APRIL, MAY & JUNE 2018

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ÁsgeirWED 4 & THU 5 APRIL Metropolis New Music Festival celebrates the music of Unsuk Chin

The legendary Australian band The Blackeyed SusansA Leonard Bernstein celebrationLisa Ono 30th Anniversary Tour

Groove to the Melbourne International Jazz FestivalRegurgitator, Seja & Mindy Wang perform The Velvet Underground & Nico

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • The information in this brochure is correct at time of printing.2

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Folias — p9

James Ehnes Master Class — p6

In Conversation with José González — p4

José González — p4

Schubert Octet — p13

Avi Avital & Giocoso Quartet — p8

Let Me Die Before I Wake — p9

Free Music — p5

Gallipoli Songs — p5

James Ehnes — p6

José González — p4

Melbourne Beethoven Quartet Cycle: Concert 3 — p15

Yu Kosuge — p16

Masque of Red Death — p16

Celebrating Unsuk Chin — p10

If the Gods Came Down to Earth Dressed as Cowboys — p10

Lullabies from Around the World — p7

The Celtic Tenors — p40

Ásgeir — p4

Music for Our Changing Climate — p11

Mostly Mozart —- Mozart & Mendelssohn — p7

Ocean: Earth & Water — p4

Ásgeir — p4

Waves + Lines — p11The Blackeyed Susans — p12A Book of Migrations — p11

Audrey Powne Quartet — p8

Italian Masters — p13

A Bernstein Celebration — p14

The Alexander Nettelbeck Trio — p13

Nest — p12

The Art & Beauty of Deep Listening — p8

Avi Avital & Giocoso Quartet — p8

Songs & Strings — p4

First Aid Kit — p5

Mark Lang — p14

David Helgott in Recital — p15

Schubert Octet — p13

Salim-Sulaiman — Live in Concert — p9

Flute Fireworks! — p15

Free Music — p17

Jazz & Blues — p17

Pagan Dances — p18Zourouna — p18

In White & Black — p18

Dreams & Dances — p17

Tales of the Silk Road in Concert — p17

Omelette — p18

Top Acts 2018 — p19Life Cycle — p19

The Harpist: Xavier de Maistre — p19

Wind Symphony Day — p21

French Piano Music — p21

French Arias — p22

The Harpist: Xavier de Maistre — p19

Lullaby Project — Natalie Bartsch — p21

The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra — p25

Emma Pask — p24

Tafelmusik — Bach & His World — p23

Number Ones — p26

William Lawes - the 'father of Musick' — p26

Thomas Hampson Master Class — p27

Musique ravished me…' the diary of Samuel Pepys — p26

Thomas Hampson — p27

An Evening with Branford Marsalis— p28

Gretchen Parlato — p28

Free Music — p26 Sun Ra Arkestra — p28 Second Wedding Singer — p29

Second Wedding Singer — p29

Second Wedding Singer — p29

Postludes — p29

Leslie Howard — p30

Mostly Mozart — Mozart's Viola — p29

In Vogue — p29

In Vogue — p29 Bach & Busoni — p31

The Genius of J.S. Bach — p31

Melb Recital Centre Bach Competition — p31

Atlas of the Sky — p32 Conversant: Creative possibilities in arts writing — p33Anne-Sophie Mutter Master Class — p33

Ensemble Liasion — p32

PLEXUS: Parallel — p32

Goldberg Variations — p32

Company of Pianos Andrea Keller & Luke Howard — p33

Aelita, Queen of Mars with The Spheres — p33

Melb Welsh Male Choir with Teddy Tahu Rhodes & Kate Amos — p34Bach Project — p34

Mozart & the Classical Age — p34

Music on the Mind — p34

Ears Wide Open: Dances of Galanta — p35

4 + Viola! — p35 Summer Nights — p35 Kolja Blacher — p35 From the Hungarian plains to the Transylvanian Alps — p36Regurgitator, Seja & Mindy Wang — p36

Novum — p36

Musical Explorations — p20

ANAM Prizewinners in the Salon— p22

Tafelmusik - Bach & His World — p23

Tchaikovsky & Brahms with Li-Wei Qin — p20

The Fission-Fusion Whale — p23

From Jewish Life — p20

La Vie En Rose — Lisa Ono — p21

Current — p23

2018 Melbourne Girls Grammar School Concert — p23

Sense & Sensibility — p24

Serioso — p24

Elliott Gyger at 50 — p22

Classical Melodies — p22

Snehapoorvam Manju Warrier & Friends Live — p16

Christopher Hale & Luke Moller — p16

Bach & Distler — p25

Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue — p25

WOMINJEK A, WELCOME

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • The information in this brochure is correct at time of printing.

EUAN MURDOCHCEO, Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre’s dazzling and diverse program celebrates the best music-making you can hear from Melbourne, Australia and around the globe. Music can transport us to other times and places, and it can also help us to engage with the contemporary world.

For example, our annual Metropolis New Music Festival (18—21 April) explores the spellbinding music of South Korean composer Unsuk Chin, climate change, life in 21st-century Afghanistan and cultural identity. A host of Australia’s innovative performers, including the preeminent

ensemble ELISION are your guides to the brave new world of sound.

In April, the Centre presents some of the hottest contemporary acts on the scene including Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir and sold-out performances by José González and First Aid Kit. To be the first to know when concerts like these go on sale, sign up for our fortnightly What’s On email, packed with news, priority offers and giveaways.

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (1—10 June) swings into the Centre in June with sensational performers like saxophonist Branford Marsalis, singer Gretchen Parlato and the incredible sound of the iconic Sun Ra Arkestra. Hearing these jazz luminaries is always a thrill and there’s more to be announced soon, so please stay tuned.

Each June the Centre celebrates the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. The 2018 Bach Weekend features pianist Kristian Chong performing virtuoso piano transcriptions of Bach’s organ music. Violinist Rachel Beesley leads some of Australia’s finest Baroque musicians in works that showcase the many-faceted brilliance of Bach, including the ever-popular B-minor Orchestral Suite with its scintillating flute solo. On Sunday come and cheer on talented young musicians in a competition dedicated to performing Bach (16 & 17 June). Speaking of Bach, violinist James Ehnes performs three of the composer’s transcendent solo violin works, including the magisterial D minor partita in the Great Performers series (9 April).

Two more of the world’s great performers — baritone Thomas Hampson and pianist Leslie Howard — give recitals inspired by opera. Hampson one of the greatest opera stars of his generation sings arias by Rossini and songs by Mahler and Copland among others (31 May). Leslie Howard plays the flamboyant and theatrical operatic arrangements of Franz Liszt. Australian-born Howard is perhaps the foremost exponent of Liszt’s music, and this concert is not to be missed (13 June).

Sadly, we say farewell to our long-time International Airline Partner, Etihad. The airline was one of the Centre’s founding partners and played a role in the Centre’s growth, but changes in Etihad’s sponsorship strategy mean that we’re parting ways. We are incredibly grateful for the support Etihad has provided over nearly a decade, transporting hundreds of musicians in comfort and style to Melbourne. Thank you, Etihad.

I hope that you find something to move, entertain and illuminate you in this guide. We look forward to welcoming you to the Centre very soon.

Warm regards

Melbourne Recital Centre acknowledges the people of the Kulin nation on whose land the Centre stands. 3

SOUTHBANK BOULEVARDThe City of Melbourne has announced that it will be transforming Southbank Boulevard and neighbouring Dodds Street to create 2.5 hectares of public space. Work will begin shortly on this exciting new development which will see changes to both tram stops and the flow of local traffic. Subscribe to our What’s On email and follow us on Facebook to keep up to date as the project unfolds.

YOU CAN PLAY A PARTIt is only with the support of our generous community of donors that we are able to continue to bring transformative, shared experiences of music to people from all walks of life. Please visit our website or call 9207 2653 to find out more about how you can get involved and ensure the continued vibrancy of Melbourne Recital Centre.

impact.melbournerecital.com.au

Songs & StringsWITH VAUDREY & XANICellist, songwriter and improvisor Vaudrey teams up with renowned improvisational violinist Xani Kolac to present an evening of original arrangements for voice, strings and electronics. Vaudrey’s unique blend of post-orchestral, indie, dub, folk and pop for cello, voice and electronics has been showcased in New York’s Rockwood Music Hall and throughout Australia. Matched with the equally eclectic sounds of Xani whose natural energy has featured on stage with artists such as Clare Bowditch, Tim Rogers and My Friend The Chocolate Cake, this collaborative performance brings together the virtuosity of two artists at the forefront of the burgeoning string-playing songwriter movement.

INFORMATION

Sat 7 April 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Xani Kolac violin Richard Vaudrey celloTickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Vaudrey and Xani

Swedish singer-songwriter and modern-day heartbreaker José González brings his 'indie folk renaissance' (Broadsheet) to Melbourne Recital Centre across two huge evenings. The fingerpicking balladeer first gained attention with his cover of the Knife's 'Heartbeats' and sparse renditions of Joy Division and Massive Attack following the stylings of Elliott Smith and Nick Drake. His raw and intimate voice has been leaving Australian audiences aching for more with each passing visit and now he finally makes his debut appearance within the acoustically perfect surrounds of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

OCEAN: EARTH & WATERThe project Earth & Water skilfully combines western classical music instruments such as violin, viola, cello, double bass, oboe, flute, soprano saxophone and the mystic instruments of Anatolia such as baglama, yayli tambur, mizrapli tambur, kabak kemane, balaban, kaval and zurna. Repertoire composed by Iskender Ozan Toprak takes the audience on a unique mystic journey to unknown places.

INFORMATION

Thu 5 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Iskender Ozan Toprak baglama/yayli tambur/mizrapli tambur/cura/vocals

OCEANTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & OCEAN

Icelandic singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and collaborator Ásgeir returns to Australia bringing his folk-electro to Melbourne Recital Centre. Born in the tiny hamlet of Laugarbakki, population 40, Ásgeir specialises in intimate, soulful songs that span indie electronic and atmospheric folk. The tight-knit intimacy and soulfulness that radiates from his performances feel familial and warm, even as the music itself carries a glacial chill. His acclaimed 2012 release Dýrð í dauðaþögn is 10 tracks of supreme, soul-searching folk, featuring lyrics penned by his father, Einar Georg Einarsson — a renowned poet. The 2017 daringly electronic new album Afterglow leaves behind the folk-tinged acoustics of his former releases and dives head first into melancholic, melodic electronica in its purest form. Ásgeir shows all the confident hallmarks of an artist who’s now at home with his status as one of music’s most distinct voices.

INFORMATION

Wed 4 & Thu 5 April 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)Ásgeir (Iceland) with supportA reserve $80B reserve $70Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre by arrangement with Handsome Tours & WME

Ásgeir

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZINFORMATION

Mon 2 & Tue 3 April 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)José González (Sweden) with supportSOLD OUTPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre by arrangement with Handsome Tours

In Conversation with José GonzálezTue 3 April 6pmTickets $10Supported by APRA AMCOS

F I R S T A I D K I TThe Söderberg sisters have garnered worldwide success off the back of their critically acclaimed three studio albums and enthralling live performances. They have played at the world’s most iconic venues and festivals from Royal Albert Hall, the Ryman Auditorium and Radio City Music Hall to The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. Last in Australia in 2015, First Aid Kit’s April 2018 tour will provide Australian fans with an opportunity to experience the band’s brand-new music live, in the beautiful intimate acoustics of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

INFORMATION

Sat 7 April 8pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (2 hours & 30-mins incl. interval)First Aid Kit (Sweden)With special guest Stella Donnelly

SOLD OUTPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre by arrangement with Penny Drop, Laneway Presents & Chugg Entertainment

Gallipoli SongsIn 2014, Ayse Göknur Shanal embarked on a personal quest, asking composers of Australian, New Zealand and Turkish heritage to write new works to commemorate the Centenary of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli. This performance takes the listener on a dramatic and emotional journey through the landscapes of Turkey and back home.

INFORMATION

Mon 9 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Program includes traditional songs and new works by John Wayne Dixon, Erberk Eryilmaz, Ross Fiddes, Diana Blom and more.

Ayse Göknur Shanal sopranoAshley Hribar pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ayse Göknur Shanal and Ashley HribarSupported by The Robert Salzer FoundationAYSE GÖKNUR SHANAL

INFORMATION

Mon 9 April 12 noonSalon (One hour)Arcadia WindsFREEPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre

It’s an open-door policy for you to come in and discover something new or hear local artists rehearse new works, new programs and try out new ideas. While it’s not a concert, it’s a way for you to gain an insight into the secret workings of our finest ensembles. As one of Australia’s most exciting young chamber ensembles, Arcadia Winds is quickly becoming a fixture in the national classical music scene. They are best known for their energetic, joyful and spontaneous performances, their advocacy and love of wind instruments, and in particular their strong commitment to supporting Australian music.

ARCADIA WINDS

Free Music with

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

FREE LUNCHTIME

OPEN REHEARSAL

Bach’s solo violin works are some of music’s most valuable treasures. While they are the product of the Baroque, their timeless beauty and intellectual rigour resonate today. Each has a unique character: the effervescent joy of E major, the stately grace of C major and — at the very pinnacle of the repertoire — the tragic and labyrinthine D minor. The culmination and core of that suite of dances is the majestic Chaconne, a set of virtuoso variations whose transcendence has never been surpassed. The magnetic James Ehnes is justly acclaimed for his performance of these masterworks, so when he and his 1715 Stradivarius meet Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, expect to be spellbound.

