Having dazzled crowds at landmark venues from London’s Royal Albert Hall to New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, Beck has confirmed that Australian audiences will soon have their first chance to experience the magic of his live orchestral performances.

This May, Beck will be accompanied by native orchestras for a very special limited run of five shows – three at the Sydney Opera House and two at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne – reimagining a body of work including hits and deep cuts from classic Beck works including the multi-platinum Odelay, world-tripping Mutations, somber and reflective Sea Change, and GRAMMY Album of the Year winner Morning Phase, plus a share of surprises.

Performing with Beck at the Palais Theatre will be Philharmonia Australia (Orchestra Director Leah Zweck), with Orchestra Supervisor Chong Lim AM.

Philharmonia Australia is one of the country’s leading session orchestras and has been the orchestra of choice for numerous national tours with Josh Groban, John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John, Hans Zimmer, Michael Bolton, Harry Connick Jnr and Ministry Of Sound.

Having dazzled crowds at landmark venues from London’s Royal Albert Hall to New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, Beck has confirmed that Australian audiences will soon have their first chance to experience the magic of his live orchestral performances.

This May, Beck will be accompanied by native orchestras for a very special limited run of five shows – three at the Sydney Opera House and two at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne – reimagining a body of work including hits and deep cuts from classic Beck works including the multi-platinum Odelay, world-tripping Mutations, somber and reflective Sea Change, and GRAMMY Album of the Year winner Morning Phase, plus a share of surprises.

Performing with Beck at the Palais Theatre will be Philharmonia Australia (Orchestra Director Leah Zweck), with Orchestra Supervisor Chong Lim AM.

Philharmonia Australia is one of the country’s leading session orchestras and has been the orchestra of choice for numerous national tours with Josh Groban, John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John, Hans Zimmer, Michael Bolton, Harry Connick Jnr and Ministry Of Sound.

A portrait concert to celebrate the 80th birthday of renowned English composer and friend of the ensemble, Michael Finnissy. Soloists and chamber groups will present works from across Finnissy’s diverse output, including several composed while in Australia, showcasing the composer’s significant contributions to contemporary music and his continued influence on our ensemble.

Program

ALL WORKS BY MICHAEL FINNISSY

Song 18 (1976)

Tasmania I (2020)

Ulpirra (1983)

Nasiye (1982)

INTERVAL

My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose (1990)

Australian Sea Shanties – Set 2 (1983)

Kulamen Dilan (1990)

Casual Nudity (2001)

Introduce your children to the magic of live music with Orchestra Victoria!

The water in the Yaba River is low, the country is in a drought, the waterbirds are hungry. Bila the Spoonbill knows he must do something to help. A rain dance could be the answer. But will Bila be able to bring together the waterbird mob? And can he lead them in a grand enough dance to make the rain fall again?

Hear Rebbeca Chapman’s story of empathy, community and perseverance come to life through the sounds of wind, string percussion instruments at this special Musical Storytime composed by Tim Gray.

This relaxed, interactive performance invites children to participate in the storytelling and discover the sounds of different musical instruments. This is a perfect first musical experience for young people aged 5-8. Young (and young at heart) readers and music-lovers will be singing and dancing all the way home.

Introduce your children to the magic of live music with Orchestra Victoria!

The water in the Yaba River is low, the country is in a drought, the waterbirds are hungry. Bila the Spoonbill knows he must do something to help. A rain dance could be the answer. But will Bila be able to bring together the waterbird mob? And can he lead them in a grand enough dance to make the rain fall again?

Hear Rebbeca Chapman’s story of empathy, community and perseverance come to life through the sounds of wind, string percussion instruments at this special Musical Storytime composed by Tim Gray.

This relaxed, interactive performance invites children to participate in the storytelling and discover the sounds of different musical instruments. This is a perfect first musical experience for young people aged 5-8. Young (and young at heart) readers and music-lovers will be singing and dancing all the way home.

Join Springvale Community Hub for a relaxed and family‑friendly children’s concert featuring two flutes like you may have never heard them before.

Join flutists Nichaud Munday and Eliza Shephard as they travel through playful melodies and gentle musical storytelling, taking young listeners on an imaginative journey. Perfect for curious ears and busy little minds!

