The Melbourne Recital Centre is a primary focus for classical music in our city. A sculptured jewel in Melbourne’s live-music crown, the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall has become internationally famous for its beauty and acoustic splendor, and the Primrose Potter Salon has been the invitingly intimate home of a vast array of smaller chamber music ensembles and recitalists.
In 2024, Melbourne Recital Centre celebrates a special milestone: 15 years of the best of live music. To unveil what was in store for lovers of classical music, a small audience gathered on the EMH stage – a magical setting with the chandeliers lowered to bathe the auditorium in a warm amber glow.
Opening the launch, the MRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Willis, welcomed guests, extolled the virtues of the MRC and its role in Melbourne’s cultural life and thanked those who have made and continue to make such an institution possible – including audiences.
Nat Bartsch was introduced as the MRC Composer in Residence for 2024, and after a short speech she sat at the grand piano to play one of her familiar lullabies. Her speech, like her music was simple, gentle and personal. Having a Composer in Residence is an important initiative and it will be interesting to follow her further development next year.
Always articulate, enthusiastic and engaging, the MRC’s Director of Planning, Marshall McGuire, introduced what we had all been waiting for: the 2024 program of classical music. To mark the 15 years anniversary of the MRC a package of 15 “exquisite experiences” have been curated as the core of the MRC’s classical music program.
The MRC provides highlights and information regarding what is on offer:
“Join us for a year-long celebration of exquisite experiences featuring international virtuosos, local sensations and cutting-edge performers, including Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, contemporary New York string outfit Brooklyn Rider, violinist Satu Vänskä with pianist Konstantin Shamray, New York City’s JACK Quartet, and many more. In 2024 we also invite you to make the most of your experience by engaging in lively post-concert talks and immersing yourself in Dynamic Double Sets – a musical matching of artists designed to enhance your music experience.”
The “many more” includes Andrew Blanch & Emily Granger – an instrumental pairing of guitar and harp; pianist extraordinaire Paul Lewis with further explorations of Schubert’s genius; Genesis Baroque with “an exploration of J.S. Bach’s humanity and charisma”; Swedish lute master Jakob Lindberg; Jane Austen’s Music; pianist Yeol Eum Son; Augustin Hadelich – “one of the most exciting violinists in the world” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) in an exclusive Australian recital; Trio Gaspard, “one of the most sought-after piano trios of their generation”; Nobuyuki Tsujii, “an extraordinary Japanese pianist whose talent transcends the senses and stirs the heart and soul”; and the Goldner String Quartet – “30 years of outstanding music-making concludes with a fitting finale and farewell”.
The Dynamic Double Sets are a welcome inclusion and feature Consortium with Víkingur Ólafsson, and Affinity Quartet with “one of today’s leading harpists”, Xavier de Maistre.
It’s an impressive lineup, but readers might notice one glaring omission – the human voice. Marshall McGuire assures me (and he should know) that this vital ingredient will be added, so we need to Watch This Space.
Subscriptions are now available on the Melbourne Recital Centre website.
15 Concert Package Save 25%
10+ Concert Package Save 20%
5+ Concert package Save 15%
Explore the concerts and book your season packages now → https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/classical/