INFORMATION

Mon 9 April 7.30pmFree pre-concert talk 6.45pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 50-mins incl. interval)J.S. BACH Partita No.2 for solo violin in D minor, BWV 1004J.S. BACH Sonata No.3 for solo violin in C, BWV 1005J.S. BACH Partita No.3 for solo violin in E, BWV 1006James Ehnes violin (Canada)Premium $115A reserve $102 ($55 conc)B reserve $87 ($55 conc)C reserve $62 ($55 conc)Season tickets also available from $210Presented by Melbourne Recital CentreSeries Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital CentreProgram Partner: The Langham Melbourne

James Ehnes

‘ A LONE FIGURE ON A COMPLETELY EMPTY STAGE, EHNES REQUIRED NOTHING BUT HIS PERFORMANCE WITH WHICH TO CAPTIVATE THE AUDIENCE.’ THE AGE

MASTER CLASS

James EhnesJoin James Ehnes for a revelatory master class and discover more about the music you love.

INFORMATION

Tue 10 April 6pmSalon (Two hours)Tickets $10Supported by Dr Cherilyn Tillman & Tam Vu

GREAT PERFORMERS

PHOTO: BENJAMIN EALOVEGA

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • APRIL6

Mozart & MendelssohnBoth Mozart and Mendelssohn were child prodigies, and each went on to write some of the most astonishingly brilliant music of their times. In the hands of Mozart, two pianos combine as one voice, a scintillating combination of 176 keys creating one unified and sublime sound world. Mendelssohn’s Octet is an acclaimed masterpiece, one of the most joyous chamber works in the repertoire. Effectively two string quartets joined together, this is a celebration of string sound, with eight virtuoso musicians working together to create a unified whole.

INFORMATION

Thu 12 April 11amElisabeth Murdoch Hall (70-mins no interval)MOZART Sonata for 2 pianos in D, K.448MENDELSSOHN String Octet in E-flat, Op. 20Howard Penny celloTimothy Young pianoANAM MusiciansTickets $49 ($42 conc/senior)Season tickets available from $147Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

Pianist, composer and arranger Joe Chindamo and leading Australian classical violinist Zoë Black form a unique musical partnership. They combine a number of musical styles into a new genre that defies definition but is rather the result of two artists creating a musical dialogue with a combined language.

INFORMATION

Wed 11 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Zoë Black violinJoe Chindamo piano

Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Joe Chindamo and Zoë Black

LULLABIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

LOCAL HEROES MOSTLY MOZART

JOE CHINDAMO & ZOË BLACK

Membershipthat performs. Join Melbourne Recital Centre’s community of passionate music lovers.

STUDENT $15

See more for less with student priced savings and offers all year round.

SALON PASS $998

An all-access pass to the Centre’s vibrant Salon program of jazz, chamber and contemporary music.

PREMIUM $200

All the benefits of a Music Lover membership plus deeper discounts, ticket exchanges and more.

MUSIC LOVER $50

Benefits for the frequent concertgoer and local music lover.

Becoming a member makes it easier for you to get closer to the music and musicians you love. Members receive a range of benefits including exclusive ticket discounts, pre-sales, waived fees, news and offers.

Audrey Powne QuartetTrumpeter/vocalist Audrey Powne performs with her quartet of the finest emerging young jazz musicians. Performing her original songs inspired by jazz standards and crooners, Powne breathes new life into this style for a new generation with lyrics exploring modern relationships and melodies which draw upon contemporary R&B and jazz traditions alike.

INFORMATION

Fri 13 April 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Audrey Powne QuartetTickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Audrey Powne Quartet

The Art & Beauty of Deep ListeningDeep listening is an Aboriginal concept that describes a deep contemplative process of listening to one another in reciprocal relationships. In the context of musical creation, it allows the musician to respond to his or her immediate environment and other artistic input without distraction. Join the talented and highly charismatic jazz pianist, Steve Sedergreen, Michael Jordan (drums/percussion) and Ron Murray (didgeridoo/storytelling) as they draw from their surrounds and each other for a concert of jazz improvisation.

INFORMATION

Sat 14 April 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Deep Listening Trio

Tickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Steve Sedergreen

A solo superstar, an award-winning quartet and music for the heart and the mind. Avi Avital is a ground-breaking virtuoso of the mandolin. Able to move easily between foot-stomping folk dances and filigree Baroque concertos, his performances challenge people’s perceptions of his instrument and are celebrated for an all-embracing stage presence. Here, these bright yet intimate sounds are a perfect foil for the warm strings of the Giocoso Quartet. As winners of the Musica Viva and Audience prizes at the 2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, their zesty, characterful playing has helped them steadily build a reputation through Europe and Asia. Together, this unusual combination demands fascinating repertoire. This includes two works written for Avi: David Bruce’s tribute to the Celtic sun god, Cymbeline and Elena Kats-Chernin’s new piece, sparkling with her trademark theatricality along with Bach and Schumann.

INFORMATION

Sat 14 & Tue 24 April 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)SCHUMANN String Quartet No.1 in A minor, Op.41, No.1 ELENA KATS-CHERNIN OrfeoJ.S. BACH Chaconne from Partita in D minor for violin, BWV1004DAVID BRUCE Cymbeline for mandolin & string quartet

Avi Avital mandolin (Israel)Giocoso String Quartet (Austria)Premium $136 ($118 conc)A reserve $113 ($98 conc)B reserve $79 ($69 conc)C reserve $53 ($46 conc)Under 30 $30Presented by Musica Viva

Avi Avital & Giocoso Quartet

DEEP LISTENING TRIO

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • APRIL8

Among India’s most respected composers, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have scored more than 100 films, 20 television shows and several records incorporating cinematic, folk, electronica and sufi influences. Their live shows have enthralled audiences across the world, including an appearance during the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in 2010. With collaborations stretching far and wide, their unique sound blends traditional folk with the ‘now’ and has featured across MTV’s Unplugged Season 4 to the very popular Indian Idol reality television program. Hear some of their biggest hits from the films, television shows and more that has defined a duo who fit comfortably both within Bollywood and Hollywood.

INFORMATION

Sun 15 April 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Three hours & 15-mins incl. interval)Salim & Sulaiman Merchant (India)VIP Tickets $160Ruby reserve $100Jade reserve $80Gold reserve $60Presented by SDI Social Development Inc & Vision Consultants

We are all fascinated by mortality — composers are no exception. In their ruminations on life and death, many have turned to the very thing that keeps us alive: breath. Join Arcadia Winds as they breathe life into Janáček’s fond reflections on his youth, Ravel's poignant tribute to his friends killed in war, and Vasks' heartbreaking homage to a colleague taken too soon.

INFORMATION

Mon 16 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)PĒTERIS VASKS Music for a Deceased FriendRAVEL Le tombeau de CouperinSALVATORE SCIARRINO Let Me Die Before I WakeJANÁČEK Mládí

Arcadia WindsTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Arcadia Winds

The members of Baroque trio Latitude 37 were drawn together by their passion for historically informed performance of 17th

and 18th-century music. The combination of Baroque violin, viola da gamba and harpsichord opens up a wealth of repertoire that is rarely explored by other Australian ensembles. The ‘Folia’ ground bass is one that inspired composers all over Europe during the Baroque period. Colourful, a little exotic and just a bit spicy; it’s a harmonic progression found in works from Ortiz to Corelli and beyond. Latitude 37 explores the richness and variety that can be found in music based on just a few simple chords, and with a Spanish twist!

INFORMATION

Tue 17 April 6pmSALON (One hour no interval)ORTIZ Recercada Quarta sobre La FoliaMARTIN Y COLL Diferencias sobre las foliasFALCONIERI FoliasCORELLI Sonata Op.5, No.12 ‘ La Folia’SCARLATTI 29 Partite sopra l’aria della Folia

GUIGNON Nouvellles variations de divers airs et les FoliesMARAIS Folies d’EspagnaPLAYFORD Faronell’s Division on a Ground from The Division ViolinJORDEN HEYS ego foliumLatitude 37Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Three concert 2018 package $99 ($72 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Latitude 37

LET ME DIE BEFORE I WAKE

FOLIAS

Salim-Sulaiman LIVE IN CONCERT

LOCAL HEROES LOCAL HEROES

ARCADIA WINDS

9

METROPOLIS NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018Wed 18 – Sat 21 AprilMelbourne Recital Centre and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present music of our time and place in the Metropolis New Music Festival. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents two concerts at Robert Blackwood Hall as part of the 2018 Festival.

CELEBRATING UNSUK CHINMetropolis New Music Festival 2018 celebrates Unsuk Chin, one of the leading composers of her generation. Born in South Korea and now based in Berlin, she was awarded the Grawemeyer Award in 2004, the Arnold Schönberg Prize in 2005 and the Music Composition Prize of the Prince Pierre Foundation in 2010. Her output includes operas, chamber music, symphonic works, and she has received notable acclaim for major works including Alice in Wonderland. This chamber music concert features three outstanding performers — Peter de Jager, Matthias Schack-Arnott and Aviva Endean — and focusses on Chin’s chamber output — three dynamic, theatrical and thoroughly engaging works, perfectly suited to the intimacy of the Salon.

INFORMATION

Wed 18 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)UNSUK CHIN Alice in Wonderland — ‘Advice from a caterpillar’UNSUK CHIN Piano Etudes No.1 — No.6UNSUK CHIN Allegro ma non troppo

Aviva Endean bass clarinetMatthias Schack-Arnott percussionPeter de Jager pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)

IF THE GODS CAME DOWN TO EARTH DRESSED AS COWBOYSMetropolis New Music Festival 2018 opens with an energetic explosion of sound from some original and provocative composers and musicians. The acclaimed ELISION ensemble takes to the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall stage with a specially-curated program of new works. The Festival’s Composer-in-Focus Unsuk Chin wrote her Fantaisie mécanique for the Paris-based Ensemble Intercontemporain and is predicated on the union of two contradictory concepts: improvisation and predetermined structure. Aaron Cassidy’s large-scale work was premiered in 2016 at the Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music where it dazzled with its unique bubbling, arcing sound world. And Liza Lim’s new work for ELISION is inspired by a residency in Brazil exploring the instruments and works of visionary composer, cellist, philosopher and instrument builder Walter Smetak.

UNSUK CHIN

INFORMATION

Wed 18 April 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 40-mins incl. interval)Free post-concert talkUNSUK CHIN Fantaisie mécanique ADI SNIR BurialLIZA LIM Ronda — The Spinning WorldAARON CASSIDY The wreck of former boundariesCarl Rosman conductorELISIONTickets $50 ($40 conc)

10

A BOOK OF MIGRATIONSTaking the title and spirit of Rebecca Solnit’s 1998 book A Book of Migrations, Brisbane composer Liam Flenady’s new concert-length work is written specifically to showcase the impressive talents of multi-instrumentalist and composer Matthew Horsley. Ideas of cultural identity, division and alienation are drawn from Solnit’s tracing of the Irish diaspora into a metaphoric meditation. Flenady fashions a striking premiere that incorporates text from the Mediaeval Irish epic poem ‘Buile Shuibhne’ with uilleann pipes and electronics.

INFORMATION

Fri 20 April 8pmSalon (One hour no interval)LIAM FLENADY A Book of Migrations

Matthew Horsley uillean pipes Liam Flenady electronicsTickets $39 ($29 conc)

Waves + Lines is a multimedia song cycle for soprano, electronics and chamber ensemble, adapted from Eliza Griswold’s book, I Am the Beggar of the World: Landays from Contemporary Afghanistan. The ultraconservative regime of the Taliban has meant that the lives of Afghan women are largely invisible to the outside world. Landays, poems comprising of a single rhyming couplet on subjects like love, grief, home and war, offer a surprising and vivid glimpse into this secret world. Adapted from Eliza Griswold’s book, I Am the Beggar of the World: Landays from Contemporary Afghanistan, Peacocke’s evocative work explores the passion, desperation and often humour of these women who are trapped in a seemingly veiled existence.

INFORMATION

Fri 20 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)GEMMA PEACOCKE Waves + LinesRubiks Collective

Jessica Hitchcock soprano Hugh Kluger double bassFelicia King projectionsTickets $39 ($29 conc)

WAVES+

LINES

MATTHEW HORSLEY

RUBIKS COLLECTIVE

Music for Our Changing ClimateAn immersive performance experience designed and performed by the Ad Lib Collective that asks the listener to consider what climate change sounds and feels like. Recently workshopped on a residency at the Banff Centre in Canada, the program features a collaboration with the Penny Quartet in a brand new work for soprano, strings and percussion and is framed by an ice installation that permeates the performance.

INFORMATION

Thu 19 April 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)THEA ROSSEN Water and Ice ImprovisationTHEA ROSSEN Sounds of the ReefPĒTERIS VASKS String Quartet No.2, ‘Blossom’THEA ROSSEN & JARED YAPP Song CyclePenny QuartetAlly Smither soprano (Canada)Luke Carbon clarinet Giovanni Vinci double bass Thea Rossen & Hamish Upton percussionTickets $39 ($29 conc)

11

A nest is a primal need. Stumbled upon close to the ground or precariously balanced at a great height, it can be invaded, colonised or destroyed in a moment. Improvised or enduring, a nest is a sanctuary. Curated by Melbourne Recital Centre’s Artist-in-Residence for 2018, Genevieve Lacey invites a cast of artists to create a shelter of music, words and light. Across three performances, the concerts take direction from renowned Australian composers including Andrea Keller (piano), cult dummer/composer Simon Barker and Genevieve Lacey (recorder) herself. From the exploration of new terrain in Salt, to the thieving behaviour of the bowerbird in Thief, who steals treasures from a wide range of sources, to finally the complex and mesmerising textures in Earth. Joined by theatre visionaries Natasha Herbert (actor), Daniel Schlusser (director), Ben Cobham (light) and sound designer Jim Atkins, these unique collaborations will guide and challenge the listener’s relationship to the distinctive sound world of each of the musicians.

