What's On this January, February & March 2020

Experience the best live music

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

TUE TU E 21 JAN A UA UARY RY Y M si Mu s c an and te and tec chn no olo ogy gy col olli liide de in Hol olly ly Her erndon o ’ss bre reat atht htak akin ak ing in g expe expe perri rime rime menttal al forms orms or m .

Fun for kids at Music Play Family Festival Tenebrae resurrects a Renaissance masterpiece Percussion phenomenon Taikoz in Chi Udaka The Complete Beethoven Piano Concertos PP1000016130

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

11 Sat

Melbourne Youth Orchestra 2020 Summer School: In Concert

p9

16 Thu

Beethoven Big Sing

p6

A Day in the Life of You

p8

5 Wed

The Virgin’s Muse

p15

Rapping with Defron

p7

6 Thu

Bartók in Contrast

p16

Song Play

p7

The Wonderlands

p8

7 Fri

Origins

p16

8 Sat

Natalya Plays: Studio Ghibli - Chopin Style

p16

10 Mon

Golden

11 Tue 12 Wed

17 Fri

18 Sat

20 Mon

21 Tue

22 Wed

23 Thu

24 Fri

31 Fri

Free Music

p15

1 Sun

Italian Guitar

4 Tue

Love & Languish

p15

2 Mon

Ears Wide Open 1: Schumann

p31

Free Music in the Salon

p29

Patty Griffin

p30

Trio Romantique

p31

4 Wed

Beethoven 130

p31

5 Thu

Vivaldi’s Venice

p32

p18

6 Fri

Stars Without Makeup

p33

Moon Duo

p17

7 Sat

Vivaldi’s Venice

p32

Deva Premal & Miten with Manose

p18

8 Sun

Vivaldi’s Venice

p32

10 Tue

Freiburg Baroque Orchestra & Kristian Bezuidenhout, fortepiano

p34

Beethoven’s Razumovsky

p33

Freiburg Baroque Orchestra & Kristian Bezuidenhout, fortepiano

p35

Wolfie to Ludwig

p33

12 Thu

Dare to Hope

p36

13 Fri

Top Class Music

p36

The Vampires

p36

Meeting Mozart

p6

Laura the Astronaut Explores the Planets

p8

Frankenstein Instruments

p7

Song Play

p7

The Wonderlands

p8

Mimi’s Symphony

p7

Stinky Silly Songs

p8

13 Thu

Gene Kelly the Legacy

p19

African Drumming Circle

p7

Song Play

p7

15 Sat

David Helfgott in Concert

p19

The Wonderlands

p8

Hoang Pham in Concert

p19

17 Mon

This Mirror Has Three Faces

p20

Tenebrae

p5

LUNARIS

p9

18 Tue

Kate Tempest

p21

p10

19 Wed

Yeasayer

p22

Terramusica: Silk & Ink

p20

Holly Herndon William Tyler Goes South

p9

Hiss Golden Messenger

p12

20 Thu

The New Pornographers

p23

Southeast Alaska Odyssey

p9

21 Fri

The New Pornographers

p23

Chi Udaka – Taikoz & Lingalayam Dance Company

p14

Ann O’Aro

p13

Chi Udaka – Taikoz & Lingalayam Dance Company

p14

Torch Songs

p13

Leather Lungs: Son of a Preacher

p13

Critical Exchange

p24

A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy

p24

Beautiful Balkans: Songs About Her

p24

23 Sun

3MBS Beethoven 250 Marathon

p25

24 Mon

Project Ludwig

p26

Top Class Dance

p25

Garrick Ohlsson, piano

p26

Schubert’s Lovestruck Miller Boy

p25

22 Sat

25 Tue

26 Wed

27 Thu

28 Fri

29 Sat

Weyes Blood

p27

Miniature Masterpieces

p28

Italian Guitar

p28

Opus

p28

St David’s Day Welsh Concert

p29

Journey to the Danube Delta

p29

Garrick Ohlsson, piano

p26

3 Tue

11 Wed

Rhiannon Giddens

p37

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

p38

Evergreen Ensemble

p38

Kapsberger & the Secrets of Music

p38

Greta Bradman & Calvin Bowman

p39

Melting Moments

p39

18 Wed

Chaika

p39

19 Thu

A French Connection

p40

20 Fri

Through the Thorns to the Stars

p40

22 Sun

Concert 1

p40

23 Mon

Mozart’s Figaro for Winds

p42

24 Tue

Elisabeth Leonskaja, piano

p41

Mustonen & Brahms

p42

25 Wed

Palinka!

p42

26 Thu

To Bach & Back

p43

Sinofuturists: Alex Wang & Chill Chill

p44

27 Fri

Sinofuturists: Howie Lee & Toem Chen

p44

29 Sun

Debussy’s La Mer

p44

14 Sat

16 Mon

17 Tue

The information in this brochure is correct at time of printing. Artist line-up and program subject to change without notice.

