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MSO: Beethoven’s Eroica

by Heather Leviston 1st December, 2014
by Heather Leviston 1st December, 2014
219

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Eroica program appears to have been built around the strengths of celebrated Finnish conductor Osmo Vanska, who recently recorded a critically acclaimed Beethoven cycle of symphonies. The first half of the program comprised two works by Finnish composers and the second half Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, Eroica.

An Australian premiere of a work by an important contemporary composer is always welcome and Kalevia Aho’s single movement Minea could not have been in better hands than Vanska’s. Intended as a twenty-minute orchestral showpiece, it was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra at the suggestion of Osmo Vanska. It is a complex piece, full of rhythmic and dynamic change. Beginning with a theme coloured by Indian raga, Arabian influences are also heard as individual players contribute to what builds up to some tremendous climaxes.

An initial brassy fanfare led to unexpected combinations of instruments, which created a succession of fascinating timbres. Weighty warlike utterances were interspersed with skirls of interweaving melodic lines from the wind players, evoking the sound of wailing shawms. Swirling flutes and high-pitched brass were followed by snatches of Rite of Spring-type music (that surely must have been an intentional allusion), adding to the primal feel.

As the music became more chaotic with cross-rhythms galore and some exciting snatches of solo violin playing from Concertmaster, Dale Barltrop, it seemed that everything could descend into complete chaos in less expert hands. As it was, the strong over-riding rhythmic drive and Vanska’s ability to feature discrete groups of voices made for a coherent musical experience. By the end, members of the audience were quite literally vibrating with the sheer power of the orchestral sound. This was in no small part due to the contribution of the drums of various descriptions, lower strings, contrabassoon and tuba. There must be few orchestral pieces where the tuba plays such a central role, in this case, skillfully performed by Timothy Buzbee. An enthusiastic audience showed its unequivocal approval of this new piece. It is likely that the MSO’s interstate counterparts will be anxious to add such an impressive virtuoso orchestral piece to their respective repertoires before long.

Similar drive and attention to detail was apparent in the Sibelius Violin Concerto. After the softest murmuring pianissimo from the violins Frank Peter Zimmermann entered with a haunting thread of sound that developed in intensity with forthright, expressive playing. This was answered by waves of energy generated by the lower strings and winds. The first movement was full of drama and carefully shaped forward momentum on the part of soloist and orchestra alike. Despite a momentary mishap in the Adagio, Zimmermann met the many virtuosic demands presented by the piece with apparent ease. His technical assurance resulted in great clarity and precision, with the breakneck speed of the finale allowing for a dazzling display of pyrotechnics. As an encore, Zimmermann responded to an appreciative audience by playing the Prelude of Bach’s Partita No 3 with a well-projected tone and clean attack.

Using a larger body of strings than is nowadays often the case, Vanska commanded his forces in a manner that reflected much of Beethoven’s original intention of portraying Napoleon’s mind. His “determined, questing character” was very much in evidence in the opening Allegro con brio with deliberate, sweeping phrases and considerable grace. Again, Vanska ensured that suitable prominence and emphasis was given to various sections of the orchestra, while maintaining an appropriate blend within and between the parts.

The repeated slow, hushed funeral march of the second movement was interspersed with some exquisite oboe playing by Jeffrey Crellin, dance like passages, soaring climbing phrases from the violins and counter melodies that evoked grandeur. The whole effect was of concentrated intention right up to the final, dying strains. Fine oboe playing was also a feature of the lively Scherzo along with some effective work from the horns.

The Finale was full of colourful contrast with some lovely playing from the flute and wind band as well as some precise fugal passages from the strings. The triumphant ending of the symphony was more a reminder of Beethoven’s heroic achievements as a groundbreaking composer of genius than Napoleon’s aspirations, leaving the audience in no doubt as to the true nature of the conquest.
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Heather Leviston reviewed the concert at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall on November 27.

The picture is of conductor Osmo Vanska.