INFORMATION

Sat 21 April2pm: Nest 1 — Salt4pm: Nest 2 — Thief6pm: Nest 3 — Earth

Salon (One hour no interval)Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concerts $66 ($49 conc)Three concerts $87 ($69 conc)

The legendary Australian band The Blackeyed Susans needs little introduction to Melbourne audiences. The moody romantics with an existential musical beat make sure every show is an event. Declared national treasures by Rolling Stone magazine, the band has toured the world, played with the likes of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen and released numerous albums of strange and beautiful music. Boasting members of The Cruel Sea, Dirty Three, The Triffids, The Jackson Code, Augie March, The Drones and Hungry Ghosts, the group’s credits read like a who’s who of Australian alternative music. In 2017, the band released its first studio album in more than a decade to rave reviews with sell-out performances across the country. With a diverse heritage, The Blackeyed Susans richly textured sound embraces light and shade.The Blackeyed Susans first outing of 2018 at Melbourne Recital Centre takes the best of the group’s much-loved back catalogue with the addition of a string section and lush new arrangements. With classic songs such as ‘A Curse on You’, ‘Smokin’ Johnny Cash’ and ‘Blue Skies, Blue Sea’ this concert will affirm the group as impressionistic storytellers with a bent ear for melody and atmospherics. Rediscover The Susans moody romanticism in the perfectly atmospheric surrounds of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

INFORMATION

Fri 20 April 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hour & 30-mins incl. interval)The Blackeyed Susans with strings With special guests Hungry GhostsTickets $45Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

‘ THE RESULT IS A SOUND THAT IS COUNTRY AND WESTERN MEETS BRUNSWICK STREET, FITZROY, WITH A LICK OF MELANCHOLY BLUES AND TINGES OF ROCK.’ THE MUSIC

THE BLACKEYED SUSANS WITH STRINGS & HUNGRY GHOSTS

METROPOLIS NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • APRIL12

Composed in the Spring of 1824, Schubert’s Octet is one of the most iconic works of chamber music. Writing for the unusual combination of five strings, clarinet, bassoon and horn, Schubert’s artistry reaches new heights of invention, with immaculate control of texture and expressive melodies. This is chamber music conceived at the most ambitious scale, rewarding audiences with both its awe-inspiring architecture and profound details. Schubert’s Octet is performed alongside Melbourne composer Benjamin Martin’s new work for octet, Passepied, and Beethoven’s fiery String Quartet No.11.

INFORMATION

Sun 22 April 2.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)BENJAMIN MARTIN PassepiedBEETHOVEN Quartet No.11, Op.95 SeriosoSCHUBERT OctetAustralian OctetPremium $109 ($97 conc)A Reserve $87 ($76 conc)B Reserve $64 ($53 conc)C reserve $43 ($36 conc)Under 40 $40Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

Salon Sessions: SCHUBERT OCTET An intimate performance of Schubert’s masterful Octet with canapés and wines in the perfect acoustic of the Salon. Evoking an exclusive private performance, just 65 guests will experience this seminal chamber work performed by Australia’s finest musicians. Enjoy gourmet canapés and premium wines by MCO partner Narkoojee before and after the performance, and meet and talk with the musicians at the post-concert function.

INFORMATION

Tue 24 April 6pmSalon (Two hours)SCHUBERT OctetAustralian OctetTickets $199

ITALIAN MASTERS Duo Chamber Melange is a wonderful partnership between Ivana Tomaskova (violin) and Tamara Smolyar (piano) whose versatile repertoire embraces classical and contemporary music as well as world premieres of renowned Australian, European and American composers. Transport yourself to the atmosphere and passion of Italy, with a program which traverses centuries of Italian music. Vitali’s famous yet rarely performed Chaconne, the charming yet dramatic Sonata for violin and piano by Martucci and the world premiere of The Fire of Prometheus by Romanian composer Cibisescu-Duran. Finally, indulge in Respighi’s stunningly irresistible Sonata for violin and piano in B minor.

INFORMATION

Fri 27 April 6.30pmSalon (One hour no interval)VITALI Chaconne for violin & pianoMARTUCCI Sonata for violin & piano, Op.22IULIA CIBISESCU-DURAN The Fire of Prometheus for solo piano (world premeire)

RESPIGHI Sonata for violin & piano in B minor Duo Chamber MelangeTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Duo Chamber Melange

SchubertOctet

The Alexander Nettelbeck Trio The Alexander Nettelbeck Trio has captivated many audiences with their energetic and eclectic style of jazz. Here Today is the latest release and second album from the Melbourne-based ensemble. Pianist Alexander Nettelbeck, bassist Rory Brown and drummer Simone White explore and meld disciplines from avant-garde and classical to funk and jungle. The music breathes with the unity of a single body, highlighting the inexplicable connection between human and sound, musician and expression.

INFORMATION

Thu 26 April 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)The Alexander Nettelbeck TrioTickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The Alexander Nettelbeck Trio

LOCAL HEROES

TAMARA SMOLYAR IVANA TOMASKOVA

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Acclaimed singer-songwriter Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar) returns home to showcase his debut solo release. This Melbourne premiere performance is a must-see experience rich in melody and storytelling. Featuring collaborations with acclaimed Melbourne visual artist Graham Altmann and animation by Leigh Ryan, the Salon will be transformed into an immersive cross-arts experience with new and loved songs from Lang's extensive catalogue reimagined. The new material explores themes of change: and our human need to explore new ground, whilst often suffering loss and displacement as we transition.

INFORMATION

Sat 28 April 7pmSalon (80-mins no interval)Mark Lang vocals/guitarGraham Altmann visuals Leigh Ryan animationTickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Mark Lang

A Bernstein CelebrationLeonard Bernstein’s music, as with his conducting, and as with his life, is extravagant and impassioned, emotive and always joyfully life affirming. It swoops and soars, dips and dives, taking from here, there, but always ends up ‘being Bernstein’. The rowdy and raucous downtown Divertimento, full of energy, cannot help but bring a smile to the weariest of dials, as does the wonderful Candide Suite which sees one glorious number tumble out on top of another.

MARK LANG

JOSÉ LUIS GOMEZ

INFORMATION

Fri 27 April 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)GINASTERA Variaciones Concertantes, Op.23BERNSTEIN Divertimento for OrchestraCOPLAND Fanfare for the Common ManBARBER Adagio for StringsBERNSTEIN (arr. Harmon) Candide: overture & suiteJosé Luis Gomez conductorANAM OrchestraTickets $75 ($60 senior & $48 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

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David Helfgott is one of the world’s best-loved pianists. The hero of the film Shine, in which his remarkable life was portrayed by Geoffrey Rush in an Oscar winning performance, will give a dazzling solo recital of popular romantic works.

INFORMATION

Sat 28 April 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)CHOPIN Ballade No.4 in F Minor, Op.52LISZT Sonetto 104 del PetrarcaLISZT Hungarian Rhapsody No.2LISZT Dante SonataMUSSORGSKY Pictures at An ExhibitionDavid Helfgott pianoTickets $89 ($79 conc)Presented by Andrew McKinnon Presentations

Melbourne Beethoven Quartet Cycle: Concert 3The Fidelio Quartet received a rapturous reception for their Beethoven Cycle Concerts 1 and 2. Concerts 3 and 4 offer performances of two more delightful Op.18 Quartets, the exhilarating Harp Quartet and the incomparable Op.131 and 127 Quartets. These concerts contain some of the greatest works of art created by mankind. The Fidelio Quartet are excited to bring these enriching feasts to Melbourne audiences.

INFORMATION

Mon 30 April 7.30pmSalon (Two hours & 20-mins incl. interval)BEETHOVEN String Quartet in E-flat, Op.74, 'The Harp'BEETHOVEN String Quartet in C minor, Op.18, No.4BEETHOVEN String Quartet in E-flat, Op.127The Fidelio QuartetTickets $60 ($40 conc)Presented by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia and The Fidelio Quartet

Increasingly regarded as the finest flautist and flute teacher Australia has produced, Andrew Day, ‘Our flawless flautist’ (Sydney Morning Herald) returns to Melbourne Recital Centre with The 24K Recital Series. The series explores the uncharted territory of the world’s most revered flute, the 24K Gold Muramatsu, which was handcrafted especially for Andrew by the great Hiroshi Aoki. Flute Fireworks! launches the series with a program of Andrew’s most treasured 19th-century virtuoso works which he interprets with the same musical intelligence required for the works of Pierre Boulez and Elliott Carter. Brilliant Australian pianist Timothy Young brings his wealth of experience collaborating with internationally renowned soloists and chamber musicians to this demanding series of Salon concerts. Andrew’s sound of unprecedented depth, power and spectrum of tonal colour together with Timothy’s orchestral kaleidoscope of sounds will shed exciting new light on these lighter masterpieces.

INFORMATION

Sun 29 April 6pmSalon (Two hours incl. interval) TAFFANEL Grande Fantasie sur ‘Le Freischütz’DOPPLER Fantasie Pastoral Hongroise, Op.26DEMERSSEMAN Sixième Solo de Concert, Op.82TAFFANEL Grande Fantasie sur ‘Mignon’GÉNIN Carnaval de Venise, Op.14

ANDERSEN Ballade et Danse des Sylphes, Op.5CHAMINADE Concertino in D, Op.107BORNE Fantasie Brillante sur ‘Carmen’Andrew Day fluteTimothy Young pianoTickets $95 ($85 conc)Presented by Andrew Day

FLUTE FIREWORKS!

I N R E C I T A LDavid Helfgott

ANDREW DAY

DAVID HELFGOTT

THE FIDELIO QUARTET

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Yu Kosuge is a Sony recording artist, personally mentored by András Schiff. She recently recorded and released the complete Beethoven piano sonatas for Sony Classical to critical acclaim. Yu is one of the world’s brightest next generation pianists and is taking the major concert halls of the world by storm.

INFORMATION

Mon 30 April 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (2 hours & 30-mins incl. interval)SCARLATTI Two SonatasHAYDN Sonate Hob. XVI-42BEETHOVEN Sonate Op.53, ‘Waldstein’FAURÉ Barcarolles No.5, 10 & 11RAVEL Jeux d’eauLISZT Années de pèlerinage Les jeux d’eaux a la Villa d’Este

WAGNER/LISZT Isoldes LiebestodYu Kosuge piano (Japan)Premium $99A reserve $79 ($69 conc)B reserve $49 ($39 conc)C reserve $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Chris Howlett & Australian International Productions

MASQUE OF RED DEATHMade up of some of Melbourne’s most exciting young musicians, Ensemble Sacamano welcomes home Australian harpist Yiyun Loei. The ‘fin de siècle’ world of luxury, decadence and mysticism of the 19th century is evoked through Debussy’s Danses and Andre Caplet’s startling musical re-telling of Edgar Allen Poe’s Masque of the Red Death. The program concludes with the rich harmonies of Strauss’s sextet from Capriccio, an homage to the power of poetry as it relates to music.

INFORMATION

Tue 1 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)CAPLET Conte fantastiqueDEBUSSY Danse Sacrée et Danse ProfaneR. STRAUSS Sextet from CapriccioEnsemble SacamanoYiYun Loei harpTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ensemble SacamanoSupported by The Robert Salzer Foundation

Featuring the superstar of the South Indian film industry, Manju Warrier, this star-studded evening features Indian classical dance and a musical extravaganza with performances by Balabhaskar, Madhu Balakrishnan, Naresh Iyer, Manjari, singing sensation Vaishnav Gireesh, Lakshmi Jayan and a sensational orchestra featuring Mohini Dey. Directed by famed scenarist Ashok Kumar and hosted by Meera Anil.

YU KOSUGE

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

ENSEMBLE SACAMANO

INFORMATION

Sat 5 May 5.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Four hours incl. 30-mins interval)VIP Tickets $140Platinum $110Gold $70Silver $50Standard $40Presented by Samanvay Events in association with Frendz Entertainments

SNEHAPOORVAMManju Warrier & Friends Live

CHRISTOPHER HALE & LUKE MOLLERRecipient of the 2012 Freedman Jazz Fellowship, bass guitarist/composer Christopher Hale began his career playing Country and Flamenco music (as well as Brazilian). He returns to his roots in one of these musical traditions by reuniting with former colleague, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Luke Moller (violin/guitar/mandolin/banjo), who recently returned after several years working in Nashville. Together they will play some country, bluegrass and jazz material, explored in an intimate duo between two acclaimed instrumental virtuosi with special guests.

INFORMATION

Sat 5 May 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Tickets $30 ($25 conc)

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Melbourne Jazz Co-operative

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • MAY16

Free Music with KIAZMAIt’s an open-door policy for you to come in and discover something new or hear local artists rehearse new works, new programs and try out new ideas. While it’s not a concert, it’s a way for you to gain an insight into the secret workings of our finest ensembles. This month, experience the infectious musical chemistry of KIAZMA piano duo made up of Tomoe Kawabata and Aura Go. Equally at home in two-piano and four-hand repertoire from the Baroque to the present day, KIAZMA is passionate about sharing the unique combination of intimacy, intricacy and dynamism that each genre has to offer.

