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G R E A T P A S S I O N S

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

Michelle Wood, cello Photography Peter Tarasiuk Styling Kimberly Gardner, Karinda Mutabazi Hair and makeup Claire Leighton

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SYMPHONICA ARMAND VAN HELDEN with the MSO

Saturday 27 January Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Benjamin Northey conductor Armand Van Helden electronic producer

House music legend Armand Van Helden joins the MSO on stage for one night only, heralding the inaugural Symphonica concert.

With Associate Conductor Benjamin Northey at the helm, Armand Van Helden and the MSO will breathe new life into the long list of house anthems. Inspired by the success of 2016s Sidney Myer Music Bowl performance featuring techno legends Jeff Mills & Derrick May, Symphonica is the first instalment in what will be an ongoing annual collaborative series between the MSO and some of contemporary musics most influential figures.

Special guests: Harvey Sutherland and Bermuda X MSO

January

Armand Van Helden

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SIDNEY MYER FREE CONCERTS

The Sidney Myer Free Concert series is the perfect soundtrack to summer in the city, located at one of Melbournes most iconic outdoor venues.

Gates open at 4.30pm

ROMANCE AND CLASSICS

Wednesday 7 February | 7.30pm

Antony Hermus conductor Sophie Rowell violin

Wagenaar Overture Cyrano de Bergerac Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4

In association with

EAST MEETS WEST CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT

Saturday 24 February | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Tianyi Lu conductor Maxim Vengerov violin

MSOs annual Chinese New Year celebration has become a highlight on the concert calendar. Join the MSO plus a stellar cast of guest artists, including the extraordinary Maxim Vengerov, to celebrate the Year of the Dog in a colourful and joyous concert that showcases Melbournes diverse culture.

FebruaryHOT SUMMER NIGHT!

Saturday 10 February | 7.30pm

Antony Hermus conductor Luciana Mancini mezzo-soprano

Ravel Alborada del gracioso Falla El Amor Brujo Marquez Danzon No.2 Berio Folksongs Ravel Bolro

FROM MSO, WITH LOVE

Wednesday 14 February | 7.30pm VALENTINES DAY!

Benjamin Northey conductor Natalie Aroyan soprano Rosario La Spina tenor

R. Strauss Don Juan Puccini Tosca: Mario! Mario! Mario! Martucci Notturno Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien Puccini Preludio Sinfonico Puccini La Bohme: Finale Act 1

Tianyi Lu

March

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

SEASON OPENING GALA DAVIS | FREIRE | SKELTON

Saturday 3 March | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Nelson Freire piano Stuart Skelton tenor

Vine Symphony No.1 Microsymphony Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 Beethoven Fidelio: Gott! Welch Dunkel hier!Wagner Gtterdmmerung: Morgendmmerung and Siegfrieds Rheinfahrt Wagner Die Walkre: Winterstrme wichen dem Wonnemond Verdi Otello: Ballabile Verdi Otello: Niun mi tema

Sir Andrew Davis on Beethovens Emperor Concerto: Magisterial Masterful Imposing Stirring

MSO MORNINGS DAVIS | FREIRE

Friday 2 March | 11am Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Nelson Freire piano

Wagner Gtterdmmerung: Morgendmmerung and Siegfrieds Rheinfahrt Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5

I love a good musical sunrise and this one from Wagners Gtterdmmerung is one of the most magical. I love entering Wagners realm of legend, and being carried away by his incredible yearning to the other-worldly. Following this with a mature master of the piano interpreting Beethovens crowning achievement of concerto writing is sure to be a highlight of 2018.

Nicholas Bochner, Principal Cellist

Nelson Freire

Celebrate the opening of the MSOs 2018 season with two fantastic guest artists. Highlights include Beethovens stirring Emperor Concerto, the dungeon scene from Fidelio and Verdis amazing finale from Otello. Experience two of the greatest works by two great masters of classical music, Wagner and Verdi, who were born in the same year.

Juxtaposed with these classical icons is Composer in Residence Carl Vines Microsymphony, a work encompassing the dramatic features one expects from a symphony, compressed into just 12 minutes.

Composer in Residence

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S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

THE DREAM OF GERONTIUS

Thursday 8 March | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 9 March | 7.30pm Costa Hall, Geelong

Saturday 10 March | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

MAHLER 9

Friday 16 March | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 17 March | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Monday 19 March | 6.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor

Mahler Symphony No.9

A symphony must be like a world it must contain everything. Gustav Mahler.