This calm, welcoming session is ideal for children 5 and up, offering a chance to experience the magic of music in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Spots are limited, so be sure to register.

PROGRAM

Steve Reich: City Life (1995)

Younje Cho: Toward (2026)

George Benjamin: Three Inventions for Chamber Orchestra (1993-95) (South Korean premiere)

Unsuk Chin: Graffiti for large ensemble (2012–13) (South Korean premiere)

Ensemble Modern |

Norbert Ommer Klangregie |

Toby Thatcher conductor

PROGRAM

George Benjamin: At First Light - for chamber orchestra (1982)

Yiqing Zhu: _Nyx.Glitch 比 特 熔 毁 for Large Ensemble × Live Set (2026)

George Benjamin: Into the Little Hill - Lyrical narrative for two voices and ensemble (2006) (South Korean premiere)

Ensemble Modern |

Jennifer France soprano |

Fleur Barron alto |

Toby Thatcher conductor

Celebrate Seymour Centre’s 50th anniversary and enjoy an evening of beautiful chamber music with the acclaimed Woven Song compositions of Yorta Yorta soprano, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, accompanied by members of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music faculty, Opera Australia Orchestra, Friends of Ensemble Dutala and special guest artists Mindy Meng Wang (Guzheng) and Anne Norman (Shakuhachi).

A remarkable international collaboration of interconnected artforms and featuring new work commissioned for the anniversary, Woven Song is performed against projections of the magnificent Embassy Tapestries, currently on loan to embassies from Singapore to Paris, Tokyo to Dublin.

The tapestries that inspired the music were in turn inspired by artworks by celebrated First Nations artists, from Brooke Andrew to Patrick Mung Mung, Pedro Wanaeamirri to Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra – and each artwork, in turn, inspired by ancient indigenous stories.

Layer upon layer – stories, artworks, tapestries, music – Cheetham Fraillon gives voice to the material works, engaging in the telling of First Nations stories through a unique collaboration across cultures and art forms. She adds further depth by performing with musicians local to countries in which the tapestries are located, building international creative communities through music.

Gloriously presented in the Seymour Centre's York Theatre, this is a fitting way to commemorate the anniversary of Sydney's iconic performing arts centre, and to honour the land on which Seymour sits, which has always been a place of story, art and song.

Special Pre-Show Event
Join us for a special pre-show event in the York foyer from 7pm with a celebratory drink, a Welcome to Country, and an event welcome by Kirsten Andrews, Vice-Principal (External Engagement), University of Sydney.

Eliza Shephard is hosting a special 70-Minute Flute Masterclass after her Lunchtime Chamber Series performance at West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The Lunchtime Chamber Series is an initiative by Niels Bijl and West Gippsland Arts Centre, bringing world-class musicians to Warragul. Audiences can enjoy performances, and participate in exclusive masterclasses with some of Australia's finest musicians.

Winner of the ABC Young Performers Award 2022, Eliza Shephard is quickly paving her way as a performing artist, collaborator, and curator. Eliza completed her studies with Virginia Taylor at ANU (BMusHons) and Griffith University (MMus) and has performed in Canada, New Zealand, and USA, and trained at the Australian National Academy of Music. She has presented masterclasses around Australia and is a teaching associate at Monash University.

Eliza Shephard's exclusive 70-minute Masterclass is limited to a maximum of 5 students and takes place in West Gippsland Arts Centre's Lyrebird Room.

Eliza Shephard, a vibrant flutist based in Melbourne, is coming to West Gippsland Arts Centre to perform and teach as part of our new Lunchtime Chamber Series.

The Lunchtime Chamber Series is an initiative by Niels Bijl and West Gippsland Arts Centre, bringing world-class musicians to Warragul. Audiences can enjoy performances, and participate in exclusive masterclasses with some of Australia's finest musicians.

Winner of the ABC Young Performers Award 2022, Eliza Shephard is quickly paving her way as a performing artist, collaborator, and curator. Eliza completed her studies with Virginia Taylor at ANU (BMusHons) and Griffith University (MMus) and has performed in Canada, New Zealand, and USA, and trained at the Australian National Academy of Music. She has presented masterclasses around Australia and is a teaching associate at Monash University.