INFORMATION

Mon 7 May 12 noonSalon (One hour)KIAZMAFREEPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Tales of the Silk Road in ConcertDistinguished pipa master Zhang Hong-yan and her Plucked-String Orchestra from China Central Conservatory of Music make their Australian debut to present a sensational Chinese plucked instruments and percussion concert Tales of the Silk Road. They perform music inspired by the local ethnic groups who lived along the Silk Road which connected China to Central Asia. Combining traditional Chinese instruments in a contemporary stage setting, audiences will experience a multi-dimensional artistic display of Chinese culture.

INFORMATION

Tue 8 May 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (90-mins incl. interval)Zhang Hong-yan pipaChina Central Conservatory of Music Plucked-String Orchestra

Premium $109 ($99 conc)A reserve $89 ($80)B reserve $69 ($62)C reserve $49Presented by Ausfeng

Jazz has had an enormous influence on the world of classical music in the last century. Its rhythms, harmonies and styles have resulted in fascinating fusions that can be heard from the movie sets of Hollywood to continental Europe. Featuring three great masters of composition, each inspired by jazz, hear mother-son duo Markiyan and Oksana Melnychenko perform Korngold, Ravel and a selection of music by Gershwin arranged by violinist Jascha Heifetz.

INFORMATION

Mon 7 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)KORNGOLD Incidental music from Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’RAVEL Violin Sonata No.2GERSHWIN/HEIFETZ Selections from Porgy and BessGERSHWIN/HEIFETZ Three PreludesMarkiyan Melnychenko violinOksana Melnychenko pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Markiyan & Oksana Melnychenko

The Melbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) is dedicated to the development of new chamber music repertoire for the instrument. MGQ uses the guitar family of instruments (classical bass, baritone, standard, treble and octave guitars) producing a rich and broad timbral spectrum for guitar ensemble performance. Evocations, dreams, dances and everything in between are all wonderfully portrayed in this vastly colourful and highly rhythmic program. Featuring classical works which have thoughtfully been orchestrated for guitar quartet, each contains MGQ’s deft touch, musical sensitivity and rhythmic verve, allowing these works to find a new home on the guitar. In addition to celebrating the genius of Debussy, a century after his death, MGQ will premiere its own arrangement of Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin.

INFORMATION

Tue 8 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)DEBUSSY (arr. MGQ) selections from Suite BergamasqueTURINA (arr. Tim Kain) Danzas FantasticasRAVEL (arr. MGQ) Le Tombeau de Couperin

Melbourne Guitar QuartetTickets $39 ($29 conc)Three concert 2018 package $99 ($72 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Melbourne Guitar Quartet

Jazz & Blues

DREAMS & DANCES

LOCAL HEROES

LOCAL HEROES

MARKIYAN & OKSANA MELNYCHENKO

ZHANG HONG-YAN CHINA CENTRAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PLUCKED-STRING ORCHESTRA

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Zourouna performs Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean music. Its unique repertoire includes traditional and modern tunes from Turkey, Greece, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Each player is highly respected within their own community. Israeli born Yuval Ashkar specialises in oud, the deep voiced Middle Eastern lute. He also plays cumbus, darbuka, daf, riq and zarb. Byron Triandafyllidis plays guitar, bouzouki, violin and darbuka. Percussionist George El Azar plays percussion instruments from across the region and internationally sought-after Cüneyt Çakmak plays the Turkish kanun. His instrument is a box zither with strings which he strikes and plucks, stretched across a slim trapezoidal body. Collectively, they have developed a beautiful repertoire which offers new interpretations and perspectives on the musical traditions of the regions they draw on.

INFORMATION

Wed 9 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Zourouna

Tickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Boite World Music

In White & BlackKIAZMA Piano Duo delves deep into the inner worlds of composers who channelled some of their most profound ideas through the intimate four-hand piano medium. Experience the depths of Schubert’s sublime Fantasie in F minor, from its hauntingly beautiful opening theme to its gripping double fugue. Debussy’s En Blanc et Noir, written during the First World War, is a marvel of intricate textures which carry a lasting emotional power. Paired with beautiful contrapuntal works of Schumann and Stravinsky, these timeless masterpieces feel as fresh today as the day they were composed.

INFORMATION

Wed 9 May 6.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (70-mins no interval)DEBUSSY/SCHUMANN Six Studies in Canon Form, Op.56SCHUBERT Fantasie in F minor, D.940STRAVINSKY Sonata for two pianosDEBUSSY En blanc et noirKIAZMA Piano DuoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & KIAZMA Piano Duo

ZOUROUNA

Beginning with the first of Debussy's three sonatas, award-winning Syzygy Ensemble surveys the last hundred years of dance music. In Debussy's masterful trio we dance for sensual pleasure, in Jolivet's Alla Rustica we do a pagan dance to usher in plentiful crops for the coming season. Finally, we pulse to the sounds of the Paris underground with Mantovani's epic and wildly hedonistic ‘Rave Party’, D’un rêve parti. Hear one of Australia’s finest new music ensembles, lauded for their virtuoso precision.

INFORMATION

Thu 10 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)DEBUSSY Sonata for flute, viola & harp JOLIVET Alla RusticaEMILE FRANKEL TracecoreBRUNO MANTOVANI D’un rêve partiSyzygy EnsembleTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Syzygy Ensemble

Pagan Dances

Taking influence from Bill Frisell, The Necks, Randy Weston and more, Omelette’s ambient lush soundscapes and adventurous dynamic textures are the product of Stephen Magnusson (guitar/effects), Ronny Ferella (drums/percussion), Javier Fredes (percussion) and Jordan Murray (trombone). Their sonic explorations take listeners through a stylistic montage, pivoting between original melodies and spontaneous improvisations which naturally evolve over the duration of their set.

INFORMATION

Fri 11 May 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Omelette

Tickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Omelette

Omelette

LOCAL HEROESSOUTHBANK SERIES

TOMOE KAWABATA & AURA GO

SYZYGY ENSEMBLE

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • MAY18

Top Acts 2018 is a showcase of VCE performing arts students who have achieved exemplary results in the studies of Dance, VET Dance, Drama, Theatre Studies, Music Performance, Music Style and Composition, Music Investigation and VET Music. This two-hour concert comprises stunning performances by young performing artists including contemporary and classical music performed by soloists and ensembles, scripted and originally devised drama and dance pieces. This inspiring event offers current students, teachers, families and the general public the opportunity to see some of Victoria’s finest emerging performing artists.

INFORMATION

Fri 11 May 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)VCE Season of Excellence

Tickets $33.50 ($29.50 conc)Presented by Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority

One of the most sought-after soloists in the world, Xavier de Maistre is constantly pushing boundaries and bravely forging his own path. Xavier’s performances of his own inspiring arrangements let the harp sing with a distinctive new voice. His technical mastery unlocks highly expressive performances marked by an astonishing range of nuance and colour, creating magical connections with the audience. His undeniable passion for the instrument allows this charismatic virtuoso to create inner worlds of exquisite sensitivity, filled with light and shade. This buoyant program is breathtaking and beautiful and includes some of the most popular works of all time including the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s first performance of a work by Ravel.

TOP ACTS 2018

The Harpist: Xavier de Maistre

INFORMATION

Sat 12 May 7pm & Sun 13 May 5pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)MOZART Symphony No.20 in D, K.133BOIELDIEU Harp Concerto in C, Op.82C.P.E. BACH Symphony No.1 in D, Wq.183/1RAVEL Pavane pour une infante défunteFALLA Spanish Dance from La Vida BreveTÁRREGA Recuerdos de la AlhambraSMETANA Vltava (The Moldau) from Má vlast

Xavier de Maistre harp (France)Australian Brandenburg OrchestraPremium $165A reserve $145B reserve $115 ($76 conc)C reserve $85 ($56 conc)D reserve $55E reserve $30Presented by Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

Emily Hall's Life Cycle traces the emotional journey of impending motherhood through the words of poet Toby Litt. Moving, occasionally shocking and ultimately uplifting, its story develops through the themes of anxiety and impatience which often come with pregnancy, through to those sleepless nights nursing a newborn and the changing perspective of watching a child grow. This rewarding and emotional performance is a perfect point of reflection in celebration of Mother’s Day.

INFORMATION

Sat 12 May 3pm & 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)EMILY HALL Life CycleGian Slater vocalsZoe Knighton celloSonya Lifschitz pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Zoe Knighton, Sonya Lifschitz & Gian Slater

LIFE CYCLE

XAVIER DE MAISTRE

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Tchaikovsky & Brahms with Li-Wei QinThe first concert for Kristian Chong and Friends in 2018 features the magnificent Tchaikovsky Piano Trio. Its enormous magnitude is a behemoth of grief and tragedy which to this day remains unmatched in the repertoire, and requires great virtuosity from all. One of the world’s great cellists, Li-Wei Qin and Adelaide Symphony concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto join Kristian for a life-affirming journey through the darker depths of human experience conveyed in Tchaikovsky’s incredible writing. Joining the trio is acclaimed violist Imants Larsens from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for the opening work, Brahms’ turbulent but breathtaking third piano quartet, one of the highlights of his chamber music output.

INFORMATION

Wed 16 May 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 45-mins incl. interval)BRAHMS Piano Quartet No.3 in C minor, Op.60TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50, In Memory of a Great Artist

Natsuko Yoshimoto violinImants Larsens violaLi-Wei Qin celloKristian Chong pianoTickets $50 ($40 conc)Three concert 2018 package $108 ($84 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Kristian Chong

The New Palm Court Orchestra (NPCO) bridges traditions using a combination of chamber music and improvisation. From Jewish Life celebrates the rich and diverse tapestry of Hebraic culture with music from Poland, Israel, South America and Australia. Hear the NPCO with guest guitarist Gidi Ifergan perform George Dreyfus' Larino, Safe Haven, Gemma Turvey’s Ha Ben & Coda, traditional melodies and Ernest Bloch’s heartfelt From Jewish Life featuring cellist Campbell Banks.

INFORMATION

Thu 17 May 7pmSalon (75-mins no interval)Free pre-concert talk 6.45pmGEORGE DREYFUS Larino, Safe Haven GEMMA TURVEY Ha Ben & Coda BLOCH From Jewish Life

New Palm Court OrchestraGidi Ifergan guitarTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & NPCO Limited

LOCAL HEROES

LI-WEI QIN KRISTIAN CHONG

Finding Your VoiceAcclaimed vocal coach to the cast of The Hobbit trilogy, Leith McPherson is Senior Lecturer in Voice and Movement at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at The University of Melbourne. With great skill and wit, Leith will offer an informed lecture/participatory workshop on how to enunciate and project to make the most of your vocal power in everyday life.

INFORMATION

Tue 15 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Leith McPherson speakerTickets $10Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The University of MelbourneEngaged through The University of Melbourne-Melbourne Recital Centre Learning Partnership

MUSICAL EXPLORATIONS

From Jewish Life

LEITH MCPHERSON

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • MAY20

Contemporary pianist/composer Nat Bartsch’s recent emergence as a solo artist has been met with much acclaim, blending both improvisation and lyrical post classical composition. Since becoming a mother in 2017, Bartsch has turned her hand to the composition of lullabies. Influenced by music therapy research, her lullaby project is intended for babies and young children as well as music loving parents.

INFORMATION

Fri 18 May 11am & 7pmSalon (45-minutes no interval)Nat Bartsch composer/pianoTickets $30 ($25 conc)Suitable for children & families See page 37 for detailsPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Nat Bartsch

Lisa Ono began singing and playing the guitar at age 15, debuting as a professional Bossa Nova singer in 1989. Her natural voice, rhythmic guitar playing led her to huge success and popularised Bossa Nova throughout Asia. Lisa has performed with many top musicians such as the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim, the jazz samba giant Joao Donato, and has performed in New York, Brazil and many Asian countries. The album Dream (1999), sold more than 200,000 copies in Japan and established her position at the top of the Japanese Bossa Nova community.

INFORMATION

Thu 17 May 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)Lisa Ono guitar/voice (Brazil/Japan)

VIP $169Premium $139A reserve $99B reserve $79C reserve $49Presented by Castiglione Arts & Culture

La Vie En Rose LISA ONO 30TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIA TOUR

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Wind Symphony and Concert Band with music director Kevin Cameron will be joined by some of Victoria's finest school bands in a celebration of music for the wind ensemble.

INFORMATION

Sat 19 May 1pm, 4pm & 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch HallMelbourne Conservatorium Wind Symphony & Concert BandKevin Cameron music directorFREE — tickets required (available from 20 April)Presented by The University of MelbourneEngaged through The University of Melbourne-Melbourne Recital Centre Learning Partnership

FRENCH PIANO MUSICPianist Stephen McIntyre has had a life-long love affair with French music. In this program he performs masterworks by Fauré, Franck, Ravel and Debussy, four of the greatest French composers for the piano.