It can be conducted as a love song to life, or as a hymn to death, or both. Whatever path Sir Andrew Davis takes, it will leave you changed, with more questions than answers.

Sir Andrew Davis and the MSO continue the Mahler Cycle with the Ninth, Mahlers last complete and most ambiguous symphony. This showstopper is as much about our fragmenting world, as volatile as Europe was at the end of the composers life.

Known for taking audiences beyond the world, the first movement starts gently and becomes much more impassioned and strenuous. The third movement is riotously energetic, which makes the finale all the more remarkable for the sustained vision of some land of promise that we are all looking for.

Its a transcendental piece and Im thrilled that we are performing this right after Elgars Dream of Gerontius. The two works take us beyond the world and it is quite extraordinary to play these two pieces next to each other in a season.

Sir Andrew Davis, Chief Conductor

March

Sir Andrew Davis

Elgars masterpiece is a profoundly religious work, but whatever your beliefs, there is a message of ecstatic hope that will move you, leaving you with thoughts of the all mighty: Where do we go? What becomes of us? Do we merge into the collective unconscious?

Featuring an all-star cast, this rarely performed production of epic proportions, complete with the extraordinary sounds of the MSO Chorus and conducted by the great master of Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, is a must-see event in 2018.

I first heard this work at the age of 14 and it made the deepest impression on me. Its with great joy that I bring it to the MSO.

Sir Andrew Davis, Chief Conductor

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Catherine Wyn-Rogers mezzo-soprano Stuart Skelton tenor Nathan Berg bass MSO Chorus

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

A souls journey. Angels and demons. Death and eternal peace. This is the story of Gerontius.

The concert begins with Gerontius (sung by Stuart Skelton) on his death bed. He journeys into purgatory and is taken under the wing of a guardian angel (sung by Catherine Wyn-Rogers).

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MarchTHE PROMS

COME TO THE PROMS!

Its a British institution and its here in Melbourne, the only city outside of London to host this iconic event.

Streamers, Union Jacks, and a grand Chorus, the best of British music and other great works; put all these elements together and you have the Melbourne Last Night of the Proms, led by King of the Proms himself, Sir Andrew Davis.

Composer in Residence World premiere

PROMS FAMILY CONCERT

Saturday 24 March | 5pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Tasmin Little violin

Elgar In London Town Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Vaughan Williams English Folksong Suite Britten Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra Wood Fantasia on British Sea Songs Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No.1

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS

Sunday 25 March | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Tasmin Little violin David Jones drum kit Measha Brggergosman soprano MSO Chorus

Elgar In London Town Duparc Orchestral songs Ravel Tzigane Vine V Chindamo Drum Kit Concerto Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 Wood Fantasia on British Sea Songs Arne Rule, Britannia! Parry Jerusalem

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April

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

DEBUSSY AND BRAHMS

Thursday 5 April | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 6 April | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Jun Mrkl conductor Christopher Moore violaDavid Berlin celloLadies of the MSO Chorus

Debussy Nocturnes Finsterer Double Concerto Brahms Symphony No.4

Debussys picturesque Nocturnes conjure visions of clouds, festival celebrations and dangerously alluring sirens!

This rare performance of the complete set of three movements inspired by paintings by James MacNeills Whistler: Nuages (Clouds), Ftes (Festivals) and Sirenes (Siren) will stir emotions and imaginations as the voices of the Ladies of the MSO Chorus are integrated into the orchestra.

Brahms grand and sweeping Fourth Symphony, a favourite among many a conductor and musician, completes the evening.

If you ask me which Brahms symphony is my favourite, the answer would be the one Im conducting right now. But I do believe that the fourth is truly my favourite!

Sir Andrew Davis, Chief Conductor

World premiere

TCHAIKOVSKY 5

Friday 13 April | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 14 April | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Monday 16 April | 6.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Aaron Jay Kernis will be a white heat experience. Kernis wrote it for James Ehnes, who returns to Melbourne bringing his beautiful, lyrical tone and jaw-dropping virtuoso technique, promising poetry and fireworks before you even get to the Tchaikovsky!

Tchaikovskys Fifth Symphony might be 130 years old in 2018, but the striking masterpiece has stood the test of time, becoming one of the composers most popular works. A live experience you wont forget.