Eliza Shephard is also teaching an exclusive 70-minute Flute Masterclass on the same day with tickets available to a maximum of 5 students. Click here to book your place!

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of all things flute at the Elder Conservatorium Flute Mega Day!

This inspiring day of music-making brings together flutists of all ages and levels for workshops, masterclasses, performances, and the chance to play alongside some of Australia's leading artists.

We are thrilled to welcome special guests Eliza Shephard and Kim Falconer, alongside Elder Conservatorium's own Kathryn Moorhead and the flute section of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Whether you're a student, teacher, or enthusiastic amateur, this is a rare opportunity to learn, connect, and perform with the very best.

The day will be filled with guided warm-ups, ensemble rehearsals, an interactive flute workshop, a masterclass, a lively panel Q&A with the ASO flutists, and much more. Younger players will shine in the Tutti Flutti Junior Players performance, before the day concludes with a celebratory concert featuring guest artists, ensembles, and our massed flute orchestra.

This event is proudly supported by the Flute Society of South Australia and Flutes and Flutists.

An interactive musical adventure

ABC Young Performer of Year, Eliza Shephard is one of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic musicians and artists.

Eliza leads the audience on an interactive musical adventure from a small country town to the big stage at Hamer Hall, exploring some of her favourite pieces along the way.

Who knows, maybe a future Young Performer of the Year will be in the audience ready to be discovered!

Duration: approx. 50 minutes, no interval

Program

Ravel Boléro
Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King
Hans Zimmer / John Powell 'Oogway Ascends' from Kung Fu Panda
Rossini William Tell Overture
And more!

Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Aaron Wyatt conductor
Eliza Shephard presenter

An interactive musical adventure

ABC Young Performer of Year, Eliza Shephard is one of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic musicians and artists.

Eliza leads the audience on an interactive musical adventure from a small country town to the big stage at Hamer Hall, exploring some of her favourite pieces along the way.

Who knows, maybe a future Young Performer of the Year will be in the audience ready to be discovered!

Duration: approx. 50 minutes, no interval

Program

Ravel Boléro
Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King
Hans Zimmer / John Powell 'Oogway Ascends' from Kung Fu Panda
Rossini William Tell Overture
And more!

Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Aaron Wyatt conductor
Eliza Shephard presenter

An interactive musical adventure

ABC Young Performer of Year, Eliza Shephard is one of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic musicians and artists.

Eliza leads the audience on an interactive musical adventure from a small country town to the big stage at Hamer Hall, exploring some of her favourite pieces along the way.

Who knows, maybe a future Young Performer of the Year will be in the audience ready to be discovered!

Duration: approx. 50 minutes, no interval

Program

Ravel Boléro
Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King
Hans Zimmer / John Powell 'Oogway Ascends' from Kung Fu Panda
Rossini William Tell Overture
And more!

Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Aaron Wyatt conductor
Eliza Shephard presenter

An interactive musical adventure

ABC Young Performer of Year, Eliza Shephard is one of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic musicians and artists.

Eliza leads the audience on an interactive musical adventure from a small country town to the big stage at Hamer Hall, exploring some of her favourite pieces along the way.

Who knows, maybe a future Young Performer of the Year will be in the audience ready to be discovered!

Duration: approx. 50 minutes, no interval

Program

Ravel Boléro
Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King
Hans Zimmer / John Powell 'Oogway Ascends' from Kung Fu Panda
Rossini William Tell Overture
And more!

Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Aaron Wyatt conductor
Eliza Shephard presenter

We are very excited to have the incredibly talented and most wonderful Eliza Shephard come and share her experience and knowledge with some of our lucky flute students in the upcoming Masterclass!

ABC Young Performer of the Year Eliza Shephard is a vibrant flutist and is paving her way as a performing artist, collaborator, and curator. Eliza is passionate about amplifying the voices of female musicians and composers and her 6-year ‘March of the Women’ recording project showcases 180+ works by women. Eliza is a Teaching Associate and Sessional Academic at Monash University and is an Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellow. She is proud to be a Haynes Artist.

Tickets $25 at the door.