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3 Mon

Wominjeka, Welcome

Inside this issue

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER

p12 I’m delighted to present to you the brilliant music you’ll hear at Melbourne Recital Centre this summer. It’s the start of another year of unforgettable performances at Australia’s best place to hear some of the world’s greatest music-makers.

The Centre is at the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant music scene: a home to Victorian and Australian musicians and a platform for superb artists from around the globe. We welcome over 200,000 people each year to enjoy music in all its diversity. In 2019 we celebrated our 10th Anniversary by commissioning new work, inviting new audiences and showcasing the art of emerging and established stars.

This anniversary year has set the stage for another landmark year in 2020, which includes a significant musical milestone: Beethoven’s 250th Birthday. It’s apt that in March, the superb Freiburg Baroque Orchestra and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout play all of Beethoven’s piano concertos with authority and panache.

You’ll hear much more from Beethoven throughout the year; look for the Beethoven250 icon on events which feature the maestro’s masterpieces.

In January, we welcome families to Music Play, our annual festival for music-loving children (and grown-ups), who can experience a classical voyage through The Planets and an introduction to the orchestra with Justine Clarke. A rich and eclectic summer season continues acclaimed choir Tenebrae, avant-pop trail-blazer Holly Herndon, and the incredible energy of drum ensemble Taikoz. The stars of the music festivals shine in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in February and March, including Yeasayer, Weyes Blood, Patty Griffin and Rhiannon Giddens.

We acknowledge the traditional owners on whose land Melbourne Recital Centre stands – we pay our respects to Melbourne’s First People, to Elders past and present, and to our shared future.

Hiss Golden Messenger’s heartfelt tunes capture the soul of American folk music, highlighting singer-songwriter M.C. Taylor’s mature talent for spinning stories on guitar.

KATE TEMPEST The 10th Season of our critically acclaimed Great Performers series begins with one of the greatest pianists of her generation, Russian legend Elisabeth Leonskaja. She is a performer of supernatural insight and musicality, and this will be a concert to cherish.

We’re delighted to welcome back Australia’s beloved arts companies and ensembles for their 2020 seasons. The Centre continues to be a showcase of Australian excellence – both nationally and locally.

Melbourne Recital Centre is proud to be part of Melbourne Arts Precinct, a dynamic place where audiences and artists meet. As the renewed Southbank Boulevard streetscape is revealed in 2020 and the Precinct continues to develop, the Centre is poised to embrace the next decade and beyond.

The new decade is a great time to try new things.

Why not use your next visit to discover an artist or musical style you haven’t experienced before?

p21 Feel the force of British spoken-word artist, rapper, poet, novelist and playwright Kate Tempest’s incredible gift for language.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

p23 The Canadian indie band that has been swooning you for the last two decades with its blissful harmonies makes its long-awaited Melbourne return.

EUAN MURDOCH CEO, Melbourne Recital Centre

The Centre welcomes everyone, and we have a range of services and facilities to ensure our concerts and events are accessible. See page 20 for more information, visit melbournerecital.com.au/access, call us on 03 9699 3333 or email boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au for advice.

ELISABETH LEONSKAJA

p41 The scintillating virtuosity of great Russian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja comes to the fore in a relevatory recital of Mozart sonatas.

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Staff Picks

Concert & Event Manager Harriet Gregory shares her picks of the performances at the Centre this season.

Deborah Cheetham’s prestigious prize Yorta Yorta woman, soprano, composer, Artistic Director of Short Black Opera and Melbourne Recital Centre Board Director Deborah Cheetham AO was honoured with the Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 at a ceremony on 13 November 2019. The prestigious music award is granted every three years to an outstanding Victorian musician of exceptional musicianship, skill and creativity and is worth $60,000.

