Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic 2020 Aria Competition Final/Rutter: Gloria

by Heather Leviston 17th November, 2020
by Heather Leviston 17th November, 2020
722

It takes a great deal of determination to overcome the obstacles COVID-19 has thrown at the Arts industry this year. Happily, Andrew Wailes and the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic have just that. Undaunted, they reformatted the 14th edition of the RMP Aria Competition in a way that allowed performers from Victorian regional areas, interstate and even overseas to participate, in addition to making the finalists’ performances available to anybody who has access to the internet and is willing to pay a small amount of money to enjoy the whole RMP presentation multiple times.

One measure of the success of the digital format can be seen in the record number of entries the competition managed to attract this year. The adjudicators, Sally-Anne Russell, Andrew Raiskums, Stefan Cassomenos and Andrew Wailes (Chair), were faced with the difficult task of sifting through all those entries, filmed remotely in a variety of formats and under differing physical circumstances and social restrictions. It was a far cry from the usual level playing field of Melbourne’s Deakin Edge acoustic and the services of Stefan Cassomenos, whose pianistic genius makes compelling musical sense of orchestral scores transcribed for piano. Considering the vast experience of these adjudicators, however, absolute fairness could be assured.

This year was also unusual in the number of male finalists. Of the chosen eight, we had three sopranos, three baritones, a bass baritone and a tenor. The new format also allowed us to hear excerpts from the performances of the two Reserve Finalists: counter-tenor Hamish Gould and bass Jack Stephens. To have Stephens sing the Bach aria “Ich habe genug” accompanied by a small complement of strings, oboe and organ was an unexpected bonus. Apart from this and Elizabeth Anderson accompanying Amelia Jones on harpsichord for Purcell’s “The Blessed Virgin’s Expostulation” from Harmonia Sacra and Bach’s “Laudamus Te” from his Mass in B minor, singers performed with pianists.

The number of different composers featured was also an unexpected but welcome aspect of this year’s competition. Not unexpectedly, Bach was number one choice, with Mendelssohn and Handel following close behind, but we also had pieces by Orff, Mozart, Purcell, Puccini, Rossini, Brahms, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Dvorák. Louise Keast actually sang “My heart is beating wildly” from Saint Ludmila in Czech – perhaps a first for this competition – following up with a nicely sustained Brahms “Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit” from Ein Deutsches Requiem and a highly dramatic Rossini’s “Inflammatus est” from his Stabat Mater. Contrasting works that displayed the ability to sustain smooth legato lines and vocal agility characterised the choices of all finalists.

A further major point of difference this year was the absence of a live audience, resulting in no audience participation in the form of a People’s Choice Award – usually a point of much excitement and speculation. Undoubtedly, viewers would have had their favourites. Although I have not always completely agreed with adjudicators’ decisions in various competitions, the justification for those decisions was generally obvious. Prior to announcing the prize-winners, Andrew Wailes described what the judges were looking for: “Appropriate repertoire for the individual voice, good presentation, good pitch, clear diction, communication of the text and understanding of musical styles, solid vocal technique and an affinity with the emotional message being conveyed in the context of the music being performed”. Hard to argue with that set of criteria.

When I first saw the line-up of soloists, I thought Andrew O’Connor would have an excellent chance of winning. He has had extensive experience as a professional singer in oratorio-style repertoire, including many performances in Melbourne, where he has been both a soloist and a mainstay of several leading Australian vocal ensembles. His performance of the recitative “For Behold! Darkness shall cover the earth”, and aria “The people that walked in darkness” from Handel’s Messiah, followed by the recitative and aria “Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen” from Bach’s cantata Ich babe genug fulfilled the judges’ criteria and made him a worthy winner.

I usually give my audience vote to the singer who is not necessarily “The Best” singer but the one who has touched me the most. In this case, it was 27-year-old Melbourne tenor, Joshua Oxley. He did have the benefit of the Athenaeum Theatre with a professional technical set-up and Raymond Lawrence as his accompanist on the Kawai grand, but these advantages were very minor compared with the rapt attention he gave to the recitative “Mein Jesus schweigt” and aria “Geduld! Geduld!” from Bach’s Matthäus Passion, and Britten’s “O Soft Embalmer of the Still Midnight” from Serenade for tenor, horn & strings. With excellent diction and beautifully evocative, sustained passages ending with a soft final note in the Britten, he embodied the atmosphere of each piece. Much and all as I enjoyed James Young’s gorgeous baritone and his stirring “Trumpet shall sound”, the other main contender for my vote was Amelia Jones. Urgent, sincere and with sweet pure tone, she was vocally, musically and physically persuasive – as convincing in her Virgin’s Expostulation as anyone could wish.

When announcing the prize-winners, Andrew Wailes provided concise, illuminating summaries of the adjudicators’ decision making. Due to the online format, the People’s Choice Award was replaced with a Judges’ Commendation, which was given to Melbourne baritone, James Emerson. The Conductor’s Encouragement Award was given to Amelia Jones “for her crystalline performances of Purcell and Bach”; Karina Bailey was awarded Third Place “for her polished performances of Orff, Mendelssohn and Mozart”; Runner Up was Joshua Oxley “whose performance was notable for a profound sense of gravitas and intensity throughout two technically demanding and contrasting works by Bach and Britten”. This year’s winner, Andrew O’Connor “demonstrated a praiseworthy combination of excellent technique, exemplary presentation, glorious even tone throughout [his] entire range and consistent elegant musicality and accuracy in [his] performances”. Prize-winners gave short acceptance speeches to thank all concerned.

Before these announcements and the scheduled archival performance of John Rutter’s dynamic Gloria, filmed at Deakin Edge at the conclusion of the 2017 RMP Aria final, we had a special surprise: a unique recording of I will be the Light by American composer Gerard Custer. To a track of Andrew Wailes conducting with Chris Nankervis at the piano, each member of a 20-strong RMP Virtual Choir had to record their own part, which was later mixed. The text, which describes looking forward to a bright future after dark times, could not have been more appropriate, and was sung with suitable fervour and commendable precision and balance.

The event ended in a mood of celebration as brass, percussion, organ and full-bodied voices revelled in Rutter’s Gloria. We might not have had quite the visceral experience of the original occasion, with the explosive sound generated by the combined forces vibrating through us in the two outer movements, but the exquisite subtleties of the central Andante with Calvin Bowman at the organ lost none of its emotional power.

Image supplied.

_____________________________________________________________

Heather Leviston reviewed the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic 2020 Aria Competition / Rutter “Gloria” published online on November 14, 2020.

0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail
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.

previous post
Melbourne Digital Concert Hall: Arcadia Winds
next post
Melbourne Digital Concert Hall: Water Music – Australian Chamber Choir ACC5

Events Calendar

42 events found.
  • June 2025

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

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

Violinist Sophie Rowell is newly appointed to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music as Associate Professor in Violin. Sophie and pianist Kristian…

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

1 event, 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.

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

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

$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

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

$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

2 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

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

0 events, 27

1 event, 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

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

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

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

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

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

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

  • There are no events on this day.
June 28
June 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

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.
View Calendar

Classic Melbourne’s reviews policy

audio
Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Follow us on Facebook

Classic Melbourne

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Introducing Classic Melbourne

audio
Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

Your browser does not support the audio element.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

@2019 - All Right Reserved.

Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Read alsox

Benaud Trio – Homeland

20th May, 2010

Schubert Quintet

16th October, 2016

Forest Collective and BK Opera: The Sea

18th December, 2023