Let children’s imagination take centre stage in this inspiring full-day music workshop led by Eliza Shephard, ABC Young Performer of the Year and one of Australia’s most exciting flautists.

In this unique collaboration between McClelland and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, participants aged 10-14 will explore the art of musical storytelling through nature, sculpture, and sound. No instrumental experience is required, just bring your voice, your creativity, and a willingness to collaborate.

With guidance from MSO musicians, participants will develop music skills, experiment with composition, and co-create a brand-new piece to be performed in the MSO in Your Neighbourhood concert.

As part of this workshop, participants must be available to perform with the MSO at Peninsula Community Theatre on Thursday 11 September, between 2pm and 6pm.
Complimentary ticket will be provided per adult to watch the MSO in Your Neighbourhood performance (limited to one adult per participating child).

This is a rare opportunity for young people to work alongside professional musicians and perform in a public concert - don’t miss it!

Long-time collaborators Eliza Shephard & Peter de Jager take to the stage for an evening of fire and ice, sturm und drang, calm and chaos.

Presented by the Geelong Chamber Music Society, these two musicians will bring about a plethora of music from their newly-recorded album celebrating their flute and piano collaboration.

Eliza+Judith=More Nonsense is the 5th instalment of March of the Women 2025: Collaborations.

This is a bold and visionary concert series spotlighting female compositional voices in contemporary music.

Eliza Shephard & Judith Dodsworth return to the stage for a spellbinding evening of cutting-edge sound, virtuosic performance, and fearless artistry.

This performance marks the official launch of Eliza and Judith's recording of Kate Soper’s spellbinding work Only The Words Themselves Mean What They Say — a tour de force of contemporary music that explores the fragile boundaries between language, meaning, and music. Featuring the talents of Agatha Yim & Alistair McLean, this is a powerhouse collaboration and showcases a fresh way of capturing contemporary music performance.

Join us for a night that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the power of women's voices in art music. Whether you're a contemporary music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this is a performance not to be missed.

Sammy J hosts a special Saturday concert that will open children's eyes and ears to the magical world of the orchestra—an adventure as exciting as an expedition to Antarctica!

Much-loved classics—In the Hall of the Mountain King, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Mambo! —will highlight the instrumental sections of the orchestra. Brass, woodwind, percussion, and strings each have a moment to shine before everything comes together in this lively introduction to the orchestra.

Presented by one of Melbourne’s best-loved comedian-musicians, Sammy J, with the Monash Classical Collective from the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music.

The Very Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is part of Family Fiesta’s expedition to Antarctica this year.

About the Webinar

Join ABC Young Performer of the Year Eliza Shephard for a session covering flute fundamentals, as well as discussing the benefits of extended techniques. 

Cost

FREE for VMTA Members | $30.00 for non-members.

Other Information

This VMTA Professional Learning Webinar will be recorded and made available to registrants whether they are able to attend live or not.

Video replays and presentation materials are sent to all registrants after the event. At this time, registrants can also access a PD Certificate by completing a short feedback form online. Registrants can also suggest topics for future presentations within this feedback form. 

Upon registration for a VMTA Webinar event, you should receive a confirmation email with your join link from Zoom. If you have any issues with this, please see here for more information.

VMTA Members who register for a VMTA Webinar event will automatically have the relevant CPD hours logged in their membership profile. 

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 9AM THE DAY OF THE WEBINAR.

Join the musicians of Orchestra Victoria in this bold and moving program, which is all about connection through music – to people, places, time, feeling and memory.

The vivacious and thoughtful Jacinta Parsons (host of Friday Revue and Saturday Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne) will guide you through the music and introduce you to the people and stories behind the music you hear.

Orchestra Victoria are proud to be taking centre stage in Gippsland to help you experience the full spectrum of musical expression. Hear the power of fate knocking on the door, the sounds of the vibrant dances of Mexico, give way to the most vulnerable quietude of true self-reflection and the deep nostalgic echoes of the British countryside.

Conducted by the dynamic Carlo Antonioli, don’t miss an unforgettable evening of music making featuring your Orchestra Victoria.

This program was developed in a studio managed by the City of Melbourne’s Meat Market tenancy program.