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • May 2025

Calendar of Events

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1 event, 30

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: The Verdi Gala Concert

April 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: The Verdi Gala Concert

A tribute to Verdi’s musical splendour with opera stars Nicole Car, Étienne Dupuis and Paul O’Neill. Prepare your heart for the greatest…

$65 – $189

2 events, 1

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Opera Scholars Australia: Lieder to Lehar

May 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:50 pm

Opera Scholars Australia: Lieder to Lehar

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$38 – $45
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Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Fantasia

May 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Fantasia

Youthful brilliance and solemn beauty. At the heart of this program is a new violin concerto by one of Australia’s most…

$30 – $144

1 event, 2

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

ASQ & Melbourne Conservatorium Students Side-by-side concert

May 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

ASQ & Melbourne Conservatorium Students Side-by-side concert

We celebrate the culmination of a week of coaching and collaboration with the students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with…

Free

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2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Abduction from the Seraglio

May 3 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Abduction from the Seraglio

Lyster Opera returns to the Irene Mitchell Studio, South Yarra, with a rousing new production of Mozart’s great comedy, “The Abduction…

$40
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: The Verdi Gala Concert

May 3 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: The Verdi Gala Concert

A tribute to Verdi’s musical splendour with opera stars Nicole Car, Étienne Dupuis and Paul O’Neill. Prepare your heart for the greatest…

$65 – $189
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Lyster Opera: The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart

May 3 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Lyster Opera: The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart

Lyster Opera presents a rousing new production of Mozart’s great comedy, The Abduction from the Seraglio. When Konstanze and Blonde are…

$30 – $40
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – The Soul of the Cello: Timo-Veikko Valve

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – The Soul of the Cello: Timo-Veikko Valve

Sublime and stunning Timo-Veikko Valve, Principal Cello of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, performs and directs this program of music arranged for…

$20 – $105

6 events, 4

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Abduction from the Seraglio

May 4 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Abduction from the Seraglio

Lyster Opera returns to the Irene Mitchell Studio, South Yarra, with a rousing new production of Mozart’s great comedy, “The Abduction…

$40
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Lyster Opera: The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart

May 4 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Lyster Opera: The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart

Lyster Opera presents a rousing new production of Mozart’s great comedy, The Abduction from the Seraglio. When Konstanze and Blonde are…

$30 – $40
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Schubertiade – Heidelberg Choral Society

May 4 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Schubertiade – Heidelberg Choral Society

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some of the most rhapsodic melodies and harmonies ever composed. Don’t miss the consummate genius that is Schubert.

$60
2:30 pm - 4:15 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Fantasia

May 4 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Fantasia

Youthful brilliance and solemn beauty. At the heart of this program is a new violin concerto by one of Australia’s most…

$30 – $144
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Schubertiade

May 4 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Schubertiade

Heidelberg Choral Society performs our Schubertiade (a concert of Schubert's choral music) this coming Sunday 4th May at 2.30 pm in…

$35 – $60
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Choristry presents: When I Was a Child

May 4 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Choristry presents: When I Was a Child

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$25 – $35

1 event, 5

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Erwan Keravec – 8 Pipers for Philip Glass + Nat Bartsch

May 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Erwan Keravec – 8 Pipers for Philip Glass + Nat Bartsch

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$59 – $69

2 events, 6

7:00 pm - 9:10 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Hollywood Songbook

May 6 @ 7:00 pm - 9:10 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Hollywood Songbook

Signum Saxophone Quartet and Ali McGregor. The musicians of the Signum Saxophone Quartet, who won hearts across Australia on their debut…

$56 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music: Draevon – Between Light and Darkness

May 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music: Draevon – Between Light and Darkness

Transfigured String Trio presents Russian composer Alfred Schnitkke’s extraordinary dark and compelling string trio in its original format composed in 1985…

Free

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: The Crossing Machine with Jordan Zdimirovic

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

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: The Crossing Machine with Jordan Zdimirovic