James Ehnes

Muhai Tang conductor James Ehnes violin

Brahms Tragic Overture Kernis Violin Concerto Australian Premiere MSO Commission Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5

Meet Muhai Tang, the charismatic Chinese-born conductor renowned for delivering edge-of-your-seat performances, so expect passion and drama aplenty.

The Australian premiere of the Violin Concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning

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April

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CLASSIC KIDS DAHLESQUE

Saturday 28 April | 10am and 11.30am Malthouse Theatre

Songs and stories from Roald Dahl with Elise McCann

The MSO invites you to explore the fantastical imagination and sardonic world of the irrepressible Roald Dahl, in this gloriumptiously irreverent and magical concert. Starring Elise McCann (2016 Helpmann Award-winner as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical) and an astonishingly playful orchestra, youll hear music from Dahls favourite stories including Matilda, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach, as well as original compositions of Revolting Rhymes.

METROPOLIS 1 MONASH

Thursday 19 April | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Clark Rundell conductor Wu Wei sheng Australian String Quartet

Ligeti String Quartet No.1 Mtamorphoses nocturnes Chin u ** Vincent New work Chin ParaMetaString

Ligetis String Quartet No.1 is an amazing explosion of energy and gesture whose origins are deeply rooted in Hungarian folk and art music. Experience this very rare treat to hear this stunning music live in the hands of the brilliant Australian String Quartet.

METROPOLIS 2 MONASH

Saturday 21 April | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Clark Rundell conductor Jennifer Koh violin Allison Bell soprano

Chin Rocan ** Chin Puzzles and Games ** Ligeti Atmosphres Chin Violin Concerto **

Unsuk Chins masterful crafting of esoteric and ephemeral atmosphere is the perfect combination with Ligeti. Ligetis terrifying Atmosphres is the piece that changed film music forever.

Chins music is some of the most challenging and intricate that Ive played, but the result is an exquisitely woven sonic tapestry.

Monica Curro, Assistant Principal, Second Violin.

Australian String Quartet Elise McCann

World premiere ** Australian premiere Cybec Young Composer in Residence East meets West

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May

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

AN EVENING IN VIENNA

Friday 4 May | 7.30pm Melbourne Town Hall

Benjamin Northey conductor Emma Matthews sopranoMSO Chorus

Start your Melbourne Town Hall series experience with some of the most vibrant and beautiful Viennese music of the golden age.

Melbournes Benjamin Northey will lead the orchestra through some of the most well-known polkas and waltzes and Strauss iconic Voices of Spring and The Blue Danube.

MSO favourite Emma Matthews makes a welcome return performing arias from Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow, in what promises to be a memorable evening of fun and beauty filled with the romance of Vienna!

CHAMBER 1

Sunday 6 May | 11am ABC Southbank Centre, Iwaki Auditorium

Michelle Ruffolo violinNicholas Bochner celloWendy Clark fluteThomas Hutchinson oboeJack Schiller bassoonDonald Nicolson harpischord

Couperin Concerts Royaux Nos.1, 2, 3, 4

The stylish sounds of the French Baroque at their very finest! Escape into a wonderful world of chamber music in this exquisite program showcasing Francois Couperins Concerts Royaux.

Imagine walking through the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles with the scent of spring blossom from the Orangerie wafting in the air and suddenly the elegant and sophisticated strains of Couperins music entertaining the court of Louis XIV fill the room.

Sophie Rowell, Associate Concertmaster

BEETHOVENS EROICA

Thursday 10 May | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 11 May | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Saturday 12 May | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductorMoye Chen piano

Vine Concerto for Orchestra

Liszt Piano Concerto No.1Beethoven Symphony No.3 Eroica

Beethoven originally dedicated his revolutionary Heroic Symphony (Eroica is Italian for heroic) to Napoleon but famously erased his name from the title page when the political leader started his many invasions!

Sir Andrew Davis leads the MSO through the supremely triumphant and outgoing piece, celebrating heroism, which then moves into a slow movement, the funeral march, to remind us that we all, even heroes, have to face death. Composer in Residence

Benjamin Northey Benjamin NortheyMoye Chen

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June

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CLASSIC KIDS TRIPOD

Saturday 2 June | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Three men who perform songs and make funnies (sometimes at the same time) and one charismatic orchestra. Join the MSO and hilarious musical comedy trio Tripod Scod, Gatesy and Yon for a seriously silly exploration of all things orchestral, some things symphonic, original songs and divine harmonies.

