with the final year composition students at Monash University to introduce 13 new duos to the world. This performance is a selection of the 6 finest new creations by the Monash University composition class.

Two concert grand pianos take centre stage for excerpts from Holst’s The Planets, ‘Mars’ and ‘Jupiter’ movements. Be swept along with Sunrise, a movement from Haydn’s great String Quartet in B-flat Major. And be sure to look out for astronomical opener Trance I by Ivan Trevino, an alien-like percussive performance that will have kids on the edge of their space seats.

Performed by the Monash Classical Collective, with Dilruk sharing stories and poems from outer space along the way. Come along for a truly special interplanetary program in the Alexander Theatre!

This event is part of Family Fiesta – MPAC’s annual kids’ takeover of the Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, 3 – 6 July 2024.

Forget the ensemble performances you’re used to – this trio will have you on the edge of your seat! Watch and listen as Katie Yap (viola), Melina van Leeuwen (harp) and Eliza Shephard (flute) take you on a unique classical journey unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

The program will include the Debussy Sonata and other French works by Ibert and Rameau.

For thousands of years the Yorta Yorta people have passed down their traditions, language, dreaming and culture through song. Dhungala Children’s Choir is the continuation of that tradition.

On Monday June 10, 2024 Dhungala Children’s Choir celebrates 16 years!

To mark this milestone Short Black Opera returns to Riverlinks Westside to present a special concert which will launch the much anticipated Dhungala Choral Connection Song Book Volume 2. This beautiful volume of songs features the music of Yorta Yorta composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, with artwork by six outstanding First Nations artists; Aunty Rochelle Patten, Minjaara Atkinson, Tina King, Ally Knight, Billy-Jay O’Toole and Steve Parker.

Joining the award winning Dhungala Children’s Choir on stage will be members of Short Black Opera Company, Ensemble Dutala, Shauntai Sherree Abdul-Rahman and Miss Lillie Walker with some of Australia’s finest orchestral musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Melbourne’s vibrant classical music community. With Soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO and special guest conductor Nicolette Fraillon AM this program is not to be missed!

Presented in partnership with Riverlinks and with the support of Creative Victoria, Creative Ventures and Indigenous Languages Australia.

Ensemble CANE presents Visionary Voices: Music for modern hearts and minds by living Australian Composers. Sweeping melodies combine with evocative harmonies, tantalising textures and playful rhythms in works by Katy Abbott, Kym Dillon, Christopher Healey, Andrew Howes, Catherine Likhuta and Luke Severn.

Members of CANE

~ Chris Healey, composer
~ Adam McMillan, piano
~ Niels Bijl, saxophone
~ Eliza Shephard, flute

A spellbinding union of Theodorakis, Elytis, and more.

Witness a breathtaking celebration of the works of composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis in Axion Esti.

This collaboration brings together the exceptional vocals of international sensation Dimitris Basis under the baton of the renowned Greek Australian conductor George Ellis. With the harmonious chants of George Karantonis and a 30-piece Choir, complemented by compelling narration from Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos, don’t miss this unforgettable experience.

CANE, a collaboration between C - Chris Healey, A - Adam McMillan, N - Niels Bijl and E - Eliza Shephard.

Composer Chris Healey has initiated this ensemble, with the help of the ACCC to further promote Australian chamber music.

A rich tapestry of existing works, a brand new composition and transcriptions of known and unknown gems of Australian music, with music by Katy Abbott, Cathy Likhuta, and others.

Eliza Shephard presents The Extended Flute – an exploration into sound worlds, physicality, and improvisation.

Breaking the myth that extended techniques are “only for advanced players”, this course dives into the many sonic benefits of including extended techniques into practice at all levels of learning.

Traversing air techniques, percussive elements, and improvisation, you will skip away from this course with a deeper understanding of the sonic abilities of the flute, and a new appreciation and way of thinking about standard flute playing and contemporary approaches.

These April school holidays Melbourne Recital Centre turns into the biggest sound playground in town! With an array of activities, performances, and musical installations, Music Play is the perfect adventure for mini-music lovers, festival-loving families and friends.

All performances, installations, and workshops will be held multiple times, across both days of Music Play, so no need to rearrange nap schedules. Select a timed entry that works for you, and stay as long as you like! Whether they’re a teeny-tiny head banger, the next maestro, or enjoy simply experiencing musical magic on stage, over two jam-packed days children of all ages can let loose and play.

Musical facepainting, a music themed photobooth, Eliza Shephard as a roaming musical pixie, food trucks, pram parking, quiet zones, and, for parents: coffee!

These April school holidays Melbourne Recital Centre turns into the biggest sound playground in town! With an array of activities, performances, and musical installations, Music Play is the perfect adventure for mini-music lovers, festival-loving families and friends.

