Following the success of the Summer Symphony program in 2021, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is returning to Bunjil Place with a program of much-loved orchestral music, children’s workshops and family-friendly entertainment.
MSO partnerships with Bunjil Place and performing arts organisations are designed to offer outer urban audiences a relevant and engaging symphonic experience that combines traditional and contemporary voices.
MSO artistic advisor Matthey Hoy said the program extends far beyond a one-off performance.
“Summer Symphony is as much about engaging with local communities as it is about delivering a relaxed family-friendly concert,” he said.
The MSO will further expand its partnership with Sangam – a platform for established and emerging diverse Victorian artists to create and showcase their art alongside globally renowned classical-contemporary artists.
Co-artistic directors doctor Priya Srinivasan and Hari Sivanesan established Sangam as a corrective to the lack of opportunities for Victorian artists of colour.
Doctor Srinivasan praised the opportunity for cross-cultural collaboration.
“Sangam aims to increase South Asian representation and draws on deep cultural traditions to inform and lead dialogue in a symphonic setting,” Dr Srinivasan said.
“The opportunity to collaborate with the MSO, and to perform in our local communities offers a wonderful platform for our musicians and dancers and an inspiring and moving cultural experience for all audiences.”
MSO principal conductor in residence Benjamin Northey will lead the Summer Symphony concerts at Bunjil Place, which feature excerpts and short works from much-loved music, including familiar tunes from Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzolla and Johann Strauss II, alongside contemporary classics.
Another fun event will be held for the kids – The Sounds of the Symphony.
Presented by Karen Kyriakou and musicians from the MSO, the workshop will explore Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and offer a hands-on music lesson designed for children up to five years.
Mr Northey said the Summer Symphony concerts and kids workshops were a wonderful way to start the new year.
‘’Whether you’re a lover of orchestras or brand new to classical music, these concerts will be a fun and engaging way to experience the magic of the MSO at these special events for all ages,” Mr Northey said.
The Summer Symphony event will run at Bunjil Place on Saturday 29 January from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost $10 and includes a glass of champagne or bottled non-alcoholic drink upon arrival.
Sounds of the Symphony will run at 10am and 11.30am.
Tickets cost $5 and includes departure snacks for the kids.
For more information, visit bunjilplace.com.au/
