Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 2026 Sidney Myer Free Concerts: 50 Years of ABC Classic

Celebrate 50 years of classical music on our national airwaves in this musical love letter to ABC Classic radio.

Lead by Principal Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey, this is a program proudly featuring all-Australian works from composers including Elena Kats-Chernin, Nigel Westlake, Ross Edwards, Peter Sculthorpe and Ella Macens, with a beautiful selection of Australian artists that will take you to all parts of our Country, highlighting the important role ABC Classic has played over the last 50 years.

Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Northey conductor
Slava Grigoryan guitar
Aura Go piano
James Tawadros percussion
Joseph Tawadros oud
Natalie Chee violin

Program

Nigel Westlake Cudmirrah Fanfare
Nigel Westlake Antarctica Suite: II. Wooden Ships
Ella Macens My Heart on Yours*
Sculthorpe Small Town
Ross Edwards Maninyas Violin Concerto: 3rd movement
Elena Kats-Chernin Momentum
Peggy Glanville Hicks Etruscan Concerto: Promenade
Miriam Hyde Piano Concerto No.2: Andante Tranquillo
James Henry^ Warrin
Joseph and James Tawadros Constantinople
Joseph and James Tawadros Bluegrass Nikriz
Joseph and James Tawadros Permission to Evaporate

Saturday 14 February 2026 7:30pm

Duration:Approx. 2 hours including a 20-minute interval.;

Sidney Myer Music Bowl