INFORMATION

Sat 19 May 3pm & 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)FAURÉ Nocturne No.4 in E-flat, Op.36FRANCK Prélude, Chorale et Fugue, Op.21RAVEL Valses nobles et sentimentalesDEBUSSY Five Preludes from Book IIDEBUSSY L’isle joyeuseStephen McIntyre pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Lullaby Project

NAT BARTSCH

STEPHEN MCINTYRE

The University of Melbourne: Wind Symphony Day

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The second half of the 19th century saw an extraordinary flowering in French music. Composers including Chausson, Debussy and Faure transported audiences to previously unimagined worlds of sound, mysterious in their beauty and subtle charm. Praised by The Australian for its ‘rare warmth and timbral richness,’ Greta Bradman’s luminous soprano is the ideal vehicle for lush songs by Debussy. It’s also the inspiration for new songs by Australia’s leading composer of music for voice, Calvin Bowman. For this concert, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra brings to life exquisite new arrangements of this iconic music, including Debussy’s Clair de lune and Chausson’s Poème.

INFORMATION

Sun 20 May 2.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) CHAUSSON PoèmeDEBUSSY Clair de lune DEBUSSY Ariettes oubliéesFAURÉ Dolly SuiteDEBUSSY La soirée dans GrenadeDEBUSSY Children’s Corner (excerpts)

CALVIN BOWMAN OphélieGreta Bradman sopranoWilliam Hennessy director/solo violinMelbourne Chamber OrchestraPremium $130 ($120 conc)A reserve $109 ($97 conc)B reserve $87 ($76 conc)C reserve $64 ($53 conc)Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) Chamber Soloists brings the world’s leading specialists in historically informed performance to the stage in a spectacular program of Classical Melodies by Mozart, Von Winter, Gambaro and Beethoven. Spotlighting the classical wind and string instruments, this concert allows audiences to step back in time and experience the depth and breadth of tonal colour available to the composers of the 18th and 19th centuries — now lost in the world of modern instruments.

INFORMATION

Mon 21 May 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)MOZART Serenade in G, No.13, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525VON WINTER Octet in E-flat for winds & stringsGAMBARO Wind Quartet in D Minor, No.2, Op.4

BEETHOVEN String Quintet in C, Op.29, StormARCO Chamber Soloists$95 Premium$75 A reserve ($65 conc)Presented by Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra

French Arias

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) New Music Ensemble celebrates the milestone birthday of one of Australia’s most widely commissioned and awarded composers and MCM composition teacher, Elliott Gyger. In a tour of some of his most recent and intimate works, this program includes the world premiere of a new work written especially for the occasion. The MCM New Music Ensemble combines the talents of MCM staff and students and will be conducted by the composer himself.

INFORMATION

Mon 21 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)ELLIOTT GYGER Incision, Quicksilver Elegy, Precipice, Falconry, A Garden for Orpheus, Strands and the new work Weave (world premiere).MCM New Music EnsembleTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & MCM New Music StudioEngaged through The University of Melbourne-Melbourne Recital Centre Learning Partnership

Winners of the 2017 ANAM Chamber Music Competition, the Clarendon Trio is rapidly establishing a strong reputation for its compelling and intelligent musical approach. Formed by individual chamber musicians, it has had notable successes in national competitions, as one of 16 finalists performing for a prize in the prestigious 2018 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition. This concert features two iconic compositions for piano trio including Beethoven's lyrical Piano Trio in E-flat major.

INFORMATION

Tue 22 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval) BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in E-flat, Op.70 No.2RAVEL Piano TrioClarendon Trio Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

ELLIOTT GYGER AT 50

CLASSICAL MELODIES

ANAM Prizewinners in the Salon

GRETA BRADMAN

TIMELESS & THRILLING

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • MAY22

The Fission-Fusion WhalePart concert, part music theatre, part song cycle. The Fission-Fusion Whale maps out a 21st-century fairy tale: three face-painted god-like interstellar explorers find themselves swallowed within a galactic wormhole whale, stranding them on a distant planet. The work pivots on the vocal performances of Strange James (aka James Hullick) and Justine Anderson, and is molded by the supernova-sonic terrains of renowned percussionist Peter Neville combined with Jonathan Duckworth's remarkable Resonance Table - an audio visual instrument.

INFORMATION

Wed 23 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)JAMES HULLICK The Fission-Fusion WhaleStrange James voice/pianoJustine Anderson voice/pianoPeter Neville percussionTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & JOLT

Step back into the age of Johann Sebastian Bach. With the help of 21st-century technology and expert research, experience his music on instruments of his own time and explore the work of the artisans — papermakers, violin carvers, string spinners and performers — who helped him realise his musical genius. Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra returns to Australia with an enthralling new show and an exciting new music director and lead violin, Elisa Citterio. In Bach and His World, they draw on spoken word, stunning projected video and detailed images as well as their speciality in period instrument performance to bring an extra layer of meaning to this great music.

INFORMATION

Tue 22 & Sat 26 May 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)TAFELMUSIK Bach and His WorldElisa Citterio music director/lead violinTafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Premium $162 ($140 conc)A reserve $135 ($117 conc)B reserve $95 ($83 conc)C reserve $64 ($56 conc)Under 30 $30Presented by Musica Viva

Tafelmusik – Bach & His World

Representing all that is ‘current’ in Australian chamber music, performance and composition, Nexas Quartet celebrates the work of seminal Australian composers, alive and of the present day. Performing works by Matthew Hindson, Elena Kats-Chernin, Daniel Rojas and Matthew Orlovich join Nexas Quartet as they explore the diversity and depth in all that is ‘current’.

INFORMATION

Thu 24 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)ELENA KATS-CHERNIN From Anna Magdalena’s NotebookDANIEL ROJAS NostalgiaMATTHEW HINDSON Scenes from Romeo and Juliet

MATTHEW ORLOVICH SlipstreamNexas QuartetTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Nexas QuartetSupported by The Robert Salzer Foundation

2018 Melbourne Girls Grammar School ConcertMelbourne Girls Grammar is pleased to present a showcase concert featuring a range of ensembles from the School’s vibrant co-curricular program. From stunning soloists to a spectacular finale, the diverse repertoire celebrates the individual and collective talents of all musicians, as well as the camaraderie which making music together creates. Family and friends are invited to join a wonderful celebration of music by Melbourne Girls Grammar.

INFORMATION

Thu 24 May 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (90-mins no interval)Melbourne Girls Grammar School Ensembles & SoloistsTickets $27 ($22 conc/student)Presented by Melbourne Girls Grammar

Current

TAFELMUSIK BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

NEXAS QUARTET

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

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Sense & SensibilityDuring the mid-18th century, German music was undergoing a rapid stylistic change, with many composers caught up in the ‘empfindsamer Stil’ (sensitive style) movement, aiming to express natural feelings in intimate and subjective ways. This pre-Classical approach to writing was elegant, expressive and international in style, with strong contrapuntal roots and dramatic flair, as heard in the works presented here by Telemann, Graun and C.P.E. Bach. A Baroque chamber ensemble of high originality, Accademia Arcadia was formed in 2001 by Jacqueline Ogeil to explore the trio sonata, cantata, early opera and grand liturgical music genres.

INFORMATION

Fri 25 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)TELEMANN Sonata in D minor, TWV 42:d9GRAUN Sonata in C, GraunWV B:15:52C.P.E. BACH Sonata in E minor, H577Accademia Arcadia Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Accademia Arcadia

SeriosoJoin Goldner String Quartet as they perform Beethoven’s most concise quartet Serioso, Op.95 with Brahms’ mammoth piano quintet Op.34a, a piece which echoes the serious and earnest intent depicted in Serioso. And between these mighty works Schubert’s gem of a serenade (arranged by Liszt) for solo piano, performed by Piers Lane. Closing the program is the rarely heard piano quintet by one of the great talents of the 20th century, Eric Wolfgang Korngold.

INFORMATION

Fri 25 May 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 50-mins incl. interval)BEETHOVEN String Quartet, No.11, Op.95, SeriosoKORNGOLD Piano Quintet in E, Op.15SCHUBERT (arr. Liszt) StändchenBRAHMS Piano Quintet in F minor, Op.34aGoldner String QuartetPiers Lane pianoTickets $50 ($40 conc)Three concert 2018 package $128 ($102 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Emma Pask‘The greatest gift to Australian jazz vocals in the last decade’ is how James Morrison, Australia’s most awarded jazzman, describes Emma Pask. Now the award-winning Australian vocalist is bringing her original voice and style to a performance of timeless swinging jazz standards, upbeat Latin rhythms, original material and tender ballads.

INFORMATION

Sat 26 May 4pm & 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Emma Pask vocalsTickets $40 ($35 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

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ACCADEMIA ARCADIA GOLDNER STRING QUARTET

EMMA PASK

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • MAY24

Bohemian Rhapsody in BlueEnsemble Liaison is renowned for imaginative programming and brilliant collaborations with leading artists. With its unbridled passion, Bohemian Smetana's rhapsodic piano trio is one of the most powerful works in the literature and a milestone of Romanticism. Gershwin's famous Rhapsody in Blue continues to delight audiences with its inimitable crossover from the improvised world of jazz to the classical concert hall. The program also includes some fantastic 'rags' by John Novacek and Elena Kats-Chernin, and a new commission by Australian composer Michael Dooley.

INFORMATION

Mon 28 May 7pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 40-mins incl. interval)SMETANA (arr. Ensemble Liaison) Piano Trio, Op.15 ELENA KATS-CHERNIN Ballade, Zee Rag, Russian RagJOHN NOVACEK Four Rags for Two JonsMICHAEL DOOLEY Epiphany (world premiere)GERSHWIN Rhapsody in BlueEnsemble LiaisonTickets $50 ($40 conc)Three concert 2018 package $128 ($102 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ensemble Liaison

Notable for its pure intonation and historical approach to choral sound and style, Ensemble Gombert is one of Melbourne’s outstanding chamber choirs. This program pairs Bach's much-loved five-voice motet Jesu, meine Freude with an unusual work by Distler, a conscientious objector in Nazi Germany who took his own life rather than face a firing squad. Totentanz (Dance of Death) is made up of 14 aphorisms from Der Cherubinische Wandersmann (1675) by Angelus Silesius, interspersed with spoken dialogues by Johannes Klöcking based on inscriptions that once decorated the Totentanz Chapel in the Marienkirche of Lübeck.

INFORMATION

Mon 28 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)DISTLER TotentanzJ.S. BACH Jesu, meine FreudeEnsemble Gombert

Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Three concert 2018 package $99 ($72 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ensemble Gombert

This program explores the themes of fate and destiny, opening with Strauss’ tone poem, Don Juan, in which the verve and licentiousness of the eponymous character eventually gives way to melancholic reflection as his demise draws close. Earth Cry is a homage to the stewardship of the Australian landscape and reflects Sculthorpe’s desire for modern society to listen to the ‘cry of the earth’, as Aboriginal cultures have done for many thousands of years. The concert finale is Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4, written at a turbulent time in the composer’s life and somewhat of a metaphor, the work which begins darkly but ultimately ends in triumph and optimism.

INFORMATION

Sun 27 May 5pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)STRAUSS Don Juan SCULTHORPE Earth Cry TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No.4

University of Melbourne Symphony OrchestraFREE — tickets required (available from 22 April)Presented by The Melbourne Conservatorium of MusicEngaged through The University of Melbourne-Melbourne Recital Centre Learning Partnership

The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

BACH & DISTLER

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LOCAL HEROES

ENSEMBLE GOMBERT

ENSEMBLE LIAISON

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Number OnesInspiring others through intelligent programming and a deep knowledge and love of chamber music, Seraphim Trio never fails to delight audiences. The piano trio may have been a late comer to chamber music repertoire, but Mozart's Trio in G is as thrilling as his first serious chamber work in which both violin and cello have roles independent from the keyboard. Mozart's classical style is echoed in Schumann's late foray to the genre, composed as a present for his wife Clara's 28th birthday. Lovingly and meticulously prepared, it unfolds with a grandiosity unequalled in his subsequent trios. Between these works, Seraphim is delighted to give the world premiere of Jakob Jankowski's Piano Trio No.1, generously commissioned by Graham Abbott.

INFORMATION

Tue 29 May 6pmSalon (80-mins no interval)MOZART Piano Trio in G, K.496.JAKOB JANKOWSKI Trio No.1 (world premiere)SCHUMANN Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, Op.63 Seraphim TrioTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Seraphim Trio

William Lawes - the 'father of Musick'Ludovico’s Band is one of Australia’s most dynamic Baroque bands acclaimed for its performances of music from the 16th to the 18th centuries. William Lawes was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire c.1602. Apprentice to composer John Coprario, William received many court appointments after Charles succeeded the British throne as Charles I. Spending much of his adult life in Charles’s employ, he composed secular music, songs for court masques, sacred anthems and motets for King Charles’s private worship. Lawes is remembered today for his sublime viol consort suites and lyra viol music. Ludovico’s Band celebrates the recently recovered work of the ‘Father of Musick’, a title ascribed to William on his epitaph, following his death during the British Civil War.

INFORMATION

Tue 29 May 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval)LAWES Harp ConsortsLudovico's Band

Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Three concert 2018 package $99 ($72 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ludovico’s Band

‘Musique ravished me...’ — the words of famous diarist of the English Civil War and the Great Fire of London, Samuel Pepys; an avid music lover. Almost every day Pepys performed with various consorts; voraciously collected both music and musical instruments; and employed his own personal composer, Cesare Morelli to arrange music for him. As an ode to a life lived through turbulent times, Continuo Collective pays tribute to a life lived full of music, featuring works by Purcell, Lully and other contemporaries of the era. The Collective delights in presenting rarely heard music on rare and beautiful instruments with a passion for exploring the role of plucked instruments in the improvisatory art of basso continuo and as accompaniment to other instruments.