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3 events, 8

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Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

May 8 @ 6:30 pm - 7:25 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

Discover the quirky charm of Victorian Opera’s fun-filled family production, The Lyrebird’s Voice. In this enchanting opera set in the Australian…

$42
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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Discover Sibelius – Side by Side with Melbourne Youth Orchestra

May 8 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Discover Sibelius – Side by Side with Melbourne Youth Orchestra

Illuminating and inspiring Discover the genius of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius through this guided concert presentation by Benjamin Northey, members of…

$20 – $39
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fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Violeta Parra’s Chile

May 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Violeta Parra’s Chile

  Violeta Parra’s Chile – A Musical Odyssey Through a Nation’s Troubled History Journey into the heart of Chile’s rich and…

2 events, 9

1:00 pm - 1:55 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

May 9 @ 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

Discover the quirky charm of Victorian Opera’s fun-filled family production, The Lyrebird’s Voice. In this enchanting opera set in the Australian…

$42
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Holst – The Planets

May 9 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Holst – The Planets

HOLST – The Planets  Prepare for a cosmic musical journey as internationally acclaimed pianists Coady Green and Jerry Wong join forces with Brent Miller and the Melbourne Conservatorium…

$32 – $42

8 events, 10

10:30 am - 11:20 am Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Classic Kids: Wizardry School

May 10 @ 10:30 am - 11:20 am Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Classic Kids: Wizardry School

Spellbinding and immersive Explore the magical ingredients of the Symphony Orchestra through the iconic music of John Williams, Saint-Saëns and Stravinsky.…

$28
12:30 pm - 1:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Classic Kids: Wizardry School

May 10 @ 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Classic Kids: Wizardry School

Spellbinding and immersive Explore the magical ingredients of the Symphony Orchestra through the iconic music of John Williams, Saint-Saëns and Stravinsky.…

$28
2:00 pm - 2:55 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

May 10 @ 2:00 pm - 2:55 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

Discover the quirky charm of Victorian Opera’s fun-filled family production, The Lyrebird’s Voice. In this enchanting opera set in the Australian…

$42
4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Jane Austen’s Music – Pemberley Revisited

May 10 @ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Jane Austen’s Music – Pemberley Revisited

Step into the world of Jane Austen for Melbourne Recital Centre’s celebration of the beloved author’s 250th birthday. After an evocative…

$35 – $79
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven Marathon Part One – Beethoven’s World

May 10 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven Marathon Part One – Beethoven’s World

Beethoven Marathon Part One Beethoven’s WORLD – MUSIC, MYSTERY AND MASTERPIECES Before diving into The Parlour’s Immortal Beloved, begin your evening with…

$32 – $42
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

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

ANAM at the Convent: Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

“ANAM’s extraordinary young musicians display such verve and curiosity, and I’m truly excited to be bringing Genesis Baroque’s specialists to ANAM…

$40
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Choristry presents: When I Was a Child

May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Choristry presents: When I Was a Child

Choristry's first concert of 2025 features choral music evoking the songs and stories of childhood, with music by Eric Whitacre, Sarah…

$35 – $425
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven Marathon Part One – Beethoven Immortal Beloved

May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven Marathon Part One – Beethoven Immortal Beloved

Beethoven – Immortal Beloved Musicologists often overlook the crucial role that women played in shaping the legacies of great composers, yet…

$32 – $42

1 event, 11

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Astra Choir: In us are all passions and all vices

May 11 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Astra Choir: In us are all passions and all vices

Christoph Demantius, German St John Passion (1631),  6-part choir León Schidlowsky, Nameless Mass for Victor Jara, graphic score (1976) with poems by George Grosz and Vladimir Mayakovsky…

$20

1 event, 12

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Daniel Lozakovich

May 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Daniel Lozakovich

Witness one of today’s most exciting and sought-after violinists. Daniel Lozakovich is renowned for possessing ‘perfect mastery’ (Le Figaro) of his…