Tripod are the guest artists for MSOs Education Week 2018

THOMAS HAMPSON SINGS MAHLER

Thursday 7 June | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 8 June | 7.30pm Costa Hall, Geelong

Andrea Molino conductorThomas Hampson baritone

Mahler Totenfeier Mahler Lieder eines fahrenden GesellenMessiaen Le Tombeau ResplendissantStrauss Tod und Verklrung

An inspiring evening awaits when Italian conductor Andrea Molino guides the MSO through a program of Mahler, Messiaen and Richard Strauss.

Continuing its exploration of Mahler, the MSO is joined by celebrated American baritone Thomas Hampson performing the composers beautiful songs of a love-lorn wanderer.

LENFANCE DU CHRIST

Friday 15 June | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 16 June | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Monday 18 June | 6.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Sasha Cooke mezzo-soprano (Marie) Andrew Staples tenor (Le Rcitant) Roderick Williams baritone (Joseph) Andrew Goodwin tenor (Centurion) Shane Lowrencev bass (Polydore) Matthew Brook bass (Hrode, Pre de famille) MSO Chorus

Berlioz LEnfance du Christ

Think Berlioz, and badly-behaved witches and drug-induced hallucinations come to mind. So this almost operatic oratorio telling the tale of Christs childhood, is a bit of a surprise package. Tender, luminous, at times intimate, with a touch of the occult in the Soothsayers inventive dance, the overall atmosphere is one of child-like purity that will move you to the core. And a warning that the final mystic chorus may bring you to tears.

Keep an eye and ear out for the famous chorus piece titled The Shepherds Farewell and the ferociously big scene when Herod is ordering the slaughter of all the babies the whole brass section play for 12 bars.

Tripod

June

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MID SEASON GALA ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER | TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO

Saturday 23 June | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Anne-Sophie Mutter

Sir Andrew Davis conductorAnne-Sophie Mutter violinStacey Alleaume sopranoJeremy Kleeman baritone

Stravinsky Le baiser de la fe: DivertimentoTchaikovsky Violin ConcertoNielsen Symphony No.3 Sinfonia Espansiva

Experience the colour and drama of this extraordinary program for the MSOs Mid-Season Gala featuring superstar violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter in her first ever Melbourne performance.

Take in the luxurious warmth, power and drive of the MSO as they perform this glamourous one-night-only event with one of the worlds greatest soloists, all under the incredible guidance of Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis.

Within the enormous versatility of the MSO, the Russian repertoire feels like a spiritual home to me. Its such a thrill to be part of the colour and drama of this music, luxuriating in the warmth, the power and the drive of the sound we make. The perfect match of another legendary soloist with what is probably the most exciting violin concerto ever written will be thrilling.

Nicholas Bochner, Principal Cellist

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June

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

MSO MORNINGS ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO

Friday 22 June | 11am Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Anne-Sophie Mutter violin

Stravinsky Le baiser de la fe: DivertimentoTchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Experience the colour and drama of this extraordinary program featuring superstar violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter in her Melbourne debut.

Take in the luxurious warmth, power and drive of the MSO as they perform with one of the worlds greatest soloist, all under the incredible guidance of Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis.

KOLJA BLACHER

Thursday 28 June | 7.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

Kolja Blacher violin, director

Haydn Symphony No.83 La PouleBernstein Serenade Beethoven Romance No.1Beethoven Symphony No.1

Esteemed violinist Kolja Blacher will play/direct a diverse program that includes Beethovens revolutionary First Symphony and, in homage to the MSOs Bernstein 100 celebration, one of the composers great masterpieces.

EARS WIDE OPEN DANCES FROM GALANTA

Monday 25 June | 6.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre

Kodaly Dances from Galanta

Hear how Zoltan Kodaly composed this renowned orchestral work using motifs from the folk music of the gypsy bands of his childhood.

Kolja Blacher

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BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS

Friday 20 July | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 21 July | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Monday 23 July | 6.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Joshua Weilerstein conductor Jayson Gillham piano

Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 Brahms/Klengel Intermezzo Op.117 No.1 Brahms Piano Quartet (orchestral version)

What a pairing! Epic Beethoven in the hands of pianist Jayson Gillham, the child prodigy from the Queensland bush, and Joshua Weilerstein who hails from a notable musical dynasty.