INFORMATION

Thu 31 May 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Selected songs by Woodford, Reggio, Purcell, Sarturio and Lully interspersed with verse.

Continuo Collective Tyrone Landau tenorTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Continuo Collective

' Musique ravished me…' the diary of Samuel Pepys

FREE MUSIC

Duo Curro CassomenosIt’s an open-door policy for you to come in and discover something new or hear local artists rehearse new works, new programs and try out new ideas. While it’s not a concert, it’s a way for you to gain an insight into the secret workings of our finest ensembles. Join Australia’s most vibrant and versatile musicians, violinist Monica Curro, and pianist Stefan Cassomenos, their performances as part of PLEXUS focus on commissioning and celebrating Australian and international composers.

INFORMATION

Mon 4 June 12 noonSalon (One hour)Monica Curro violinStefan Cassomenos pianoFREEPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre

SOUTHBANK SERIESSOUTHBANK SERIES

LOCAL HEROES

SERAPHIM TRIO

LUDOVICO'S BAND

CONTINUO COLLECTIVE

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • MAY26

Thomas Hampson is one of the world’s foremost musicians, not just a charismatic opera star but also a passionate advocate for American song, and an insightful and articulate spokesman for his art-form. At 6′4″, Hampson is an imposing figure on stage, with a baritone voice to match. You’d cast him as a leading man — tragic hero, perhaps — but he can also play a scoundrel, a devil or a buffoon. This kind of versatility lends itself to the song recital — the art of telling a dozen stories in an evening. Hampson will of course sing Mahler and Schubert, two cornerstones of lieder, but we’ll also hear from his more recent excursion into the elegant world of French chanson.

THOMAS HAMPSON

MASTER CLASS

Thomas HampsonJoin Thomas Hampson for a revelatory master class and discover more about the music you love.

INFORMATION

Wed 30 May 6pmSalon (Two hours)Tickets $10Supported by Ensemble Giovane, Lyndsey & Peter Hawkins, Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins and The Langham Melbourne

INFORMATION

Thu 31 May 7.30pmFree pre-concert talk 6.45pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 50-mins incl. interval)A selection of songs by Mahler, Schubert, Rossini, Saint-Saëns, Copland and others.Thomas Hampson baritone (U.S.A)Maciej Pikulski piano (Poland)

Premium $115A reserve $102 ($55 conc)B reserve $87 ($55 conc)C reserve $62 ($55 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre. Series Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital CentreProgram Partner: The Langham Melbourne

‘ HAMPSON’S VOICE RETAINS ITS CLARION POWER, BURNISHED TONE AND PELLUCID CLARITY.’ LA TIMES

GREAT PERFORMERS

27FOR BOOKINGS VISIT MELBOURNERECITAL.COM.AU OR PHONE 03 9699 3333 • TRANSACTION & DELIVERY FEES MAY APPLY

Hailed as the most important jazz singer since Cassandra Wilson, Gretchen Parlato is the kind of artist that comes along once in a generation. With delicate phrasing and a unique ability to transform jazz standards with her inventive and playful interpretations, she fuses jazz with undertones of African and Brazilian beats to create a distinct and intoxicating contemporary jazz aesthetic. This modern-day enchantress of song is not to be missed.

INFORMATION

Sat 2 June 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)Gretchen Parlato (U.S.A.)Opening act Sam Anning SextetA reserve $79 ($71 conc)B reserve $69 ($61 conc)Presented by Melbourne International Jazz Festival

gretchen parlato flor SUN RA ARKESTRASurreal. Astonishing. Unmissable.

The world-famous Sun Ra Arkestra returns to Melbourne International Jazz Festival for one night only. The Arkestra’s iconic live performances are mind-altering, life-affirming and joyously unforgettable. One of the great cult-icons of jazz, pianist, composer and organist Sun Ra formed the Arkestra in the mid-1950s and led it until his death in 1993. His ensemble has continued performing and creating supernatural sounds ever since. Refreshing, original and certainly out of this world, this will be an exuberant and entirely memorable experience.

INFORMATION

Wed 6 Jun 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)Sun Ra Arkestra (U.S.A.)Marshall Allen saxophone/leader (U.S.A.) With support

A reserve $74 ($64 conc)B reserve $64 ($54 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Melbourne International Jazz Festival

AN EVENING WITH

BRANFORD MARSALIS

Jazz master, renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer, Branford Marsalis, is a revered instrumentalist – immersed in the jazz tradition, but completely of today. Leader of one of jazz’s finest quartets, and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Marsalis’ blend of consummate artistry, thrilling ensemble interplay and the ability to create jazz-club intimacy on a larger stage makes him one of the most compelling players in the world.

Marsalis has not confined his music to the quartet context. In addition to guest turns with a legion of jazz giants including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins, he has performed with artists as diverse as Sting, The Grateful Dead, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and his boyhood friend Harry Connick Jr. In 2011 he was a group recipient of an NEA Jazz Masters Award alongside his father and brothers. This magical opening night performance is the ideal starting point for the 2018 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

INFORMATION

Fri 1 Jun 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall Two hours incl. intervalBranford Marsalis (U.S.A.)A reserve $91 ($81 conc)B reserve $81 ($71 conc)Presented by Melbourne International Jazz Festival

PHOTO: ERIC RYAN ANDERSON

1–10 JUNE 2018

MelbourneInternationalJazz Festival

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • JUNE28

Simon Hall (Yon) is not only a third of Tripod, he’s also the second wedding singer. Ready to tie the knot again? You’re gonna need someone to sing you through that. Backed by his eight-piece brass band, the Brass Ring, Simon serenades your re-coupling, reminding you that it will be better this time because it was so bad the last time. Originally commissioned by Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Second Wedding Singer premiered at the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent in June 2017. Featuring such soon to-be-hits as ‘My Parents’ Breakup (Was Better Than Your Parents’ Breakup)’, ‘Guilt Is My Engine’ and ‘Left Out of A Threesome’, Simon will manage your expectations with sweetness but firmness.

INFORMATION

Thu 7 & Fri 8 June 7pm, Sat 9 June 4pm & 7pmSalon (One hour no interval) Simon Hall writerAlan Brough director

Brenton Broadstock arrangerRod Gilbert music directorTickets $45 ($35 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

IN VOGUEHelpmann Award-winner Michael Griffiths IS Madonna. No accent, costume or wig. Just ‘Madge’ leading you on a journey through her tough life and tender songs. Strike a pose, get into the groove and express yourself as Madonna opens her heart. Musical direction by Michael Griffiths and written and directed by Helpmann Award-winner Dean Bryant (Best Director — Sweet Charity).

INFORMATION

Thu 14 & Fri 15 June 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Michael Griffiths vocals/pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Second Wedding Singer

POSTLUDESFragile, tender and haunting. Elliot Cole’s Postludes for four players on one vibraphone frame the program presented by the Ad Lib Collective and guest artist Ben Opie. With a re-imagined version of Appelbaum’s Aphasia and the pulsating grooves of Andy Akiho and Jan Menu, the audience will be moved and surprised by this fresh, dynamic program.

INFORMATION

Wed 13 June 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)ELLIOT COLE PostludesHILDEGARD O viridissima virgaMARK APPLEBAUM AphasiaJAN MENU Little Bird (Depressed)ANDY AKIHO KarakurenaiAd Lib CollectiveBen Opie oboeTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ad Lib Collective

Mozart was 17 years old when he wrote his first viola quintet, at the same time as he wrote his 25th symphony and his glorious cantata ‘Exsultate jubilate’. This light, genial divertimento reveals a composer full of surprises and creativity. Biber flourished in Salzburg 100 years before Mozart, and was also employed by the Archbishop as a composer and violinist. His Battalia vividly conveys a battle, complete with cannon shots, snare drums and fifes. And we celebrate the music of Monteverdi, the great opera and madrigal composer, in this arrangement of an aria sung by Ulysses on the island of Ithaca.

INFORMATION

Thu 14 June 11amElisabeth Murdoch Hall (70-mins no interval)BIBER La BattaliaJOHN WOOLRICH (after Monteverdi) Ulysses AwakesMOZART String Quintet No.1 in B-flat, K.174ANAM MusiciansTickets $49 ($42 conc/senior)Season tickets also available from $147Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

Mozart's Viola

MOSTLY MOZART

SIMON HALL

MICHAEL GRIFFITHS

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Leslie Howard’s recordings (99 CDs containing 7255 minutes of formidably virtuosic playing) and live performances reveal the multifaceted genius of Franz Liszt, a ‘rock star’ performer and restless innovator who pushed the boundaries of his instrument and music. Intimately familiar with Liszt’s music and more than a match for the challenge of these most technically difficult of works, Howard guides us through some discoveries and delights inspired by Liszt’s profound appreciation for opera. These are the ultimate Liszt party-pieces. But as always with this composer, there are surprising depths. In the process Howard reveals a complex character — refined and bold, as much a poet as a daredevil — as well as his own skills as a virtuoso pianist and interpreter of the highest calibre.

INFORMATION

Wed 13 June 7.30pmFree pre-concert talk 6.45pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)LISZT AT THE OPERASarabande und Chaconne über Themen aus dem Singspiel Almira von G F Händel, S181Aïda di G. Verdi — Danza sacra e duetto finale, S436Fantasie über Themen aus Mozarts Figaro und Don Giovanni, S697Réminiscences des Huguenots de Meyerbeer – Grande Fantaisie dramatique, S412iiLes adieux — Rêverie sur un motif de l’opéra Roméo et Juliette de Charles Gounod, S409Réminiscences de Norma de Bellini — Grande Fantaisie, S394Leslie Howard piano (AUS/UK)Premium $115A reserve $102 ($55 conc)B reserve $87 ($55 conc)C reserve $62 ($55 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital CentreSeries Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital CentreProgram Partner: The Langham Melbourne

Leslie Howard

‘A REMARKABLE FEAT BY A REMARKABLE PIANIST.’ LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE

GREAT PERFORMERS

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • JUNE30

As part of celebrating Bach’s music on this Bach weekend, Kristian Chong plays arrangements by the world’s most virtuosic pianist-composers including Liszt and Busoni. The program includes organ transcriptions by Liszt and Busoni, and Bach's revolutionary Fantasie which includes elements of improvisatory freedom scattered throughout its tightly-knit structure and two arrangements by Busoni, both of which offer a distinctly powerful, emotional and spiritual conclusion to the program.

INFORMATION

Sat 16 June 4.30pmSalon (70-mins no interval)J.S. BACH Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue in D minor, BWV 903J.S. BACH-LISZT Prelude & Fugue in A minor, BWV 543J.S. BACH-BUSONI Chaconne from Violin Partita No.2, in D minor, BWV 1004

J.S. BACH-BUSONI Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C, BWV 564Kristian Chong pianoTickets $39 ($29 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre Bach CompetitionNow in its ninth year, Melbourne Recital Centre’s Bach Competition is dedicated to young musicians passionate about J.S. Bach. Come and listen to an array of budding young performers on stage and enjoy an afternoon of the Baroque genius.

INFORMATION

Sun 17 June 3pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)FREE — tickets requiredPresented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Supported by Dr Richard Mills AM, Vivienne Ritchie, Australian Bach Society & Newsboys Foundation

The composer of some of the most famous works of the classical repertoire, Johann Sebastian Bach has influenced perhaps more composers than any other figure in music. Better known during his lifetime primarily as an outstanding organ player and technician, the youngest of eight children born to musical parents, Johann Sebastian was destined to become a great musician. His sacred music, organ and choral works, and other instrumental music had an enthusiasm and freedom that concealed immense rigor. A line-up of Australia’s finest Baroque musicians led by virtuoso violinist Rachael Beesley performs an intoxicating program of masterworks. It’s a Bach weekend with this celebration concert on Saturday 16 June and the Centre’s Bach Competition on Sunday 17 June. Plus, join Kate Clark for an introductory talk, as she unpacks this monument of the 18th century flute repertoire — what it is, how it works and why we still love it.

INFORMATION

Sat 16 June 7.30pmFree pre-concert talk 6.45pm with Kate ClarkElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)J.S. BACH Violin concerto in A minor BWV 1041J.S. BACH Am Abend, da es kühle war — Mache dich, mein Herze, rein from St Matthew Passion BWV 244J.S. BACH Sonata sopr'Il Soggetto Reale, BWV 1079J.S. BACH Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste, BWV 106 J.S. BACH Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor, BWV 1067 J.S. BACH Der Herr, denket an uns, BWV 196

Bach’s MusiciansRachael Beesley director/violinGrace Wu violinKate Clark flute/speakerMyriam Arbouz sopranoSally-Anne Russell mezzo sopranoRobert Macfarlane tenorChristopher Richardson bass baritoneA reserve $55 ($45 conc)B reserve $45 ($40 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

J.S. BACH WEEKEND

KRISTIAN CHONG

Bach & Busoni

The Genius of J.S. Bach

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Ensemble LiaisonThe musicians of Ensemble Liaison bring together expertise gleaned from years of study at some of the world’s greatest musical institutions in the United States, Russia and Italy. In their hands, the clarinet trio is an instrument of brilliant colour and boundless imagination. Beethoven’s B-flat Trio is a joyous remnant of a time when fine woodwind instruments were an exciting novelty, while Ian Munro’s Aus tiefer Not (Out of the Depths), written especially for Ensemble Liaison, brings the clarinet trio into the modern day. Completing the program is the trio’s own arrangement of Igor Frolov’s Concert Fantasy on classic Gershwin numbers.