$67 – $115

4 events, 13

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: This Mirror Has Three Faces

May 13 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: This Mirror Has Three Faces

Experience Lera Auerbach’s Trio, Schumann’s Finale, and Smetana’s masterpiece with Violinist Kristian Winther. A breathtaking concert program which begins in stunning…

$63 – $81
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: This Mirror Has Three Faces

May 13 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: This Mirror Has Three Faces

Experience Lera Auerbach’s Trio, Schumann’s Finale, and Smetana’s masterpiece with Violinist Kristian Winther. A breathtaking concert program which begins in stunning…

$63 – $81
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Omega Ensemble: Distant World

May 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Omega Ensemble: Distant World

The future of our planet in a world gone mad. Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’ Piano Quartet from 2001 grapples with his familiar…

$39 – $119
7:30 pm - 8:40 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Opera Closets

May 13 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Opera Closets

Step into a world where every outfit tells a story, and every story soars with song. In Opera Closets, multi-award-winning Australian…

$32 – $42

3 events, 14

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: Sara Macliver with ANAM Pianos

May 14 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: Sara Macliver with ANAM Pianos

“It has always been an absolute joy for me to perform alongside the brilliant young musicians at ANAM. I have no…

$40
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Lyric Opera – Their Voices Will Rise

May 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Lyric Opera – Their Voices Will Rise

Prepare for an electrifying evening of world premieres and daring musical narratives. Australian rising star Meta Cohen unveils a thrilling and…

$32 – $42
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 14 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

Cameron Mackintosh's production of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR has commenced its World Tour and will arrive in…

$69 – $99

2 events, 15

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven, Cherny and Liszt Piano Duets and Songs

May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven, Cherny and Liszt Piano Duets and Songs

Coady Green and Glenn Riddle unite for a rare and dazzling program of piano four-hand gems from Beethoven, his pupil Carl…

$32 – $42
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

Cameron Mackintosh's production of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR has commenced its World Tour and will arrive in…

$69 – $99

4 events, 16

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 16 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

Songs of rest and renewal. A heartfelt program of soul-nourishing compositions explores love in both human and divine forms. Following a…

$45 – $55
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: The Institute for Enquiring Minds Presents Michael Leslie – Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: The Institute for Enquiring Minds Presents Michael Leslie – Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann

The Institute for Enquiring Minds is an educational initiative helping high school students experiencing disadvantage improve their maths skills. For the…

$23 – $42
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

Cameron Mackintosh's production of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR has commenced its World Tour and will arrive in…

$69 – $99
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 16 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

Songs of rest and renewal. A heartfelt program of soul-nourishing compositions explores love in both human and divine forms. Following a…

$45 – $55

3 events, 17

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven Marathon Part Two – Beethoven’s 5th and 6th Symphonies for Piano Four Hands

May 17 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven Marathon Part Two – Beethoven’s 5th and 6th Symphonies for Piano Four Hands

Begin your Beethoven odyssey with two of his most beloved symphonies – the stormy, fate-driven 5th and the pastoral, sun-drenched 6th…

$32 – $42
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Theremin & Beyond

May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Theremin & Beyond

Explore new musical frontiers as you take a deep dive into the thrilling soundworld of the theremin, the world’s first electronic…

$30 – $141
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Liszt’s two piano arrangement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Liszt’s two piano arrangement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

The Institute for Enquiring Minds is an educational initiative helping high school students experiencing disadvantage improve their maths skills. For the…

$32 – $42

3 events, 18

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Flinders Quartet Flinders Quartet at Montsalvat – Paavali

May 18 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Flinders Quartet Flinders Quartet at Montsalvat – Paavali

Paavali Jumppanen joins Flinders Quartet for their 25th anniversary, featuring works by Bacewicz, Shostakovich, and Beethoven. Melbourne has been lucky to…

$40 – $50
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: A Gwen Harwood Cycle

May 18 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: A Gwen Harwood Cycle

