Music In The Round

A favourite on the annual classical music calendar, Music in the Round returns to Abbotsford Convent on Sunday 8 September, with a day-long program of renowned musicians performing intimate concerts in stunning heritage surrounds. For the first time this year, audiences can experience classical music in the North Magdalen Laundry, an evocative new venue laden with history.

Presented by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation with Artistic Director Chris Howlett, Music in the Round delivers a fresh and exciting mix of exceptional performers and repertoires that span the past 300 years – from classics like Beethoven, to some of Australia’s leading female composers.

Howlett said this year’s program features much-loved Australian artists alongside rising stars of the classical music scene. Artists include globe-trotting pianist Aura Go, chamber music group Ensemble Liaison, soprano singer Jacqueline Porter and internationally renowned pianist Ian Munro, accordion virtuoso James Crabb, and 13-year-old violin prodigy Edward Walton with Melbourne pianist Laurence Matheson. Cellist Chris Howlett will also be performing alongside award-winning violinist Elizabeth Sellars and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra violist Chris Cartlidge. 

“Music in the Round celebrates the amazing artistry that we have in Australia – both performers and composers. The program features some fabulous Australian female composers including Elena Kats-Chernin, Liza Lim and Miriam Hyde, as well as extraordinary young violinist Edward Walton,” Chris Howlett said.

“This year, Edward was awarded first prize at the Medallion International Concerto Competition (Atlanta, USA); first prize at the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition (London); and Premier Grand Prix at the Concours Jeunes Artistes des Musicales du Centre (France). We are thrilled that Edward will be joining us for Music in the Round as our Emerging Artist for 2019.”

Edward Walton will be joined on stage by rising star pianist Laurence Matheson, who has been a mentor and pianist for many of Australia’s top young violinists and performs regularly as a chamber musician with leading Australian artists. Following Matheson’s crowd-pleasing performance with Christian Li at last year’s Music in the Round, the young artist session is set to be a program highlight again in 2019.

Abbotsford Convent Foundation CEO Collette Brennan said the event is an accessible way for audiences to experience classical music in non-traditional spaces.

“First launched in 1972, Music in the Round is now the flagship program of our Convent Live series, complementing thousands of events held annually at the Convent. Each September, Music in the Round brings new and returning talent to our historic venues; it is a day unlike any other, a tailored experience that continues to surprise and delight audiences. We can’t wait to share this exciting program of classical music with lovers of the genre.”

Attendees can tailor the experience to their tastes, with two of the day’s four sessions offering alternate options. All packages include a grazing-style luncheon, morning tea and afternoon tea by the Convent Bakery, as well as complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.