INFORMATION

Tue 19 June 11am, Coffee & cake from 10amElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval)BEETHOVEN Clarinet Trio in B-flat, Op.11IAN MUNRO Aus tiefer Not schrei’ ich zu Dir (Out Of The Depth I Cry For You)FROLOV (arr. Young/Griffiths) Concert Fantasy on themes from Porgy and Bess Ensemble LiaisonTickets $53Presented by Musica Viva

Goldberg VariationsHear Bach's Goldberg Variations afresh, with its intricate ingenuity in luminous clarity as this duo builds a kaleidoscopic tapestry of colour, rhythm and touch. Paired with bold, new American music — the Melbourne premiere of Martin Bresnick’s mysteriously evocative Handwork and John Adams’ jazz-infused, rollicking Hallelujah Junction — Sonya Lifschitz and Lisa Moore portray an electrifying and generous musical dialogue with explosive, sonic resonance.

INFORMATION

Tue 19 June 6.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 30-mins incl. interval)JOHN ADAMS Hallelujah JunctionMARTIN BRESNICK HandworkJ.S. BACH (arr. Emmerson) Goldberg Variations, BWV988Sonya Lifschitz pianoLisa Moore pianoTickets $50 ($40 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Sonya Lifschitz and Lisa Moore

Atlas of the Sky is a new work of dramatic and ritualistic power combining driving rhythms with swarming percussion and vocal sounds from a 'mob' of performers. Showcasing Jessica Aszodi's vast palette of vocal colour, Atlas of the Sky tells stories about the stars, the power of crowds and changing constellations of memory. The mob consists of a community of trained and untrained musicians plus young people from Speak Percussion's Sounds Unheard program, who will create large-scale patterns that counterpoint the turbulent rhythms of our contemporary world. Using purpose-built instruments, the work demonstrates the expressive elemental power of massed bamboo, string drums, stones, wood blocks made of Australian timber and the semantron — a resonant plank of wood that is used like a bell in Greek and Eastern European Christian Orthodox ritual. The music is expressive, lyrical, textural, percussive, playful, dynamic and conceptually rich. Liza Lim is one of Australia's most celebrated contemporary classical composers, and has strong affinities with Asian and indigenous Australian cultural practices.

INFORMATION

Mon 18 June 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval)LIZA LIM Atlas of the Sky

Speak Percussion & The MobJessica Aszodi soprano Tickets $50 ($40 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Atlas of the Sky

PLEXUS: ParallelTracing parallels between diverse, youthful memories, guest soprano Merlyn Quaife collaborates with PLEXUS for a performance of Knoxville: Summer of 1915 by Samuel Barber arranged by Stefan Cassomenos. Sebastian Currier’s Verge, which takes inspiration from one of Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood, continues the theme of idyllic, childhood nostalgia. Presented with these landmark pieces are three fresh new works and world premieres from Australian composers Connor D’Netto, Catherine Likhuta and Peggy Polias.

INFORMATION

Tue 19 June 6pmSalon (One hour & 45-mins incl. interval) BARBER (arr. Cassomenos) Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Op.24SEBASTIAN CURRIER VergeCONNOR D’NETTO new work (world premiere)CATHERINE LIKHUTA new work (world premiere)PEGGY POLIAS new work (world premiere)PLEXUSMerlyn Quaife sopranoTickets $50 ($40 conc)Two concert 2018 package $85 ($68 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & PLEXUS

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PLEXUSENSEMBLE LIAISON SONYA LIFSCHITZ & LISA MOORE

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • JUNE32

Conversant: Creative Possibilities in Arts WritingThroughout the year, three writers have been creating new pieces in response to performances held at Melbourne Recital Centre. Playful, provocative, poetic. These writers strive not simply to critique, but rather to take the work they see as a springboard to present new interpretations and another layer of meaning. Join us for a conversation about the expansive creative possibilities of arts writing.

INFORMATION

Wed 20 June 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Writers-In-ResidenceChloe HooperTickets $10Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in partnership with Emerging Writers' Festival

Anne-Sophie Mutter Master ClassJoin Anne-Sophie Mutter for a revelatory master class and discover more about the music you love.

Melbourne Recital Centre's Master Class program provides essential artistic development opportunities that benefit young Australian artists and offer insights and learning for patrons as well.

INFORMATION

Wed 20 June 6pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours no interval)Anne-Sophie Mutter violin (Germany)Tickets $10Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra & Melbourne Recital Centre

Aelita, Queen of Mars with The SpheresDirected by Yakov Protazanov in the theatrical, futuristic constructivist style that Fritz Lang famously drew inspiration from whilst creating Metropolis (1927), Aelita, Queen of Mars (1924) is perhaps most widely remembered as the first Russian sci-fi film. This visually breathtaking cinematic work that was in many respects ahead of its time, is screening care of the National Film and Sound Archive, Australia. Presented in the Salon with a live score by The Spheres, this performance sees the experimental AV ensemble explore the conflux of post rock, sound art and silent cinematics.

INFORMATION

Fri 22 June 7pmSalon (Two hours no interval)The Spheres

Tickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, The National Film and Sound Archive & Kinotopia

Company of Pianos Andrea Keller & Luke Howard

Established in 2014 by pianist-composer Andrea Keller, The Company of Pianos is a series of concerts featuring two pianos. Over the years, Keller has invited Australia’s most prominent and celebrated jazz pianists. The Company of Pianos VII sees Keller joined by the ‘absolutely heavenly’ (BBC Radio 6) pianist and composer Luke Howard. Meeting for the first time in concert, they will present a selection of their original works arranged for two pianos.

INFORMATION

Thu 21 June 7pmSalon (One hour no interval) Andrea Keller & Luke Howard pianoTickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Andrea Keller

ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTERCHLOE HOOPER

LUKE HOWARD

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Since its inception in 1984, Melbourne Welsh Male Choir has become known for its ‘special’ sound and their bold, ambitious concert productions. In this concert, the Choir is joined by esteemed baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Melbourne-born soprano Kate Amos, a student of Advanced Vocal Studies at the Welsh International Academy of Voice in Cardiff, Wales. Join them as they sing operatic arias, musical theatre favourites and traditional choral works.

INFORMATION

Sat 23 June 2pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)Teddy Tahu Rhodes vocalsKate Amos vocalsMelbourne Welsh Male Choir

A reserve $70 ($65 conc)B reserve $60 ($55 conc)C reserve $45 ($40 conc)Presented by Melbourne Welsh Male Choir

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) brings together three of the great Classical minds whose music epitomises the elegance, joy and clarity of this unmatched period of music history: Mozart, the young impresario taking Vienna by storm; Haydn, the father figure of the Classical period; and Kraus, the composer often called the ‘Swedish Mozart.’

Anna Goldsworthy enthralled audiences with her MCO debut in 2014 and her intensely satisfying performances of Mozart’s final piano concerto. She joins the orchestra for two gems rarely heard on the Melbourne stage: Mozart’s sixth concerto, written at age 20, and the exuberant D major piano concerto by Haydn.

INFORMATION

Sun 24 June 2.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)KRAUS Olympie: OvertureMOZART (arr. for string orchestra) String Quartet No.7, K.160HAYDN Piano Concerto No.11, K.238MOZART Piano Concerto No.6, K.202MOZART Symphony No.30

Melbourne Chamber OrchestraAnna Goldsworthy pianoPremium $130 ($120 conc)A reserve $109 ($97 conc)B reserve $87 ($76 conc)C reserve $64 ($53 conc)Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

Mozart & the Classical Age

BACH PROJECT2017 Australian Jazz Bell Award-winner Michelle Nicolle and her quartet of 20 years bring their celebrated approach to the meeting of two musical worlds — jazz and classical — to beautiful songs performed under the spell of the great composer J.S. Bach. Michelle started her musical career at the age of eight, studying the violin. Now based in Melbourne, she is celebrated as Australia’s finest female jazz singer. Known for her ability to get right to the heart of a song as well as being a great improviser, Michelle has continually developed and nurtured her art form with the help of her quartet.

INFORMATION

Sat 23 June 7pmSalon (One hour no interval)Michelle Nicolle QuartetTickets $30 ($25 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Michelle Nicolle Quartet

Melbourne Welsh Male Choir with Teddy Tahu Rhodes & Kate Amos

MICHELLE NICOLLE

ANNA GOLDSWORTHY

Lullabies of Our Lives: Singing Multicultural HarmonyDr Samantha Dieckmann has been working with multicultural singing group Lullabies of Our Lives, bringing the diverse communities of Melbourne's north together — one song at a time. The Lullaby Choir, a joint initiative of The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions, the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at The University of Melbourne and Coburg's Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic Groups New Futures program, aims to promote cultural connection through the lullabies that soothe babes the world over. Come and meet the choristers and learn about the power of song.

INFORMATION

Tue 25 June 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)Dr Samantha DieckmannThe Lullaby ChoirTickets $10Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The University of MelbourneEngaged through The University of Melbourne-Melbourne Recital Centre Learning Partnership

MUSIC ON THE MIND

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • JUNE34

Ears Wide Open: Dances of GalantaPart concert, part guided musical journey. Extend your experience and hear the work in-concert with conductor and presenter Richard Gill AO. Hear how Zoltán Kodály composed this renowned orchestral work using motifs from the folk music of the gypsy bands of his childhood.

INFORMATION

Mon 25 June 6.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (90-mins no interval) KODÁLY Dances of Galanta (excerpts)Richard Gill AO conductor/presenterMelbourne Symphony OrchestraTickets $35 ($30 conc)**Prices are subject to change without noticePresented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Kolja BlacherEsteemed violinist Kolja Blacher performs and directs a diverse program that includes Beethoven’s revolutionary First Symphony and, in homage to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Bernstein 100 celebration, one of the composer’s great masterpieces, Serenade.

INFORMATION

Thu 28 June 7.30pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval)HAYDN Symphony No.83, La PouleBERNSTEIN Serenade (after Pluto’s Symposium)BEETHOVEN Romance No.1BEETHOVEN Symphony No.1Kolja Blacher violin (Germany)Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Premium $99 ($94 conc)*A reserve $79 ($74 conc)*B reserve $59 ($54 conc)*C reserve $49 ($49 conc)*D reserve $39 ($39 conc)**Prices are subject to change without noticePresented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

4 + Viola!Acacia Quartet welcomes back international viola soloist Emile Cantor for a program of viola quintets. Featuring the Australian premiere of Günter Raphael's wonderful, but little-known String Quintet Op.17 and Antonín Dvorák's String Quintet Op.97. Established in 2010, Acacia Quartet has won praise for their versatile and inventive programs coupling established repertoire with the unorthodox. With seven albums, three ARIA nominations and an APRA Art Music Award for Excellence to its name, the quartet is a passionate supporter of young musicians, Australian composers and sharing their love of music with all audiences.

INFORMATION

Tue 26 June 6pmSalon (70-mins no interval)RAPHAEL String Quintet, Op.17DVORÁK String Quintet, Op. 97Acacia Quartet Emile Cantor violaTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Acacia Quartet

Summer NightsBerlioz superb masterpiece Les nuit d'été is the centrepiece of this fabulous French program presented by leading vocal ensemble Songmakers Australia. Performed by four singers as the composer intended originally, it is complemented by quartets, duos and songs by Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Debussy and Massenet.

INFORMATION

Wed 27 June 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)FAURÉ MadrigalSAINT-SAËNS Le soir descend sur la collineBERLIOZ Les nuits d'étéDEBUSSY Chanson EspagnoleFAURÉ Pleur d’or & Puisqu’ici bas toute âmeMASSENET ChantezSongmakers AustraliaTickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Songmakers Australia

LOCAL HEROESLOCAL HEROES

ACACIA QUARTET

RICHARD GILL

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From the Hungarian Plains to the Transylvanian AlpsVardos have been serenading audiences around the world since late last century. Driven by wild violin, accordion and double bass, their folk and Romany styled song is a rare treat in contemporary concert halls. Vardos are joined by guest Tim Meyen on hammered dulcimer. They will also bring the distinct tones of the hurdy gurdy, portable ‘Jaws’ harp, milk jug, spoons and vocal percussion, used by Romany people when instruments weren’t available. Experience the wild and wacky chordal and rhythmic combinations unique to Romania and Hungary.

INFORMATION

Fri 29 June 6pmSalon (One hour no interval)A selection of Romany and Eastern European folk music.VardosTim Meyen hammered dulcimer

Tickets $39 ($29 conc)Two concert 2018 package $66 ($49 conc)Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Vardos

Brisbane art-rock veterans Regurgitator may not be the first act to come to mind when picking teams for a Velvet Underground and Nico tribute. But the group has never met a musical genre it couldn't lovingly poke a few holes in, or a tongue-in-cheek performance-art stunt it didn't like the flavour of. Originally conceived to close the National Gallery of Victoria’s Andy Warhol-Ai Weiwei exhibition in 2016, the show returns for an intimate Melbourne Recital Centre performance — with Regurgitator members Quan, Ben and Peter joined by Seja Vogel on keys and Mindy Meng Wang on the Chinese guzheng. Regurgitator navigates its way through the Warhol-produced 1967 album, The Velvet Underground & Nico, which they have performed at the Sydney and Brisbane Festivals and MONA FOMA in addition to the NGV premiere. Last year marked the 50-year anniversary of this seminal album release. What better way to celebrate than hearing one of Australia’s most iconic indie music groups take on the influential album which fused together pop melodies and avant-garde sounds. Experience a faithful but fresh reinvention of one of the greatest albums of all time — a love letter from one set of enduring eccentrics to another.