Proudly supported by Creative Australia and The Australian Government, The Melba Collective bring a stunning performance to the recently restored Parish of the Parks Albert Park.

Comprising of Eliza Shephard (flutes), Judith Dodsworth (soprano), Briana Leaman (oboe), and Yasmin Rowe (piano), The Melba Collective are known for their diversity and eclecticism. They unite through art in all its forms, producing enriching, imaginative music programs.

Eliza Shephard’s multi-year project, March of the Women, returns with a collaborative approach featuring ensembles across Melbourne. In this one-night-only edition, The Melba Collective explore works by familiar and unknown female composers.

The music of Miriam Hyde, Ingrid Stölzel, Bonnie McLarty, and friends, alongside text by Emily Dickinson and Arthur J. Lamb, is celebrated in an evening set to burst with colour, light, and shade, and showcase female compositional voices.

Enjoy the lush tones of some of Melbourne's finest flute players performing ensemble repertoire evocative of scenes from mythology and folklore.

Join the performers on stage for a fun flute ensemble sightreading workshop. Please bring flutes of all shapes and sizes and remember to bring your music stand too! Sheet music will be provided on the day. This workshop is a great opportunity for students, emerging musicians and teachers to try out new ensemble repertoire, and will be lead by members of Fanciful Flutes.

Concert Program:
Carla Thakrah – Earthgods
Sally Greenaway – Pastorale and Caprice
Nicole Chamberlain – Mimics
Maria Grenfell – Pipe Music
Miriam Hyde – Fantasia on Waltzing Matilda

Fanciful Flutes:
Helen Hardy
Emily Kimpton 
Nathalie Resciniti 
Eliza Shephard
Sophie Weston
Maria Zhdanovich

Please Bring:
Flute and Music Stand.

Cost:
$10 (includes both performance and workshop)

Fanciful Flutes, founded in 2023, connects flutists across Melbourne to explore diverse repertoire. The ensemble collaborates with Eliza Shephard’s March of the Women project, spotlighting women composers. It fosters a vibrant community where seasoned and emerging musicians inspire each other, enhancing both personal and professional growth.

Ensemble CANE proudly presents Liberated Lines, a joyful celebration of music by diverse voices.

Prepare for an afternoon of music for flute, saxophone and piano that will delight and inspire as Ensemble CANE showcases the power of music to uplift, connect, and move audiences.

Featuring works by composers Katy Abbott, Christopher Healey, Olga Rayeva, Luke Severn, Ingrid Stölzel, and others, Liberated Lines promises a voyage of rich melodies, heartfelt harmonies, and playful rhythms, performed by three award-winning Australian musicians.

With a program highlighting the musical creativity and brilliance of composers from a wide range of backgrounds, prepare to discover a feast of music sure to become new favourites.

Ensemble CANE

Christopher Healey (composer) | Adam McMillan (piano) | Niels Bijl (saxophone) | Eliza Shephard (flute)

Championing extraordinary works by composers past and present, Ensemble CANE is a collective of acclaimed and award-winning Australian musicians dedicated to bringing bold, imaginative, and inspiring performances to audiences of music they will be delighted to discover.

Combining imaginative programming with breathtaking performances, CANE creates concerts that speak to modern hearts and minds — music that pulls at heartstrings, lifts spirits, and leaves audiences moved and inspired.

We believe there are few things more powerful and soul-stirring than hearing a musical masterpiece for the very first time and we’ve made it our mission to bring that experience to every audience.

After the concert, you can enjoy meeting the artists and other audience members during the refreshments served in the Langley Hall mansion.

In celebration of the 6th year of Eliza Shephard’s March of the Women project, Phoebe, Melina & Eliza present a concert full of repertoire written by Australian and international female composers.

Phoebe Green, Melina van Leeuwen and Eliza Shephard reunite to present a journey through flute, viola and harp repertoire for the third concert of Eliza Shephard’s March of the Women 2025: Collaborations.

Repertoire:
Adrienne Albert - Doppler Effect
Vivienne Olive - ...and the willows drowse and sleep...
Natalie Williams - The Chrysalis Game
Jessica Wells - Sati
Sally Beamish - Between Earth and Sea