All performances, installations, and workshops will be held multiple times, across both days of Music Play, so no need to rearrange nap schedules. Select a timed entry that works for you, and stay as long as you like! Whether they’re a teeny-tiny head banger, the next maestro, or enjoy simply experiencing musical magic on stage, over two jam-packed days children of all ages can let loose and play.

Musical facepainting, a music themed photobooth, Eliza Shephard as a roaming musical pixie, food trucks, pram parking, quiet zones, and, for parents: coffee!

Calling all rain lovers, Max Aurora & The Southern Lights presents a rain-themed single launch for their next release, ambient piano ballad 'Overcast Sentiment'. This launch will be a combination of originals and covers inspired by rain from Taylor Swift, Kate Bush to The Carpenters. 

Supporting the band is vibrant flautist Eliza Shephard who won the ABC Young Performer of the Year Award in 2022. She will be playing a set of classical pieces inspired by rain. 

Bring your brollies, let's fill up Open Studio with a vibrant downpour of music. 

PhD researcher Nathan Sinclair and Head of Guitar Ken Murray present a program of music by Spain's two leading early 20th-century composers, Manuel de Falla and his successor, Joaquín Rodrigo.

Featured in this concert is Sinclair's arrangement for two guitars and chamber ensemble of Falla's seminal neoclassical masterpiece, the "Concerto for Harpsichord, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, and Cello" (1926). Also featured will be a performance of Rodrigo's recently rediscovered "Preludio al Atardecer" (1926), the composer's first known work for guitar.

The program includes a premiere performance of Melbourne composer Shaun Rigney's "Three Spanish Portraits"- a homage to the Spanish greats of Albéniz, Granados, and Falla.

PROGRAM

Guitar Solos - Ken Murray

Sketches of Falla
Ken Murray, Manuel de Falla

Homenajé
Manuel de Falla

Guitar Solos - Nathan Sinclair

En los Trigales
Joaquín Rodrigo

Preludio al Atardecer (Australian premiere)
Joaquín Rodrigo

Toccata
Joaquín Rodrigo

Three Spanish Portraits (2006) (World premiere)
Shaun Rigney

Guitar Duos - Nathan Sinclair and Ken Murray

Danza del Molinero (from El Sombrero de Tres Picos)
Manuel de Falla

Pantomina (from El Amor Brujo)
Manuel de Falla

Danza Ritual del Fuego (from El Amor Brujo)
Manuel de Falla

Concerto for Harpsichord, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, and Cello (World premiere)
Manuel de Falla, arranged by Nathan Sinclair for two guitars

One afternoon, three unique locations. The undisputed top of Australian music, food and wine.

Come to the Yarragon Studio Festival and treat yourself to a variety of Australia’s most remarkable artists. We will transport you to three uniquely idyllic locations, where you will hear Flautist Eliza Shephard, Bandoneonist Stephen Cuttriss and Violinist Kyla Matsuura-Miller in concert.

At the end of the day, you will be treated to an exclusive supper of local produce provided by Hoggett Kitchen’s chef Trevor Perkins, one of West Gippsland’s trailblazers in high cuisine. As always our Yarragon Studio concerts are combined with complementary William Downie wines and Rachel Needoba’s Butterfly Factory cheeses. We will end our inaugural Yarragon Studio Festival with a celebratory closing concert of all the artists, including one of the founders of Yarragon Studio, saxophonist Niels Bijl.

The full range of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is on display at this performance that celebrates young Australian talent, featuring two world premieres by Cybec Young Composers to open the concert. Then, Matthew Hindson's dynamic concerto for flute and orchestra rounds out the all-Australian first half, as 2022 ABC Young Performer of the Year Eliza Shephard takes us on a guided musical house tour, from the frenzy of the kitchen to the groovy lounge room.

After interval you'll witness Sibelius' majestic Fifth Symphony, evoking the rugged landscape of the composer's Finnish homeland. The finale features an achingly beautiful ‘hymn’ inspired by a flock of swans taking flight that Sibelius observed while composing this symphony.

It's the perfect Saturday night in the city, with a superb soundtrack provided by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Program

Naomi Dodd Cerulean Dances*
Alex Turley River**
Matthew Hindson House Music
Sibelius Symphony No.5

*World premiere of an MSO Commission, by the 2024 Cybec Young Composer in Residence
**World premiere of an MSO Commission, by the 2022 Cybec Young Composer in Residence

The Classics: Opera will make a glorious return to the City of Stonnington this summer, once again transforming the much-loved Victoria Gardens into a free and intimate classical music stage fit for cultural royalty.

This year's The Classics: A Midsummer Night's Opera will showcase some of the most famous and beautiful operatic renditions of Shakespeare's finest plays and sonnets woven together. It will be led by award-winning, world-renowned soprano, cabaret artist, producer and creator Ali McGregor who returns as artistic director.

