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African American tradition

by Suzanne Yanko 23rd February, 2016
by Suzanne Yanko 23rd February, 2016
453

Straddling Easter, with its well-loved choral repertoire, come two concerts from a very different tradition: African-inspired a cappella singing, which intersects with Christian church music through gospel. Both all-male groups visiting Melbourne soon are giants of the repertoire, one African, the other American. Their involvement with politics and popular culture enhance their position as leaders in this tradition – but it’s the music that has won both many awards.

First up, on March 17, the Melbourne Recital Centre presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo and their latest CD release Always With Us. The MRC explains the name thus:

“Assembled in the early 1960s in South Africa by Joseph Shabalala, a young farm boy turned factory worker, the group took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith is the name of Joseph’s hometown, Black is a reference to the oxen, the strongest of all farm animals, and Mambazo is the Zulu word for chopping axe – a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them. However, their collective voices were so polished that by the end of the 1960s they were banned from local competitions, but still welcome to participate as entertainers.”

During the 1970s and early 1980s Ladysmith Black Mambazo established themselves as the most successful singing group in South Africa. Classical music fans might note that, among its many famous recent collaborators the group recorded an album with the English Chamber Orchestra in 2004. However its worldwide fame came earlier (in the mid-1980s), when the group featured on Paul Simon’s album Graceland. In 2014, the group’s recording Live: Singing For Peace Around The World won the Grammy Award for Best World Music CD.

Joseph Shabalala still leads the group but another member, Albert Mazibuko, had this to say about the other singers to visit Melbourne: Blind Boys of Alabama an American gospel group, from the United States, who first sang together in 1944. (The Blind Boys’ Melbourne concert is on April 1, at the MRC).

“My group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has been singing African and American church music for many, many years, just like the Blind Boys”, Mazibuko said at talkhouse.com.

“People say they love our singing because we sound genuine and authentic. We appreciate this because we sing what we feel. We love church music and it comes through in our voices.  This is why I love the Blind Boys of Alabama. When I listen to them I hear the voices of people who believe in what they are singing. These aren’t just songs and words, these are emotions from within the spirit. These men have a deep faith and it comes through in their voices.”

Blind Boys of Alabama played a role in the civil rights movement during the 1960s, performing at benefits for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They are credited with creating a new Gospel sound for the 21st century, and still receive rave reviews, like this one from The Washington Post.

“Seeing The Blind Boys of Alabama in concert is part living history, part concert, all uplifting experience … the best moments come when the group join forces for stirring harmonies … inspired and relevant …borders on the miraculous.”

Although the two groups have much in common, both in their history and music, they each have a distinctive performance style, as shown in their treatment of the standard, Amazing Grace. Ladysmith Black Mambazo concentrates on the traditional sound and rich harmonies of the piece, segueing easily into another hymn, Nearer my God to Thee. The Blind Boys of Alabama infuse the piece with Southern cool, and a contemporary sound with a strong melodic reference to House of the Rising Sun. 

With two such giants of the genre here just a fortnight apart, which gig will you go to? I suggest you follow Classic Melbourne … And go to both!

EVENT DETAILS

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Thursday 17 March 7:30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – Tickets from $79

 The Blind Boys of Alabama Friday April 1, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – Tickets A reserve $99 B reserve $89

Details

The image is of the Blind Boys of Alabama.

 

 

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Events Calendar

42 events found.
  • June 2025

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2 events, 26

2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

Event Series
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

Get ready to cut loose!

The 80s phenomenon Footloose is hitting Australia—bigger, bolder, and more explosive than ever! This brand-new remastered production will have you dancing in the aisles to the iconic hits you know and love, including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It for the Boy, and, of course, the unforgettable title track, Footloose.

Join Ren, the city kid turned rebel with a cause, as he shakes up a small town where music and dancing are outlawed. With electrifying choreography, a feel-good story, and sizzling Australian talent, this smash-hit musical will leave you on your feet and cheering for more.
Don’t miss the fun, energy, and 80s nostalgia—playing for a strictly limited 3-week season.