The Melbourne Prize caps an amazing year for Deborah Cheetham who has had major works premiered by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, PLEXUS, Rubiks Collective and Syzygy Ensemble, the latter performing the Merlyn Myer Music Commission Song for Dulka Warngiid, inspired by the tapestry that hangs in Melbourne Recital Centre.

Deborah Cheetham has been an important art leader for more than 25 years, recently emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting compositional voices. Ms Cheetham composed Australia’s first Indigenous opera, Pecan Summer, and her opera company Short Black Opera has been a vehicle for the development of a new generation of Indigenous opera singers. Short Black Opera will present Pecan Summer at Melbourne Recital Centre in October 2020 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of its premiere.

Deborah Cheetham was appointed to the Melbourne Recital Centre Board of Directors in October 2019. She is the first Indigenous person to sit on the Centre’s Board.

A 360° tour of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall You can explore Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in a new way with a virtual model of this exquisite space created by engineering firm ARUP (who also provided acoustic engineering for the Centre’s design). Using state of the art technology, ARUP took high resolution scans of the Hall, stitching them together into an immersive virtual tour.

Get up close to the hoop pine timber panels, imagine you’re on stage and discover the features that make the Hall one of the finest performance spaces in the world.

Begin your tour at melbournerecital.com.au/ARUP360

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Holly Herndon This woman is new music! Turning the computer lab into her sound lab, Holly’s experiments with technology and A.I. are nothing short of evolutionary.

Tue 21 January | More on page 10

Moon Duo Psychedelic rock meets funk and disco grooves inspired by outer space. As if that wasn’t enough, extraordinary live light projections (The Lightship) take everything to the next level.

Tue 11 February | More on page 17

Tenebrae The voices of English choir Tenebrae are a perfect match for the world-class acoustics of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

For the classical music lovers out there, this is pure listening pleasure.

Mon 20 January | More on page 5

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

JANUARY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE PRESENTS

Great Gr reat Chamber Ensembles

Tenebrae

STAFF PICK

‘This is a definitive modern Victoria Requiem, performed by a choir who relish its musical and expressive challenges.’

CLASSIC FM

Spanish Glories of the Sixteenth Century Described as ‘phenomenal’ (The Times) and ‘devastatingly beautiful’ (Gramophone), the award-winning Tenebrae, under the direction of Nigel Short, is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles renowned for its passion and precision. Tenebrae performs its awardwinning interpretation of Tomás Luis de Victoria’s Requiem Mass of 1605. This luminous masterpiece has a timeless resonance that inspires listeners across four centuries.

Victoria called upon all his imaginative resources and the new power of polyphony that swept across Europe to create one of the greatest works of the Renaissance. Tenebrae also performs a selection from Victoria’s Tenebrae Responsories and Lamentations for Holy Saturday, with the captivating ‘Versa est in luctum’ by his contemporary Alonso Lobo. These voices from the golden age of Spanish art speak to us with their humanity and beauty to this day.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INF O R M AT I O N

Mon 20 January 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (100-mins incl. interval) Lobo ‘Versa est in luctum’ Victoria Tenebrae Responsories and Lamentations from Holy Saturday (selections) Victoria Requiem Mass Tenebrae (U.K.) Tickets from $64 ($56 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by Uniting AgeWell

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JANUARY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE PRESENTS

Family Festival 16-18 January 2020

Beethoven Big Sing

Meeting Mozart

Join Karen Kyriakou for a fun and inspiring community sing-along extravaganza. Just bring your voice along for a fun-filled morning of vocal games, songs and the music of the great German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Singing is one of the best ways we can express the music inside us – no experience is necessary!

Watch with delight as renowned Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi steps into character as musical wunderkind Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Join Mozart, his wife and muse, Constanze, and a string quintet for an introduction to Mozart’s best known and loved classical music while meeting the instruments of the ensemble along the way.

INF O R M AT I O N

INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 16 January 10.30am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (45-mins no interval)

Fri 17 January 10.30am & 12.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (50-mins no interval)

Karen Kyriakou Tickets $10 – suitable for ages 3-8

Simon Tedeschi piano (Mozart) Emily Taylor actor (Mrs Mozart) Tickets $29 – suitable for ages 2-8

Save 25%

When you purchase four or more tickets to either Beethoven Big Sing, Meeting Mozart or Mimi’s Symphony.

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‘It’s classical music for kids – specifically an introduction to Mozart.’