Beethovens extraordinary Piano Concerto No.3 with its kaleidoscope of colours and emotions transcends its Mozartian model and the romantic, slow movement is the part to listen out for.

The magnificent orchestration of Brahms Piano Quartet with its toe-tapping Hungarian dance finale completes a rich musical menu.

July

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CHAMBER 2

Sunday 1 July | 11am Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Plexus Artist in ResidenceMonica Curro violin Philip Arkinstall clarinetStefan Cassomenos pianowithSarah Curro violinChristopher Moore violaMichelle Wood celloSaul Lewis horn

Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew Themes Hindemith Quartet Dohnnyi Sextet

Experience works by Prokofiev, Hindemith and Dohnnyi in this intimate program featuring Artist in Residence Plexus.

As chamber musicians we are part of a conversation, contributing our individual voice in a sympathetic yet dynamic way. This concert exemplifies this art of dialogue, with unusual combinations of instruments giving voice to three distinct nationalistic styles.

Sophie Rowell, Associate Concertmaster

SIMONE YOUNG & KOLJA BLACHER

Thursday 5 July | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 6 July | 7.30pm Costa Hall, Geelong

Saturday 7 July | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Simone Young conductor Kolja Blacher violin

Britten Violin ConcertoBruckner Symphony no.6 (Nowak)

After her recent triumph with Bruckners Ninth Symphony, Simone Young, one of Australias most distinguished artists, brings her extraordinary insights to the composers glorious Sixth.

The ever popular Kolja Blacher returns to Australia with his 1730 Stradivari to perform Benjamin Brittens early Violin Concerto, a piece demanding great virtuosity and expressiveness.

Simone Young Joshua Weilerstein

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July

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WEST SIDE STORY PERFORMED LIVE TO FILM

Friday 27 July | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Benjamin Northey conductor

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein as MSO performs his electrifying West Side Story score live, while the re-mastered film is shown on the big screen with the original vocals and dialogue. Winner of ten Academy Awards, the film, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, features Robbins choreography, screenplay by Ernest Lehman, book by Arthur Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Music by Leonard Bernstein and Irwin KostalScreenplay by Ernest LehmanBased on West Side Story by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur LaurentsDirected by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins

EARS WIDE OPEN SIEGFRIED IDYLL

Monday 30 July | 6.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre

Wagner Siegfried Idyll

Wagner created the Siegfried Idyll, a symphonic poem, as a birthday present to his second wife. Delve more deeply into this blissful love song for chamber orchestra.

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August

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

SAINT-SANS GREAT ORGAN SYMPHONY

Friday 3 August | 7.30pm Melbourne Town Hall

Benjamin Northey conductorPiers Lane piano Calvin Bowman organ

Kodaly Dances from GalantaLiszt Piano Concerto No.1Saint-Sans Symphony No.3 Organ

The hugely popular Saint-Sans Organ Symphony is the perfect piece to experience the majestic power of the MSO and the mighty Town Hall organ in the hands of Calvin Bowman, conducted by Benjamin Northey.

Internationally renowned Australian pianist Piers Lane joins the MSO to perform the sparkling and virtuosic Piano Concerto No.1 of Franz Liszt.

DALE BARLTROP

Thursday 9 August | 7.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

Friday 10 August | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Dale Barltrop

Dale Barltrop violin, director

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3 Vine Smiths Alchemy Vasks Vox Amoris Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.1

In this evocative and emotionally charged program, we will take on Australian composer Carl Vines highly successful Smiths Alchemy, a work that will brilliantly showcase the virtuosity of the MSO string players. Then in Vox Amoris, the Latvian composer Peteris Vasks

uses the solo violin to weave a love story that scales a staggeringly vast emotional soundscape - a gripping, intense and hauntingly beautiful work. Rounding out the program is Schuberts Tragic Symphony, an early masterpiece from one of my personal favourite composers, whose mastery of drama and imagination is in full flight here.

Dale Barltrop, concertmaster

Composer in Residence

Piers Lane

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BERNSTEIN CLASSICS

Wednesday 15 August | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Bramwell Tovey conductor Nicholas Tolputt countertenor Liane Keegan contralto MSO Chorus

Copland Orchestral Variations Mahler Rckert Lieder Bernstein Symphony No.1 Jeremiah Bernstein Chichester Psalms

Vivacious, danceable, exciting, intimate, life-enhancing, uplifting, elevating.