$69 – $199
8:00 am - 9:30 pm

Paul McMillan – Berio to Bach

May 26 @ 8:00 am - 9:30 pm

Paul McMillan – Berio to Bach

Paul McMillan, viola PROGRAM Luciano BERIO   Viola Sequenza 6 Brett DEAN Intimate Decisions Matthew LAING  Liebeslied J. S. BACH   Cello…

$22

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2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Open Rehearsal with Elim Chan

Take a peek behind the scenes at an open rehearsal with conductor Elim Chan. Join us for an hour in some…

$15.00 – $19.00
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Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

Presented by: Opera Australia & JONES Theatrical Group Two legendary love stories. One unforgettable journey. HADESTOWN is now playing at Her…

$58 – $199
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Sophie Rowell and Kristian Chong play Sutherland and Beethoven

May 27 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Sophie Rowell and Kristian Chong play Sutherland and Beethoven

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4 events, 28

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Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 28 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

Presented by: Opera Australia & JONES Theatrical Group Two legendary love stories. One unforgettable journey. HADESTOWN is now playing at Her…

$58 – $199
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Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 28 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

Presented by: Opera Australia & JONES Theatrical Group Two legendary love stories. One unforgettable journey. HADESTOWN is now playing at Her…

$58 – $199
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Celebrating 60 years of Music at Monash – Concert 1

May 28 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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Students from the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music & Performance. Eliza Henson Gregg & Liesl Parnell, violin Layla Maitri, viola…

Free

4 events, 29

2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 29 @ 7:30 pm - 9:40 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

From the noirish to the dramatic. Every note in Grieg’s Piano Concerto is a delight, from the iconic opening to the…

$75 – $139
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 29 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

Presented by: Opera Australia & JONES Theatrical Group Two legendary love stories. One unforgettable journey. HADESTOWN is now playing at Her…

$58 – $199
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Ensemble Offspring – Double Symmetry

May 29 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Ensemble Offspring – Double Symmetry

Véronique Serret, violin Blair Harris, cello PROGRAM Erkki-Sven TÜÜR Synergie Kate MOORE Song of Ropes (solo cello) Cathy MILLIKEN Crie (solo…

$25 – $35

3 events, 30

2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 30 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

Presented by: Opera Australia & JONES Theatrical Group Two legendary love stories. One unforgettable journey. HADESTOWN is now playing at Her…

$58 – $199
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Seraphim Trio – Debussy and Tchaikovsky

May 30 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Seraphim Trio – Debussy and Tchaikovsky

Helen Ayres, violin Tim Nankervis, cello Anna Goldsworthy, piano Seraphim Trio is one of Australia’s most acclaimed chamber music groups, as…

$25 – $30

4 events, 31

2025-05-20

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 31 @ 2:00 pm - 4:10 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

From the noirish to the dramatic. Every note in Grieg’s Piano Concerto is a delight, from the iconic opening to the…

$75 – $139
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

Presented by: Opera Australia & JONES Theatrical Group Two legendary love stories. One unforgettable journey. HADESTOWN is now playing at Her…

$58 – $199
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Imaginista Quartet with Craig Hill

May 31 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Imaginista Quartet with Craig Hill

Zoë Black, Liisa Pallandi - violins Caroline Henbest - viola Josephine Vains - cello With guest Craig Hill - clarinet Bringing…

$25 – $35

3 events, 1

2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Acord: Dragonslayers

June 1 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Acord: Dragonslayers

Dragonslayers is Acord's second concert in the 2025 series at Kathleen Syme and it's a cracker. The central protagonists are, interestingly…

$10 – $20
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

June 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

Melbourne Opera will stage Saint-Saëns’ grand opera Samson & Delilah from 1 June at the Palais Theatre. One of the greatest…

$69 – $199

2 events, 2

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade Quick Fix at Half Six

June 2 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade Quick Fix at Half Six

Brine and seaspray Rimsky-Korsakov’s sweeping symphonic suite follows the stories of One Thousand and One Nights, with music as immersive as…

$20 – $99
7:30 pm - 9:10 pm

Stephen Hough

June 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:10 pm

Stephen Hough

Experience one of the most distinctive artists of his generation. Sir Stephen Hough returns for a one-night-only performance of Romantic era…

$67 – $115

2 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

June 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most formidable…

$37.83
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

Melbourne Opera will stage Saint-Saëns’ grand opera Samson & Delilah from 1 June at the Palais Theatre. One of the greatest…

$69 – $199

2 events, 4

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: First Voices Showcase

June 4 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: First Voices Showcase

Celebrate one of MSO’s most exciting artist development programs, the First Voices First Nations Composer program at this showcase event. Hear…

7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs…

$70 – $150

3 events, 5

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

June 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

The Power of Love versus the Love of Power – an adaptation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Traditionally spanning four days, Wagner’s…

$55
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera: BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

June 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera: BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

The Power of Love versus the Love of Power – an adaptation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Traditionally spanning four days, Wagner’s…

$55
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs…

$70 – $150

3 events, 6

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love? Tom faces just…

$35
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: The Crossing Machine

June 6 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: The Crossing Machine

Matthew Rigby & Marianne Rothschild, violins Cora Teeuwen, viola Karina Di Sisto, cello The Crossing Machine performs a concert of 'what…