THE CANBERRA TIMES

Babes in Arms ticketing applies to all Music Play events except Song Play. See page 45 for details.

For a complete list of performances, workshops and free foyer activities visit melbournerecital.com.au/musicplay2020

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

JANUARY

A festival for kids and families to discover music, play an instrument and make some noise with big and mini concerts, workshops and loads of free foyer fun.

Song Play Kids uncover the world of music with singing, percussion instruments, dancing, listening activities and games while exploring a special theme.

INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 16, Fri 17 & Sat 18 January 9am, 10am & 11am The Nest (30-mins no interval) Clare Zabrowarny Tickets $10 – suitable for ages 0-2 & 2-4

Rapping with Defron Learn how to rap with rapper and writer Defron, in this fun, hands on workshop. No experience is required, as kids are guided through simple, easy-to-follow exercises.

INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 16 January 9.30am, 10.45am & 12.15pm Imagination Station (45-mins no interval) Defron Tickets $19 – suitable for ages 5-10

Frankenstein Instruments

Mimi’s Symphony An introduction to the orchestra with Justine Clarke Join writer and narrator Justine Clarke and composer and conductor George Ellis for a journey with Mimi the magpie. She’ll encounter different animals, learn how to survive in the suburbs and bring everyone together in the park. Through this lively story, you will meet the sections of the orchestra as they unite in a joyous symphony!

INF O R M AT I O N

Sat 18 January 10.30am & 12.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (50-mins no interval) Justine Clarke narrator George Ellis conductor Tickets $29 – suitable for ages 4-8

Help to design and build a new instrument using recycled junk and everyday objects. This fun workshop will show you how to create music in unexpected ways.

INF O R M AT I O N

Fri 17 January 9.30am, 10,45am & 12.15pm Imagination Station (45-mins no interval) Ad Lib Collective Tickets $19 – suitable for ages 4-8

African Drumming Circle Join a dynamic percussion orchestra in this interactive African drumming workshop that will take your excitement to the next level. After all, who can walk past a drum without hitting it?

INF O R M AT I O N

Music Play Family Festival is supported by The Betty Amsden Kids & Families Program and features the Betty Amsden Commission.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Sat 18 January 9.30am, 10.45am & 12.15pm Imagination Station (45-mins no interval) African Beats Tickets $19 – suitable for ages 5-8

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JANUARY

Family Festival 16-18 January 2020

A Day in the Life of You

Laura the Astronaut Explores the Planets

Yella is little with big energy. Blueno is equal parts grumpy and silly. Reddy has a secret past. Come and visit the Musical Sprouts in their garden and help them coax Yella through the challenges of growing up. Full of themes of independence and belonging, this show has delightful characters, catchy songs, live instruments and dance.

Blast off with Laura and her spaceship that unfortunately flies into a black hole, leaving her unable to tell where she is. Follow along as she meets the characters of Holst’s The Planets: Mars the bringer of war, Mercury the winged messenger and Jupiter the bringer of Jollity.

Complete with animations and the opportunity to craft your own planet.

INF O R M AT I O N

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Thu 16 January 9.30am, 11.30am & 1pm Primrose Potter Salon (50-mins no interval)

Fri 17 January 9.30am, 11.30am & 1pm Primrose Potter Salon (45-mins no interval) Holst The Planets Johannes Luebbers Preludes

Musical Sprouts Tickets $19 – suitable for ages 2-6

Inventi Ensemble Tickets $19 – suitable for ages 8-12

Stinky Silly Songs ‘Multi-generational humour for all ... this show is a must see!’

GLAM ADELAIDE He’s the Willy Wonka of Weird! He’s the Peter Pan of Putrid! He’s Mr Snotbottom! A hilariously deesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the ooey, gooey, slimy, yucky things kids love!

Nominated for Best Children’s Event at the Perth Fringe Festival, this rollercoaster of weirdness will have your whole family howling with delight!

INF O R M AT I O N

Sat 18 January 9.30am, 11.30am & 1pm Primrose Potter Salon (50-mins no interval) Mr Snotbottom Tickets $19 – suitable for ages 5-12

The Wonderlands Designed for big and small music-makers and curious listeners, The Wonderlands is like a musical treasure hunt that every visitor to Music Play can take part of.

Wander the Centre and look out for the bells. You may discover them hanging from the ceiling, displayed in the open or hidden in a secret cupboard. Every bell is unique with its own magical sound to share.

INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 16, Fri 17 & Sat 18 January from 9am Melbourne Recital Centre FREE Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in partnership with Federation Handbells Commissioned with the support of the Betty Amsden Sub-Fund.

Babes in Arms ticketing applies to all Music Play events except Song Play. See page 45 for details.

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Plus,

FREE

foyer activities and performances including Open Stage, harpist Michael Johnson, photo booth and face painting.

For a complete list of performances, workshops and free foyer activities visit mmelbournerecital.com.au/musicplay2020

Music Play Family Festival is supported by The Betty Amsden Kids & Families Program and features the Betty Amsden Commission.

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

Experience a day of joyous concerts celebrating a week of music-making in the Melbourne Youth Orchestras’ annual Summer School. The Summer School brings together over 700 young musicians from across Victoria to take part in an inspirational week of educational music activities, culminating in these four concerts.

INF O R M AT I O N

Sat 11 January 10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – see website for duration & interval details Ensembles and orchestras from Melbourne Youth Orchestras’ Summer School.

Tickets from $27 ($22 conc) Presented by Melbourne Youth Orchestras

LUNARIS The moon has been captivating mankind for centuries. This concert sees Anna Stegmann and Catalan violinist Jorge Jimenéz explore its mythical phases in four distinct sets.

With various recorders, vielle and Baroque violin, they take you on a journey in which early Mediaeval music effortlessly blends with compositions from the last decades.

INF O R M AT I O N

Mon 20 January 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Tarquinio Merula, Biber, Bach, Ysaÿe, Berio and Bartók.

Anna Stegmann recorder Jorge Jiménez vielle/Baroque violin Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

William Tyler Goes South

Southeast Alaska Odyssey

Tennessee-born guitarist, songwriter and producer William Tyler has reinvented the sound of country music. Tyler’s solo efforts pull from a variety of styles, from sparse American primitive guitar to pastoral country-driven rock and folk. Here he showcases his immense talent and showmanship as one of Nashville’s great electric guitarists.

Explore the curiosities of one of America’s treasured and pristine wilderness escapes with Alaska String Band. A gifted family of multi-instrumentalists, the artists swap instruments, playing everything from violin to banjo, while layering their signature vocal harmonies. Their heartfelt renditions of American roots favourites conjure the spirit of Alaska.

JANUARY

Melbourne Youth Orchestra 2020 Summer School: In Concert

INF O R M AT I O N

Tue 21 January 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) William Tyler guitar (U.S.A.) Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Spacegirl Presents

INF O R M AT I O N

Wed 22 January 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Alaska String Band Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

1 Melbourne Youth Orchestras 2 Anna Stegmann & Jorge Jiménez 3 William Tyler 4 Alaska String Band

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Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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JANUARY

‘Pushing the boundaries of electronic music’s potential.’

MORNING STAR (U.K.)

STAFF PICK

Holly Herndon Holly Herndon operates at the nexus of technological evolution and musical catharsis.

On her third full-length album PROTO (4AD / Remote Control), the performer and composer fronts and conducts an electronic pop choir comprised of both human and A.I. voices over a musical palette that encompasses everything from synths to Sacred Harp stylings.

Born in the mountains of East Tennessee, she’s gone from singing in church to performing in the clubs of Berlin to being hailed by CNN for ‘shaping the future of A.I.’ as a bona fide musical pioneer. Holly’s trailblazing career has seen her utilise the laptop as ‘the most intimate instrument’, cultivating live voice processing systems and developing custom vocal patches

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to construct experimental pieces performed in real-time. She put those pieces into play on the likes of ‘Breathe’ and ‘Dilato’ from her full-length debut, Movement. Holly’s Centre debut is an intimate chance to hear the innovative artist as she steps into the next phase of her unique career.

INF O R M AT I O N

Tue 21 January 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Holly Herndon (U.S.A.) Tickets from $45 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Mistletone

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

JANUARY

Beethoven’s Piano Concertos heard as he imagined them?

Musicians everywhere are getting ready to celebrate, and even providing trailers … like this one. 2020 is a big anniversary for Beethoven: 250 years since he was born.