INFORMATION

Fri 29 June 8pmElisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)RegurgitatorSeja Vogel keys/vocalsMindy Meng Wang guzhengWith guests The OrbweaversTickets $55Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

LOCAL HEROES

NovumNimbus Trio perform works from its new album Novum. Novum explores new expressions for piano trio by the Australian composer Kitty Xiao. The works evoke images of renowned Australian photographers Jane Brown and Narelle Autio and explore human discovery in the face of the modern the world.

INFORMATION

Sat 30 June 7pmSalon (70-mins incl. interval)Nimbus Trio

Tickets $35 ($30 conc)Presented by Nimbus Trio

Regurgitator, Seja & Mindy Wang perform

The Velvet Underground & Nico

MINDY MENG WANG

VARDOS

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE • JUNE36

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Immerse yourself in our great program of music and events. To keep informed through our program brochures or to receive updates online select the options below that best suit your needs.Online

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THANK YOU Melbourne Recital Centre acknowledges the generous support of its business partners, philanthropic supporters and patrons.

Founding BenefactorsThe Kantor Family Helen Macpherson Smith Trust The Calvert-Jones Family Robert Salzer Foundation Lyn Williams am The Hugh Williamson Foundation

Presenting Partner Learning Partner

Founding PatronThe Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch ac dbe

ENCORE BEQUEST PROGRAMProviding sustained support for all aspects of the Centre’s artistic program through its Public Fund.

Anonymous (3)The Late Betty Amsden aoJenny Anderson Barbara BlackmanJennifer Brukner

Ken BullenJim Cousins ao & Libby CousinsDr Garry JoslinJanette McLellanElizabeth O’Keeffe

Prof Dimity Reed amThe Estate of Beverley Shelton & Martin SchönthalMary Vallentine ao

Principal Government Partner

Supporting Partners

Program Partners

Foundations

Business Partners

Board MembersKathryn Fagg, Chair Peter Bartlett Stephen Carpenter

Joseph Corponi The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly

Margaret Farren-Price Eda Ritchie amMargaret Taylor

THE PEGGY & LESLIE CRANBOURNE FOUNDATION

ETHEL HERMANCHARITABLE TRUST

THE JACK & HEDY BRENT FOUNDATION

38 MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

INSPIRED GIVINGA PLACE OF UNPARALLELED MUSICAL VIBRANCYAlmost every day, people of all ages & from all walks of life gather at Melbourne Recital Centre to be moved by music. Leadership Circles & Music Circle Annual Patrons Program supporters play a vital role in ensuring the breadth, diversity & scale of the Centre’s musical offering.

LOCAL HEROES LEADERSHIP CIRCLEInaugural Local Heroes BenefactorThe Klein Family FoundationMajlis PtyMaria Sola

MUSIC CIRCLE PATRONS PROGRAMMagnum Opus Circle ($20,000+)Melbourne Recital Centre Board of Directors Kathryn Fagg Peter & Cally Bartlett Stephen Carpenter & Leigh Ellwood Joseph Corponi The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly & Brigitte Treutenaere Margaret Farren-Price & Prof Ronald Farren-Price AM Eda Ritchie AM

Composers Circle ($4000+)Anonymous (1)John & Lorraine BatesRobert & Jan GreenJenny & Peter HordernDiana LempriereMessage Consultants Australia James Ostroburski & Leo OstroburskiDrs Victor & Karen Wayne

Musicians Circle ($2500+)Liz & Charles BaréAnn LahoreJoyce Marks & Danielle DavisShelley & Euan MurdochGreg NoonanSirius FoundationMary Vallentine AO

Prelude Circle ($1000+)Adrienne BasserHelen BrackBill & Sandra BurdettMaggie CashJohn Castles AM & Thelma Castles OAMJulie Ann Cox AM & Laurie Cox AOKathy & George DeutschMary DraperLord Francis Ebury & Lady Suzanne EburyMaggie EdmondSusan FallawThe Leo & Mina Fink FundAngela GloverAnn GordonJan GrantNance Grant AM MBE & Ian HarrisSue Hamilton & Stuart Hamilton AOHenkell Family Fund In memory of Beryl HooleyStuart Jennings

Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AMGeorge & Grace KassSnowe LiMaria MercurioBaillieu Myer AC & Sarah MyerStephen Newton AODr Paul Nisselle AMElizabeth O’KeeffeHelen PerlenDr Robert PiaggioKerryn PratchettSandra Robertson & Philip CachiaDr Peter Rogers & Cathy RogersPeter Rose & Christopher MenzIn Memory of Pauline SpeedyRob & Philippa SpringallBarbara & Duncan SutherlandPamela SwanssonSally WebsterJanet Whiting AM & Phil Lukies

Supporters ($500+)Anonymous (1)Jenny AndersonPeter J ArmstrongMin Li ChongProf John Daley & Rebecca CoatesSylvia GeddesPenelope HughesAngela & Richard KirsnerBarbara Kolliner & Peter Kolliner OAMDr Anne LierseJane MorrisDr Diane Tibbits

ACCESS TO THRILLING MUSIC FOR EVERYONE SHARE THE MUSICThe emotional power & enrichment benefits of music are gifts to be shared with everyone, irrespective of their location, background or socio-economic status. With the help of Share the Music patrons, the Centre reaches out to 2,000+ people each year to share the joys of live performance.

SHARE THE MUSIC($10,000+)Krystyna Campbell-PrettyJohn & Susan Davies

($4000+)Helen & Michael Gannon

($2500+)Anne Burgi & Kerin Carr

($1000+)Keith & Debby BadgerKaye & David BirksMaria HansenIn memory of Beryl HooleyProf John Langford AM & The Late Christina McCallumAnn Miller Greg Shalit & Miriam FaineProf Richard Smallwood AO & Carol Smallwood

($500+)Anonymous (4)Caroline & Robert ClementeVivien & Jacob FajgenbaumShulan Guo & Morris WatersDr Robert HetzelDr Kingsley GeeWendy Kozica, Alan Kozica & David OÇallaghan

Dr Marion LustigMaria McCarthyDennis & Fairlie NassauAndrew & Georgina PorterBarry & Barbara ShyingRosemary Walls

A PLATFORM FOR THE VERY BESTMelbourne Recital Centre aspires to be a beacon to the very best artist from Australia & around the world. Donations to our Leadership Circles & Legal Friends syndicate allow the Centre to attract the best of the best artists from all over the globe, culminating in our Signature Events & Great Performers Series.

GREAT PERFORMERS LEADERSHIP CIRCLEAnonymous (1)Brian & Esther BenjaminPaulette & Warwick BisleyThe John & Jennifer Brukner FoundationGeorge & Laila EmbeltonGeoff & Jan PhillipsMaria Sola

SIGNATURE EVENTS LEADERSHIP CIRCLEInaugural Signature Events BenefactorsYvonne von Hartel AM & Robert Peck AM of peckvonhartel architects

LEGAL FRIENDSLegal Friends Inaugural Patrons

The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QC

($4000+)Naomi Golvan & George Golvan QCThe Hon Justice Michelle Gordon & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QCPeter & Ruth McMullinPeter B Murdoch QC & Helen MurdochMaya Rozner & Alex King

($2500+)Anonymous (1)Meredith SchillingPeter J Stirling & Kimberley Kane

($1000+)Anonymous (3)Marcia & John K ArthurJames BarberPeter BartlettAnnette Blonski & Martin Bartfeld QC David ByrneThe Hon Alex Chernov AC QC & Mrs Elizabeth ChernovLeslie G ClementsChristine CloughThe Hon Julie Dodds-StreetonColin Golvan QC & Dr Deborah GolvanTimothy GoodwinThe Hon Hartley Hansen QC & Rosalind HansenRobert Heathcote & Meredith KingThe Hon Peter Heerey AM QC & Sally HeereyJudge Sara Hinchey & Tom PikusaJohn Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie

Pandora Kay & John LarkinsAnthony J & Philippa M KellyMaryanne B Loughnan QCBanjo McLachlan & Paul MahonyElizabeth O’KeeffeRalph & Ruth RenardMichael Shand QCTom SmythThe Hon Judge Josh Wilson & Dr Silvana Wilson

($500+)Ingrid BraunElizabeth BorosKatherine BrazenorThe Hon Stephen Charles & Jennifer CharlesGeorgie ColemanThe Hon David L Harper AMThe Hon Chris Maxwell ACThe Hon Justice O’CallaghanMichael & Penny Rush

NURTURING YOUNG ARTISTS From master classes to competitions, commissions to workshops & a unique fellowship program for gifted students, the Centre’s artist development initiatives educate & challenge young musicians. Patrons of our Leaderships Circles & Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund enable unique opportunities for the next generation of performers to learn from the best in the world, collaborate with local & national ensembles & perform in the Centre’s world class spaces.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP CIRCLEInaugural Artist Development & Music Education BenefactorThe Late Betty Amsden AOAnonymous (1)Peter Jopling AM QCMrs Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross

CHILDREN & FAMILIES LEADERSHIP CIRCLEThe Late Betty Amsden AO

MASTER CLASS LEADERSHIPS CIRCLEEnsemble Giovane

ELISABETH MURDOCH CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT FUND($20,000+)Annamila Pty LtdThe John & Jennifer Brukner FoundationAnne Kantor AO & Dr Milan Kantor OAM

($10,000+)The Pratt FoundationAngelina & Graeme Wise

($4000+)John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AOAndrew & Theresa DyerJo Fisher*Yvonne von Hartel AM & Robert Peck AM of peckvonhartel architectsLyndsey & Peter HawkinsDr Alastair JacksonChristine Sather*Dr Cherilyn Tillman & Tam Vu

Lyn Williams AMYMF Australia

($2500+)John & Mary BarlowArnold & Mary BramJacinta Carboon*Dr Shirley Chu & Wanghua William ChuChristine & Michael CloughKathryn Fagg*Joyce Marks & Danielle Davis*

($1000+)Anonymous (2)ARM ArchitecturePeter J Armstrong*Stirling Larkin, Australian Standfirst°Bailey-Lord Family*Adrienne BasserMary Beth Bauer*Fiona Bennett*Jane BloomfieldHelen BrackNorah Breekveldt*Zoe Brinsden*Barbara BurgePaul Donnelly & Brigitte TreutenaereW K Clark & B Heilemann*Dr Jane Gilmour OAM & Terry Brain*Andrea GoldsmithRobert & Jan GreenHeathcote Wines*Prof Andrea Hull AO*Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AMLiane Kemp*Sally MacIndoeAnnette MaluishNorene Leslie McCormac*Dr Richard Mills AMRosemary O’Connor*Tim Orton & Barbara DennisJames Ostroburski & Leo OstroburskiProf David Penington AC & Dr Sonay PeningtonHoward PennyGeoff & Jan PhillipsLaura Thomas*

($500+)Carolyn & Tony BaumBrian & Esther BenjaminMarc Besen AC & Eva Besen AOAnn BryceSir Rodrick Carnegie AC & Eve McGlashanJohn Castles AM & Thelma Castles OAMAdrian Collette AM & Rachel SlatteryJim Cousins AO & Libby CousinsJulie Anne Cox & Laurie Cox AOThe Hon Mary DelahuntyGeorge & Laila EmbeltonJoshua Evans° Margaret Farren-Price & Prof Ronald Farren-Price AMColin Golvan QC & Dr Deborah GolvanNaomi Golvan & George Golvan QCNance Grant AM MBE & Ian HarrisThe Hon Justice Michelle Gordon & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QCJean HadgesDr Robert HetzelKatrina & Simon Holmes à CourtDavid & Rosemary HousemanJohn Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie

Peter Jopling AM QC & Dr Sam MandengSnowe Li°Simon & Jodie MaddenSusan & Peter Mahler Message Consultants AustraliaPeter B Murdoch QC & Helen MurdochChristine Rodan & Erskine Rodan OAMCampbell Rose & Georgette TooheyMrs Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C RossShelley RowlandsKim & Graham Sherry OAMProf Richard Smallwood AO & Mrs Carol SmallwoodPeter J Stirling & Kimberley KaneLady Marigold Southey ACFelicity TeagueSusan ThacoreThe Ullmer Family FoundationIgor Zambelli

REACHING BEYOND THE CENTREWorking to realise the limitless potential for musicians to move, inspire & educate all Victorians, even those who for many reasons find it difficult to attend Melbourne Recital Centre, is an increasingly important part of our strategy. Gifts to the Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund are enabling us to expand our regional & educational outreach through top-quality live & recorded digital platforms, ultimately ensuring the Centre’s music can be streamed, heard by all.

MARY VALLENTINE LIMITLESS STAGE FUND($20,000+)Naomi Milgrom AOKim Williams AM

($10,000+)The Late Betty Amsden AOLady Marigold Southey AC

($4000+)Kathryn Greiner AOPeter & Ruth McMullin

($2500+)Lady Primrose Potter AC

($1000+)Jenny & Peter HordernThe Ullmer Family FoundationJanet Whiting AM & Phil LukiesIgor Zambelli

($500+)Susan M Renouf

List of patrons at 5 February 2018.

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Wed 11 April 7.30pm | Elisabeth Murdoch HallTickets $59/$49