$22 – $30
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Secret Symphony

June 6 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Secret Symphony

Showcasing the MSO in unexpected locations across Melbourne since 2015, Secret Symphony is a bit like a treasure hunt for classical…

$35

3 events, 7

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 7 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs…

$70 – $150
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love? Tom faces just…

$35
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs…

$70 – $150

2 events, 8

10:30 am - 9:30 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 8 @ 10:30 am - 9:30 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 8 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Australia’s Energy Transformation in the Regions: Dietmar Tourbier & Peter McTaggart Woodend Community…

Various
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 8 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love? Tom faces just…

$35

1 event, 9

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 9 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 9 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Sheila Drummond Memorial Lecture:  Hot off the Press: Margaret Simons, Don Watson and…

Various

1 event, 10

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Northern Lights

June 10 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Northern Lights

Swedish-Norwegian violinist Johan Dalene makes his Australian debut alongside much-loved pianist Jennifer Marten-Smith. Swedish-Norwegian violinist Johan Dalene grabbed the world’s attention…

$49 – $153

0 events, 11

2 events, 12

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

Symphonic powerhouses The twentieth century produced some of the most passionate and dramatic music ever written. MSO Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey…

$20 – $139
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Invenio – Bits and Pieces

June 12 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Invenio – Bits and Pieces

Adventurous Melbourne vocal ensemble, Invenio, celebrates its 15-year anniversary with a program that highlights material from across their prolific catalogue of…

$25 – $30

2 events, 13

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 13 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

Symphonic powerhouses The twentieth century produced some of the most passionate and dramatic music ever written. MSO Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey…

$20 – $139
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato – Danaë Killian: Piano Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

June 13 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato – Danaë Killian: Piano Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Well-known for her boldly imaginative explorations of modern music, expressionist pianist Danaë Killian returns to the Orphean world and otherworld of…

$25 – $35

6 events, 14

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

June 14 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

Joseph Haydn: The Creation PLEASE NOTE VENUE AND DATE CHANGE TWO SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES: SATURDAY 14 JUNE, at 2pm and 7pm  NOW…

$35.00 – $99.00
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

Joseph Haydn: The Creation PLEASE NOTE VENUE AND DATE CHANGE TWO SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES: SATURDAY 14 JUNE, at 2pm and 7pm  NOW…

$35.00 – $99.00
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison: Ensemble Liaison with Brigid Coleridge

June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison: Ensemble Liaison with Brigid Coleridge

Ensemble Liaison at Hanson Dyer Hall. Ensemble Liaison & Friends is a unique concert series presented by three internationally acclaimed musicians…

$42 – $53
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

Clay shooting—with percussionists in the firing lines. And… pull! Pigeons is a clay shooting event, but the birds are the musicians…

$59
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

Clay shooting—with percussionists in the firing lines. And… pull! Pigeons is a clay shooting event, but the birds are the musicians…

$59 – $69
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

Symphonic powerhouses The twentieth century produced some of the most passionate and dramatic music ever written. MSO Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey…

$20 – $139

2 events, 15

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato – MATTUTINO: Rio Xiang and Cedar Newman

June 15 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato – MATTUTINO: Rio Xiang and Cedar Newman

Echoes of Us: Sonatas for Piano and Violin Rio Xiang, piano Cedar Newman, violin Sonata repertoire draws two instruments and multiple…

$25
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Preston Symphony Orchestra: Resurgence

June 15 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Preston Symphony Orchestra: Resurgence

The Preston Symphony Orchestra’s June concert shines a light on women composers – starting with the magical work by Lili Boulanger,…

$25

0 events, 16

0 events, 17

2 events, 18

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

June 18 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

The Tudor Choristers present TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC with Carlos del Cueto | Music Director Experience the heavenly beauty of Tchaikovsky’s sacred…

$32.
7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Ethereal

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Ethereal

Flute magic woven by one of the masters Making his debut with the MCO, world-renowned flautist Josh Batty is a dynamic…

$25 – $60

0 events, 19

2 events, 20

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: ELISION Ensemble

June 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: ELISION Ensemble

ANAM and ELISION Ensemble come together for a bold exploration of contemporary classical music. Following on from collaborations between ELISION and ANAM…

$40
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

For more than 20 years, ABC Classic has invited music lovers to share their favourite classical pieces around a special theme…

$45.90 – $109

1 event, 21

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 21 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

For more than 20 years, ABC Classic has invited music lovers to share their favourite classical pieces around a special theme…

$45.90 – $109

2 events, 22

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 22 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

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$30 – $141
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Melbourne Recital Centre Baroque Competition 2025

June 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Melbourne Recital Centre Baroque Competition 2025