The comic strip Peanuts featured a precocious piano-playing Beethoven worshipper called Schroeder, and for years, in the 1950s, Peanuts counted down the days until Beethoven’s birthday (16 December). Cartoonist Charles P. Schultz could assume most people would know of Beethoven and his lofty musical standing. Many places will mark the birthday by playing all his works in a genre – the nine symphonies or the 32 piano sonatas (‘I’m trying to learn to play all of them’, Schroeder told Lucy). In the absence of an orchestra, Schroeder didn’t, as I recall, attempt the five piano concertos on his toy piano. But he would have leapt at the opportunity. This is great music, where Beethoven richly displays his virtuosity as pianist and composer for piano and orchestra.

All five concertos will be played in 2020 as Melbourne Recital Centre’s Signature Event. Not on a toy piano – but not on a modern concert grand, either. The orchestra gives the clue. If you put ‘Baroque’ in your name, these days, you imply original instruments and historically informed performance; in both Freiburg Baroque have been admired leaders for many years.

But Beethoven? When I heard Kristian Bezuidenhout in concert this year, it was in Leipzig, at the Bach Festival, where he was Artistin-Residence. He played Bach, on the appropriate instrument, harpsichord. Freiburg Baroque were there, too (he is their artistic director). But Kristian Bezuidenhout is better-known as one of the leading players of the fortepiano. And that could be the right instrument for Beethoven, for the concertos, provided the orchestra is playing the right instruments too, and the venue isn’t too big.

The time has well and truly come for Beethoven on period instruments. Paul Badura-Skoda, who died in Vienna earlier this year aged 90, pioneered playing Beethoven on period pianos.

Early in the 1970s he recorded the Fourth Concerto on a Viennese piano such as its composer played. It was exciting to hear effects

Beethoven wanted, such as the distinction in pedaling between ‘one string’, and ‘two strings’.

You can’t do that on a Steinway …

Playing all five concertos in numerical sequence, the concerts will demonstrate how Beethoven’s pianos grew in range of notes, and also in projection and richness of sound: an orchestra playing on instruments of the period needn’t hold back, as a modern orchestra must, and a player on a modern piano. This evolution climaxes in the fifth concerto, where the dueling of soloist and orchestra soon earned the sobriquet ‘the Emperor of piano concertos’.

In Leipzig I had an inkling that Kristian Bezuidenhout had something to do with Australia. Sure enough, although he is South African by birth, he grew up on Australia’s Gold Coast, where he started to learn the piano. ‘I recall Australia as being truly remarkable at that time for the richness and seriousness of its classical music education’. Thanks for the reminder, Kristian!

And Freiburg Baroque? Years ago one of its founding musicians, touring Australia with another ensemble, told us ‘you should invite them. They’re really good!’ Beethoven’s birthday is pretext for a great collaboration, in his honour, and for our instruction and pleasure.

Melbourne Recital Centre presents its Signature Event of 2020, Freiburg Baroque Orchestra and Kristian Bezuidenhout performing The Complete Beethoven Piano Concertos over two outstanding evenings on Tue 10 and Wed 11 March.

See page 34 for further details.

David Garrett is an Australian writer, historian, music programmer and broadcaster.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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JANUARY

Hiss Golden Messenger Hiss Golden Messenger continues to be an evolving vehicle for singer-songwriter M.C. Taylor.

In the beginning, its songs featured only Taylor’s voice and guitar recorded to a cheap cassette recorder. That same intimate connection and genuine spirit can be felt in recent albums where horns, strings and choirs build on Taylor’s folkinspired sound-world. With heartfelt lyrics about love and loneliness, struggle and determination, mature songs express the gap between what we’ve always known but never said.

Revealing Taylor’s masterful knowledge and fondness for the American music catalogue, all 11 studio albums, including the new release Terms of Surrender are inescapably beautiful and ceaselessly intriguing. Recalling a wide spectrum of American vernacular music – from Archie Brownlee to the Staple Singers to Van Morrison and Townes Van Zandt – this performance promises to enthral Melbourne’s lovers of indie folk-rock.

INF O R M AT I O N

Wed 22 January 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Hiss Golden Messenger (U.S.A.) With support from Erin Rae Tickets from $55 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Love Police Touring

‘The most richly rewarding music to arrive recently.’

HUFFPOST

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JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

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JANUARY

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Ann O’Aro

Torch Songs

Singer, poet and dancer Ann O’Aro makes music that draws on the maloya traditions of her tropical island home of Réunion. A mixture of rock, reggae, jazz poetry and slam, maloya now accompanies every social, political and cultural event on the island. Evocative, powerful and full of strong themes, it reveals life in all its brightness and shade.