Expect to be entertained with excerpts from Britten's Midsummer Night's Dream, Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, both Rossini and Verdi’s Otello, and songs set by composers including Roger Quilter, Gerald Finzi, Cole Porter and Kate Miller Heidke. A rich repertoire of well-known and rare works for the audience to discover.

The City of Stonnington is ecstatic to have Ali McGregor's artistic directorship for The Classics: A Midsummer Night's Opera. This concert is sure to create a beautiful experience for those unfamiliar with on-stage opera and regular operagoers alike to relive some of the most famous and beautiful arias from the bard's iconic and historic plays.

Alongside the performances, enjoy a delicious selection of boutique food and drink options. Pack your picnic rug and bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening of free classical music in Prahran under the summer stars.

Alireza Ghorbani began his vocal training at the age of 12 and later became a solo vocalist of the National Orchestra of Iran at 27. By the age of 30, he had become a prominent figure in Persian song, mastering various Middle Eastern musical scales. He possesses exceptional vocal techniques, covering both the non-rhythmic radif and rhythmic tasnif styles. 

A highly accomplished artist, Ghorbani deeply appreciates tradition while maintaining an open-minded approach to diverse cultures. Born during the tumultuous 1970s and 80s in Iran, he is considered a worthy successor to Mohammed Reza Shajarian, the undisputed master of Persian classical song. Ghorbani has numerous musical albums, extensive live performances, and participation in international multicultural projects and festivals worldwide. He has collaborated with artists from various backgrounds, including Alim Qasimov (Azarbaijan), Jobran Trio (France), Dorsaf Hamdani (Tunisia), Bombay Jayashri (India), and Celia Woodsmith, to name a few.  

Ghorbani also boasts experience in cinema and television, having contributed to popular television serials in Iran. He is recognized as one of Iran's most active traditional contemporary singers. His recent music tour concert was one of the most successful in Iran, with over 150 concerts in the past year and more than 250,000 tickets sold. 

Ministry of Sound Classical - A day to night festival extravaganza featuring The Ministry of Sound Orchestra, Sneaky Sound System + more!

MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL
✨ MELBOURNE | NAARM ✨
3-11pm on Sat 16 Dec

With 30 years as the global authority on dance music, nobody does the classics like Ministry of Sound. Come and re-live all the greatest club anthems as you’ve never heard them before in a day-to-night festival experience!

With an ALL NEW set list and show, expect to hear more of the songs you know and love completely remixed, rearranged & reimagined by the Ministry of Sound Orchestra alongside DJ Goodwill. Led by award-winning conductor Vanessa Perica - experience incredible live vocals from some of the country’s most acclaimed vocal talent including Reigan (ARIA Nominee "Dreams"), Miss Connie (Sneaky Sound System), Karina Chavez ("Show Me Love"), Rudy (feature artist on Dirty South “In The Air”), along with powerhouse mainstay of the Classical tour Lady Lyric and new addition, Luke Antony (The Voice).

With live entertainment throughout the day from an all star lineup including the adored  Sneaky Sound System (ARIA Award winners plus hits like "UFO."), legendary Australian DJ John Course + sets from esteemed DJ's Dirty Laundry (Live), Sunshine, Andy Murphy and Minx, expect a non-stop party from start to finish. And as if that weren't sufficient, we're spicing things up further with the fan-favourite Silent Disco! Stay connected with your pals while switching between Cara Murphy, Danni B, Funky Col, Chardy, Katie Hill and Jay Ramon. Alternatively, lock into your favourite channel and have your very own dance party! 

Eliza Shephard will be performing in the 8pm set with The Ministry of Sound Orchestra.

Sonic frontiers, stunning projections, chamber music and unconventional instruments.

Experience sonic innovation as Displaced Bodies unites two of Melbourne’s cutting-edge ensembles. Ossicle Duo, an award-winning trombone-percussion ensemble, pushes boundaries with their technically refined and high-energy exploratory art music. Rubiks Collective, a dynamic ensemble of Australia’s most versatile young performers, take audiences on a sonic journey through their ‘incredibly personal, strangely spiritual and ultimately deeply touching’ performances. Together, they fearlessly explore the boundaries of sound in the highly anticipated world premiere of Jakob Bragg’s acclaimed composition, ‘Displaced Bodies, Weapons of Action,’ a recipient of the prestigious Melbourne Recital Centre & Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Composition Award.

About the concert

Journey into unknown sonic territory with Richard Barrett’s mesmerising opus, ‘EARTH,’ a gritty and ritualistic masterpiece. Experience Annie Hsieh’s ‘Quietude’ as it emerges into a delicate and textural composition performed entirely on wine glasses by two percussionists. Immerse yourself in the haunting echoes of Noemi Liba’s ‘CardioMyopathy,’ a powerful work that delves into the depths of the human condition. Witness projections, chamber music, and unconventional instruments transform the Primrose Potter Salon into a kaleidoscope of sonic innovation.