Duo Eclettico – Justin Kenealy (saxophone) and Coady Green (piano) are joined by the one the Australia’s leading actors, Helen Morse,…

$32 – $42
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum & The Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation: Concert #2 – Atmosphere

May 18 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum & The Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation: Concert #2 – Atmosphere

Thunderous melodies and electrifying energy in Russian classics. Concert two features giants of the Russian repertoire to make your spirits soar…

$30 – $65

1 event, 19

7:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Theremin & Beyond

May 19 @ 7:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Theremin & Beyond

Explore new musical frontiers as you take a deep dive into the thrilling soundworld of the theremin, the world’s first electronic…

$30 – $141

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April 30
April 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: The Verdi Gala Concert

May 1
May 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:50 pm

Opera Scholars Australia: Lieder to Lehar

May 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Fantasia

May 2
May 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

ASQ & Melbourne Conservatorium Students Side-by-side concert

May 3
May 3 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Abduction from the Seraglio

May 3 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: The Verdi Gala Concert

May 3 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Lyster Opera: The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – The Soul of the Cello: Timo-Veikko Valve

May 4
May 4 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Abduction from the Seraglio

May 4 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Lyster Opera: The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart

May 4 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Schubertiade – Heidelberg Choral Society

May 4 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Fantasia

May 4 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Schubertiade

May 4 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Choristry presents: When I Was a Child

May 5
May 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Erwan Keravec – 8 Pipers for Philip Glass + Nat Bartsch

May 6
May 6 @ 7:00 pm - 9:10 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Hollywood Songbook

May 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music: Draevon – Between Light and Darkness

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

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: The Crossing Machine with Jordan Zdimirovic

May 8
May 8 @ 6:30 pm - 7:25 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

May 8 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Discover Sibelius – Side by Side with Melbourne Youth Orchestra

May 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Violeta Parra’s Chile

May 9
May 9 @ 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

May 9 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Holst – The Planets

May 10
May 10 @ 10:30 am - 11:20 am Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Classic Kids: Wizardry School

May 10 @ 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Classic Kids: Wizardry School

May 10 @ 2:00 pm - 2:55 pm Event Series

Victorian Opera: The Lyrebird’s Voice

May 10 @ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Jane Austen’s Music – Pemberley Revisited

May 10 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven Marathon Part One – Beethoven’s World

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

ANAM at the Convent: Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Choristry presents: When I Was a Child

May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven Marathon Part One – Beethoven Immortal Beloved

May 11
May 11 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Astra Choir: In us are all passions and all vices

May 12
May 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Daniel Lozakovich

May 13
May 13 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: This Mirror Has Three Faces

May 13 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: This Mirror Has Three Faces

May 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Omega Ensemble: Distant World

May 13 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Opera Closets

May 14
May 14 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: Sara Macliver with ANAM Pianos

May 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Lyric Opera – Their Voices Will Rise

May 14 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 15
May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven, Cherny and Liszt Piano Duets and Songs

May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 16
May 16 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: The Institute for Enquiring Minds Presents Michael Leslie – Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 16 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 17
May 17 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven Marathon Part Two – Beethoven’s 5th and 6th Symphonies for Piano Four Hands

May 15
May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven, Cherny and Liszt Piano Duets and Songs

May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 16
May 16 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: The Institute for Enquiring Minds Presents Michael Leslie – Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

May 16 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver

May 17
May 17 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Beethoven Marathon Part Two – Beethoven’s 5th and 6th Symphonies for Piano Four Hands

May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Theremin & Beyond

May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: Liszt’s two piano arrangement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

May 18
May 18 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Flinders Quartet Flinders Quartet at Montsalvat – Paavali

May 18 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival 2025: A Gwen Harwood Cycle

May 18 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum & The Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation: Concert #2 – Atmosphere

May 19
May 19 @ 7:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Theremin & Beyond

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Introducing Classic Melbourne

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Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

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