The Baroque Competition Returns to Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Formerly known as Melbourne Recital Centre’s Bach Competition, this event’s recent expansion to…

Free

1 event, 23

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

ACO Unleashed is a thrilling celebration of the ACO at 50 — bold, virtuosic and electrifying. Curated by Artistic Director Richard…

$30 – $141

2 events, 24

10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

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$10
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

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$10

3 events, 25

11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Mostly Mozart – Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

June 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Mostly Mozart – Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

The musical leaders of tomorrow from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) join forces with the esteemed Australian String Quartet…

$52 – $59
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Nobuntu

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Nobuntu

Experience the pure and soul-stirring voices of Nobuntu. Hailing from Zimbabwe, Nobuntu is an internationally acclaimed all-female a cappella quartet lauded…

$69 – $79
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang in Recital

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang in Recital

Pure piano brilliance. Experience the pure brilliance of the most adored pianist of our time in this special solo recital. Lang…

$95 – $195

1 event, 26

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

Virtuosic Skill. Raw Talent. Pure Baroque. It’s unleashed. Feel the rush of Baroque like never before in this bold, electrifying program,…

$20 – $196

1 event, 27

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: MSO Mornings: Pictures at an Exhibition

June 27 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: MSO Mornings: Pictures at an Exhibition

A vast palette of symphonic colour Experience Mussorgsky’s vivid musical translation of watercolours and drawings by the composer’s friend, Viktor Hartmann.…

$20 – $99

2 events, 28

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

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$20 – $196
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Lang Lang

June 28 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Lang Lang

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$155 – $270

3 events, 29

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thomas Heywood – Concert Organ Spectacular!

June 29 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thomas Heywood – Concert Organ Spectacular!

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Organ Music in Australia  (1825 - 2025) Melbourne Town Hall – Sunday 29 June at 2pm…

Free
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Lee Abrahmsen and Kevin Tamanini in recital

June 29 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Lee Abrahmsen and Kevin Tamanini in recital

The Lieder Society of Victoria presents the wonderful soprano Lee Abrahmsen and pianist Kevin Tamanini. Sunday 29 June 2025 3:00 PM…

$20 – $30
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

Virtuosic Skill. Raw Talent. Pure Baroque. It’s unleashed. Feel the rush of Baroque like never before in this bold, electrifying program,…

$20 – $196

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

0 events, 4

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 26 @ 8:00 am - 9:30 pm

Paul McMillan – Berio to Bach

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 27 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Open Rehearsal with Elim Chan

May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 27 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Sophie Rowell and Kristian Chong play Sutherland and Beethoven

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 28 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 28 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 28 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Celebrating 60 years of Music at Monash – Concert 1

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 29 @ 7:30 pm - 9:40 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 29 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 29 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Ensemble Offspring – Double Symmetry

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 30 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 30 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Seraphim Trio – Debussy and Tchaikovsky

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 31 @ 2:00 pm - 4:10 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 31 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Imaginista Quartet with Craig Hill

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

June 1 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Acord: Dragonslayers

June 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

June 2
June 2 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade Quick Fix at Half Six

June 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:10 pm

Stephen Hough

June 3
June 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

June 4
June 4 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: First Voices Showcase

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 5
June 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

June 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera: BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 6
June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 6 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: The Crossing Machine

June 6 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Secret Symphony

June 7
June 7 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 8
June 8 @ 10:30 am - 9:30 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 8 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 9
June 9 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 10
June 10 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Northern Lights

  • There are no events on this day.
June 12
June 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 12 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Invenio – Bits and Pieces

June 13
June 13 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 13 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato – Danaë Killian: Piano Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

June 14
June 14 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison: Ensemble Liaison with Brigid Coleridge

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 15
June 15 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato – MATTUTINO: Rio Xiang and Cedar Newman

June 15 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Preston Symphony Orchestra: Resurgence

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
June 18
June 18 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Ethereal

  • There are no events on this day.
June 20
June 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: ELISION Ensemble

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 21
June 21 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 22
June 22 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Melbourne Recital Centre Baroque Competition 2025

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 24
June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 25
June 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Mostly Mozart – Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Nobuntu

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang in Recital

June 26
June 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 27
June 27 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: MSO Mornings: Pictures at an Exhibition

June 28
June 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 28 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Lang Lang

June 24
June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 25
June 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Mostly Mozart – Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Nobuntu

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang in Recital

June 26
June 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 27
June 27 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: MSO Mornings: Pictures at an Exhibition

June 28
June 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 28 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Lang Lang

June 29
June 29 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thomas Heywood – Concert Organ Spectacular!

June 29 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Lee Abrahmsen and Kevin Tamanini in recital

June 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

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Introducing Classic Melbourne

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Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

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