Part of the MSOs Bernstein Celebration, this program investigates Bernsteins musical roots through his mentor Aaron Copland, the music of Gustav Mahler with whom he identified, and the Jewish faith.

He based the impressive last movement of his First Symphony on the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and the Book of Psalms provided the texts of his life, embracing, joyous Chichester Psalms.

The MSO is thrilled to welcome Bramwell Tovey to Melbourne for this celebration. As a young conductor in 1986, he was asked to step in to conduct the opening night of a Bernstein Festival with the London Symphony Orchestra. By doing this, he followed in the footsteps of Leonard Bernstein himself, whose career was launched in the same way. The only difference was that, in Toveys case, Bernstein himself was present. Subsequently Bernstein Leonard Bernstein

Bernstein Celebration

invited Tovey to attend classes and rehearsals. The rest is history.

He was so interested in people, that when he was writing music he wrote for the audience. Theres something about the music that is extremely contagious. His music puts a spring in your step. His music makes you feel better. It just makes you glad to be alive. I have never met anybody in my life who was more thrilled to be alive than Leonard Bernstein.

Bramwell Tovey, guest conductor

BERNSTEIN ON BROADWAY

Saturday 18 August | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Bramwell Tovey conductor, piano Sarah Fox soprano Liane Keegan contralto Michael Petruccelli tenor Brett Polegato baritone

Songs and instrumental excerpts from Wonderful Town, On the Town, Candide, Peter Pan, Fancy Free and West Side Story.

All his life Leonard Bernstein had a love affair with New York and in his many music theatre works he painted the most vivid picture of life in the City that Never Sleeps.

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August

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

OPERA IN CONCERT: DIE WALKRE ACT 1

Saturday 25 August | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

HOLSTS THE PLANETS

Thursday 30 August | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 31 August | 7.30pm Costa Hall, Geelong

Saturday 1 September | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Ladies of the MSO Chorus

Vine Symphony No.8 Holst The Planets

An astronomical evening awaits with one of the most popular works of all time, Holsts masterpiece The Planets which has the ability to take you to infinity and beyond!

Holsts spectacular orchestral suite has secured a universal place in the repertoire with its depiction of seven planets in our solar system. Sir Andrew Davis conducts the astrological work for the first time in Australia, creating a marvelous experience for first time or established concert goers.

World premiere Composer in Residence

Eva-Maria Westbroek

Sir Andrew Davis conductor Eva-Maria Westbroek soprano (Sieglinde) Frank van Aken tenor (Siegmund) Daniel Sumegi bass (Hunding)

Wagner Siegfried Idyll Wagner Die Walkre, Act 1

The evening begins with Wagners blissful love song to his wife. And then, turns to a fierce tale of drama, passion and power.

The MSO teams up with acclaimed soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek to bring you Act 1 from the second opera of Wagners famous Ring Cycle.

A hunted man shelters from the storm, not knowing he has entered the house of his enemy. Ancient custom keeps him safe for the night, but the morning will bring death until forbidden love turns winter to spring.

Powerful and impassioned, Die Walkre grips at every turn. To open the concert, Wagners blissful love song to his wife.

Alastair McKean, MSO Librarian

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September

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

CLASSIC KIDS MSO MEETS CIRCUS OZ

Saturday 8 September | 11.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Join the MSO as they entwine their music around the acrobatic limbs of Circus Oz in a spectacular fusion of two extraordinary and dramatically different art forms. Be swept up by the power of the live orchestra as Australias daredevil stunt masters defy the laws of physics, tickle your funny-bone and push the boundaries of impossibility.

CHAMBER 3

Sunday 9 September | 11am ABC Southbank Centre, Iwaki Auditorium

Sophie Rowell violin Matthew Tomkins violin Christopher Moore viola Fiona Sargeant viola David Berlin cello Rachael Tobin cello Benjamin Hanlon double bass Greta Bradman soprano

Boccherini Stabat Mater (selection) Vine The Tree of Man Brahms Sextet No.2

Join musicians from the MSO in this beautiful chamber program featuring works by Boccherini, Brahms and 2018 Composer in Residence Carl Vine. Open your eyes and your ears to the expressive, sweeping music in this third instalment in the popular Chamber Series.

NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

Friday 21 September | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 22 September | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Monday 24 September | 6.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Xian Zhang conductor Tianyi Lu conductor Benjamin Grosvenor piano

Mills Island Signal Island Song Schumann Piano Concerto Dvok Symphony No.9 From the New World

Beijing-born maestro Xian Zhang makes her MSO debut with two romantic masterpieces. Schumanns only piano concerto explores the extremes of his personality as soloist and orchestra intertwine like the love affair between Schumann and Clara Wieck, the concertos dedicatee.

Dvoks nostalgic New World symphony, with its soulful lament, ends in a blaze of chords with lingering echoes of darker memories.

The MSO performs the world premiere of a new indigenous-inspired commission for horns and orchestra from renowned Australian composer, Richard Mills. World premiere

Cybec Assistant Conductor supported by The Cybec Foundation East meets West

MOZARTS JUPITER & MORE

Friday 14 September | 7.30pm Melbourne Town Hall

Benjamin Northey conductor Andrea Lam piano

Stravinsky Pulcinella Suite Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1 Tchaikovsky/Stravinsky Bluebird Pas de deux Mozart Symphony No.41 Jupiter

Experience neo-classical works alongside masterpieces from the classical period under the masterful baton of Benjamin Northey in this special evening at the Melbourne Town Hall, featuring popular works by Stravinsky, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Mozart.

The peerless final C major symphony of Mozart is a pinnacle of western art. It complements the inventiveness and melodic nature of Stravinskys ballet Pulcinella, a real showcase for the MSO musicians.

After her recent thrilling sell-out Town Hall performances, Australian pianist Andrea Lam returns to the Melbourne stage to perform Mendelssohns beautiful First Piano Concerto.

Andrea Lam

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October

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

Thursday 11 October | 7.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

Friday 12 October | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Christopher Moore viola, director Sophie Rowell violin

Grandage New work Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola Brahms Serenade No.2

Arguably Mozarts best concerto, Sinfonia Concertante has a bit of a twist for his favourite instrument, the viola (!). To say that the Serenade No.2 was simply Brahms warming up to write a symphony is mere folly. This rarely performed masterpiece is quintessential Brahms.

Christopher Moore, Principal Viola

World premiere

CHAMBER 4

Sunday 21 October | 11am ABC Southbank Centre, Iwaki Auditorium

Freya Franzen violin Christopher Cartlidge viola Rachael Tobin cello Stephen Newton bass Jack Schiller bassoon Philip Arkinstall clarinet Saul Lewis horn

R. Strauss/Hasenhrl Till Eulenspiegel (einmal anders) Ravel Duo for violin and cello Beethoven Septet

Celebrate Beethovens gleaming diamond of the chamber repertory in this special program which also features works by Ravel and Richard Strauss, highlighting the strength of the MSOs strings, woodwind and brass.

Melodious, harmonious and majestic in structure it showcases how masterful Beethoven was at reaching new horizons both in writing for each instrument and for the art of chamber music. Till Eulenspiegels jocular nature springs off the pages of this chamber arrangement abounding in sparkling wit and humour, just like a twinkle in the eye.

Sophie Rowell, Associate Concertmaster

EARS WIDE OPEN DEBUSSYS FAUN

Monday 22 October | 6.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre

Debussy Prlude laprs-midi dun faune

Find out why Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is one of Debussys most famous works and considered as a turning point in the history of music.

STRAVINSKYS FIREBIRD

Thursday 25 October | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 26 October | 11am Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 27 October | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Jukka-Pekka Saraste conductor Dejan Lazi piano

Stravinsky Funeral Song Bartk Piano Concerto No.3 Stravinsky The Firebird

Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste will lead a hair-raising performance of the complete Firebird ballet. The music is as large and fantastic as the staging, which includes three harps and quadruple woodwind! Stravinskys Funeral Song makes a welcome appearance, having waited almost 109 years for a second performance after the lost materials were discovered in a house move during 2015.

Christopher Moore

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November

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

A NIGHT OF ROMANTIC CLASSICS

Friday 2 November | 7.30pm Melbourne Town Hall

Benjamin Northey conductor Harry Bennetts violin

Dvok Carnival Overture Korngold Violin Concerto Brahms Symphony No.1

A night of celebration awaits with Benjamin Northey at the helm!

