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Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields: From Lubeck to Leipzig – The Baroque Cantata from Buxtehude to Bach

by Julie McErlain 10th January, 2022
by Julie McErlain 10th January, 2022
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Neither a pandemic nor the absence of Festival Director Sergio de Pieri from this 26th feast of fine music could cancel Ballarat’s popular annual early music festival – this year a trimmed down special three day, five-concert event that successfully continued to bring prominent musicians into the historical venues and organs of the central Victorian region.

Said to be the oldest cathedral in Australia, St Patrick’s Cathedral, with its early Gothic design, cavernous high ceilings and side chapels, can offer a sombre, spiritually reflective and acoustically challenging environment. The theme of this opening recital represented a pilgrimage across Europe, with the Cantata being the prayerful reflections of texts set to music.

Opening the program, organist David McFarlane, from the choir gallery, performed Movement 5 from J.S. Bach’s Organ Sinfonia from the church cantata BWV 35, Geist und Seele wird verwirret (Spirit and Soul become confused). An interesting translation indeed, although Bach used the organ as a virtuosic solo instrument and McFarlane admirably gave much colour and thoughtfully distinct instrumentations to the piece; the vast size of the cathedral, however, meant that the bass notes had a natural delay as they travelled to some distant sections of the audience. We are fascinated with the unique timbre and personality of every church organ, but here, in very “Baroque tradition”, the lower pitched pipe organ required the five piece stringed ensemble from Melbourne Baroque Orchestra to be drastically re-tuned and more securely re-located when McFarlane moved down to the front altar concert setting to play the smaller chamber organ for the central menu.

Bach’s Der Herr denket an uns, BWV 196, also known as The Wedding Cantata, was very beautifully performed under the direction of Dr Gary Ekkel. These lighter texts from Psalm 115, full of blessings and confident joyful expression, allowed the singers to enjoy the acoustic of the nave, demonstrating confident and clear articulation, fluent and musically expressive phrasing. Five contrasting short sections performed with a smaller ensemble came as a fresh and lightly textured presentation, with a most pleasant instrumental Sinfonia. A strong and powerfully expressive delivery of the aria by soprano Quin Thomson, whose grand upper range filled the heavens, was accompanied by sensitive baroque violin obligato lines from ensemble leader Lizzie Walsh. Christopher Roache joined Oliver Mann for the comforting tenor and bass Aria, Der Herr segne euch je mehr und mehr, and a final jubilant chorus with an active and lively brilliant contrapuntal Amen showed the technical skills and maturity of this vocal quartet. Most admirably, Amelia Jones stepped in to the Festival program at just 48 hours notice, replacing the previously announced mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell, so Bach’s Cantata For Trinity Sunday, O Heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, gave Christopher Roache the opportunity to sing the alto aria Jesu, der aus grosser liebe. His countertenor voice here was full of beauty, youthfulness and purity of tone in its shaping of the text. This was a special moment when the audience was spellbound, immersed in wonder, enjoyment and a sense of timelessness.

Two Cantatas by Buxtehude added further gorgeous settings of more serious and solemn texts. Klag-Lied from Fried- und freudenreiche Hinfahrt, BuxWV 76, gave Thomson a central role for this very beautiful and sedate work, where breadth of tone, rich volume, maturity, clarity and eloquence impressed. Jesu, meines Lebens Leben, BuxWV 62, also revealed the beauty and almost romantically coloured imagination of Buxtehude, and a very pleasing balance and blend of strings with organ accompaniment gave beautiful support to the special atmosphere provided by each vocalist.

Our spiritual journey was to end with the final cantata, Bach’s Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV4, where the vocalists were now fully at home in this acoustically challenging space. They showed terrific ensemble work in Bach’s tricky Alleluia refrain, also adding nice punctuation and accents to a rhythmic a cappella stanza (Verse 4) and made the most of vivid tempo changes. Oliver Mann’s solo for bass was a most effective performance as his lowest notes paired with the organ’s deepest pedal points, and Bach’s challenging pitch range took his Alleluia refrain to an alarming but fully confident high register. In verse 6 Amelia Jones took the main role with her celebratory text, truly expressing the feast of joy, celebration of the Lord’s grace, and enlightening our hearts with her shining musicality. As we would expect at the opening night for a Festival, the full ensemble presented a buoyant, grand and very harmonious final Alleluia.

Slightly curious was the casual attire for some instrumentalists, whose musical performance was so admirable, but relatively informal dress was a little incongruous in this formal Cathedral setting for an opening Festival recital.  The inclusion of the sung Latin texts to the program would also have assisted the audience in following the printed English verses.

Well supported in the community, with such wonderful repertoire, fine musical team and direction, this Festival continues to make a unique musical and historical footprint.

Photo credit: David Berry.

__________________________________________________

Julie McErlain reviewed “From Lubeck to Leipzig: The Baroque Cantata – from Buxtehude to Bach”, presented as part of Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields at St Patrick’s Cathedral on January 7, 2022.

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Julie McErlain

Julie McErlain has a passionate love of and involvement with many kinds of music. Classically trained, she completed a bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne with Honours in Piano and Composition, also studying oboe, percussion and guitar, and completing a sub-major in English. She supported herself as a student playing at Ballet Victoria and Australian Ballet schools, in musical theatre groups and in the wider entertainment industry as a solo pianist, and in a wide variety of classical, popular, folk and jazz ensembles. She has an active involvement in performing regularly in classical music concerts, jazz and contemporary music, also playing the saxophone and creating the first Women & Jazz festival and workshop series in Melbourne in 1981. Always a music teacher, conductor, concert and festival goer, Julie was Music Concert Reviewer for the Warrnambool STANDARD for three years, covering all styles of major music performances, promoting local music and reviewing major Australian artists and companies. She loves having the opportunity to hear new music, be inspired and challenged to use her creative writing skills, and contribute to promoting unique musical performances.

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Events Calendar

42 events found.
  • June 2025

Calendar of Events

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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

4 events, 27

2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Open Rehearsal with Elim Chan

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

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
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

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
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

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

2025-05-20

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

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
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

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
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Celebrating 60 years of Music at Monash – Concert 1

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

Celebrating 60 years of Music at Monash – Concert 1

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

7:30 pm - 9:40 pm Event Series

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
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

2:00 pm - 4:10 pm Event Series

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

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

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Ethereal

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

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Ethereal

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$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

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$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

Nobuntu performs as part of the Relaxed Performance series. The Centre’s series of Relaxed Performances are specifically suited for audiences with…

$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

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$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

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$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

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

$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

Dazzling charm and extroverted drama The singular piano sensation of this century returns for one night only with the MSO and…

$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 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 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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Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

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