The opening bars of Dvoks Carnival Overture leap off the page with tremendous energy and the joyful nature of the ending of Brahms First Symphony has a similar effect. Australian rising star violinist, Harry Bennetts, makes his MSO debut and performs a wonderful concerto by a genius of 20th century classical and film music, the Austrian composer Erich Korngold.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Friday 9 November | 7.30pm Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Saturday 10 November | 1pm Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Relive the magic of your favourite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert. Based on the third instalment of J.K. Rowlings classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale accompanied by the music of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen.HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights JKR. (s17)

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November

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

FRENCH CLASSICS

Friday 23 November | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Saturday 24 November | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Monday 26 November | 6.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Fabien Gabel conductor Beatrice Rana piano Fiona Campbell mezzo-soprano MSO Chorus

Debussy Prlude laprs-midi dun faune Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3 Debussy/Dean Ariettes Oublies Ravel Daphnis et Chlo, Suite No.2

All the perfumes of Arabia would fade alongside this fragrant program of exquisite French offerings complete with Paris-born conductor Fabien Gabel. Australian mezzo-soprano Fiona Campbell will spin the long, languid lines of Debussys Forgotten Songs the perfect complement to Ravels spectacular ballet suite, Daphnis et Chlo, framing Prokofievs tempestuous third piano concerto.

Expect sparks and sparkle from young Italian pianist Beatrice Rana as she makes her debut with the MSO.

SEASON FINALE MAXIM VENGEROV

Friday 30 November | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

Markus Stenz conductor Maxim Vengerov violin

Wagner Parsifal: Prelude and Transformation Music Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1 Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

Join the MSO for a spectacular Finale to the Monash season. Master-violinist Maxim Vengerov returns to Melbourne with his 1727 Stradivarius to perform the Australian premiere of a new Violin Concerto, written for him by the renowned Chinese composer Qigang Chen. To top it all off MSOs former Chief Conductor Markus Stenz will conduct Stravinskys The Rite of Spring: the ballet that changed music and dance forever.

BEETHOVEN 5

Thursday 15 November | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Friday 16 November | 7.30pm Costa Hall, Geelong

Saturday 17 November | 2pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Karina Canellakis conductor Mayu Kishima violin

Dvok The Noon Witch Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1 Beethoven Symphony No.5

Making her debut with the MSO, American conductor Karina Canellakis will lead the musicians through a rich program of Beethoven, Dvok and Shostakovich.

Beethovens Fifth needs no introduction but its originality (and those famous four notes da da da dumm) is always surprising no matter how many times you hear it.

Karina Canellakis Markus Stenz

December

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

SEASON FINALE MAXIM VENGEROV

Saturday 1 December | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Maxim Vengerov

Markus Stenz conductor Maxim Vengerov violin

Wagner Parsifal: Prelude and Transformation Music Chen Violin Concerto ** Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

Join the MSO for a spectacular Finale to our season. Master-violinist Maxim Vengerov returns to Melbourne with his 1727 Stradivarius to perform the Australian premiere of a new Violin Concerto, written for him by the renowned Chinese composer Qigang Chen. To top it all off MSOs former Chief Conductor Markus Stenz will conduct Stravinskys The Rite of Spring: the ballet that changed music and dance forever.

Melbourne itself is quite extraordinary so colourful and theres this big element of culture which makes it so interesting. Music is my life partner. Because of music I became a more sensitive person that has allowed me to be more sensitive to other people. Music forces you to listen to yourself and to others. In life, when I work hard I am more sensitive to other peoples opinion and needs. Life becomes a richer experience.

Maxim Vengerov, violinist

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December

S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 M E D I A K I T

HANDELS MESSIAH

Saturday 15 December | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Sunday 16 December | 5pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Jan Willem de Vriend conductor Ilse Eerens soprano Nicholas Tolputt countertenor Andrew Goodwin tenor Benjamin Appl bass MSO Chorus

Handel Messiah

George Frideric Handels oratorio, composed in 1741, has become a fixture of the Christmas season although it was originally an Easter offering. Create your own Messiah tradition with friends and family and experience the genius of Handels best known work each year with MSO.

In 2018 this epic setting of biblical text features Dutch early music specialist Jan Willem de Vriend and a cast from Australia, Belgium and the UK.