Jazz singer, cabaret artiste and gender transcendent diva Mama Alto beguiles you with sumptuous and exquisite torch songs.

Returning for Midsumma Festival, these evocative interpretations of jazz standards from the American Songbook reverberate in the mind and awaken the heart, showcasing Mama Alto’s luscious voice and presence.

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Thu 23 January 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval)

Fri 24 January 6pm & 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval)

Ann O’Aro Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Mama Alto vocals William Elm piano Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, Mama Alto & Midsumma Festival

Leather Lungs: Son of a Preacher Leather Lungs is the fierce, frisky and fabulous alter ego of award winning triplethreat entertainer, Jason Chasland. Featuring powerhouse party anthems by The Weather Girls, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, staged in all manner of sequins, pleather and shiny costumes, Leather Lungs fuses good oldfashioned fun with the romp of vaudeville.

INF O R M AT I O N

Fri 31 January 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Leather Lungs Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, Ben Anderson & Midsumma Festival

1 Ann O’Aro 2 Mama Alto 3 Leather Lungs

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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JANUARY

Chi Udaka

Taikoz & Lingalayam Dance Company Chi Udaka is an inspirational fusion of taiko drumming and Indian dance. Inspired by the forces of nature, this celebratory show as part of Asia TOPA 2020 is a meeting of the deep earthiness of taiko (Chi – earth) and the flowing sensuality of dance (Udaka – water).

At turns delicate and dramatic, it unites the powerful music of Taikoz with the intricate classical Indian dance movements of Lingalayam, creating a kaleidoscope of aural-visual energy. A dynamic, cross-cultural partnership, the vocabulary of both companies is steeped in history and tradition, and they now come together to break ground in an explosive feast for the senses. Taikoz has set itself apart as a phenomenon in the world of performance, renowned internationally for performances that couple explosive energy and extreme dynamism with refinement and grace. Chi Udaka is no exception.

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INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 23 & Fri 24 January 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (75-mins no interval) Anandavalli voice Riley Lee shakuhachi Aruna Parthiban voice John Napier cello Taikoz Lingalayam Dance Company Tickets from $65 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Taikoz & Lingalayam for AsiaTOPA

‘A joyful celebration.’

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

‘Chi Udaka is an experience, an emotion. How can you explain it when varied cultures hold a conversation so sublime, so intense that the lines blur and they become a seamless whole?’

METROPLUS (INDIA)

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

FEBRUARY

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LOCAL HEROES

Free Music in the Salon Come along to a wonderful hour of free music with Melbourne’s finest ensembles. Happening once a month in the exquisite surrounds of Primrose Potter Salon, it’s an open door policy for you to see the artists try out new pieces, new programs and new ideas. A rare oppportunity to gain an insight into an ensemble’s inner workings.

INF O R M AT I O N

Mon 3 February 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) FREE Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Love & Languish

The Virgin’s Muse

Be transported to 17th-century England, through the lesser known vocal works of British luminaries Henry Purcell, Nicholas Lanier and John Blow.

Exploring universal sentiments of love and languish, this intimate performance by Ensemble Ancien is attractive to all lovers of music.

Renowned early music specialists Laura Vaughan and Danny Yeadon explore Shakespeare’s England, France in the heyday of Louis XIV and the Dutch Golden Age. Experience works for two lyra viols by Tobias Hume and Thomas Ford, the mysterious Monsieur de St Colombe and charming sonatas by Johannes Schenck and Christoph Schaffrath.

INF O R M AT I O N

Tue 4 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Purcell, Lanier and Blow.

Ensemble Ancien Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ensemble Ancien

1 Ensemble Ancien 2 Laura Vaughan & Danny Yeadon

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INF O R M AT I O N

Wed 5 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Schenck Sonata III from Le nymphe di Rheno, Op.8 Sainte-Colombe Concert III, ‘Le Tendre’ Hume The Virgin’s Muse Sainte-Colombe Concert XLIV, ‘Tombeau Les Regrets’ Schaffrath Duetto in D minor Ford A Pill to Purge Melancholie, Whipit and Tripit, Why Not Here, Cate of Bardi Laura Vaughan viola da gamba Danny Yeadon viola da gamba Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Laura Vaughan & Danny Yeadon

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FEBRUARY

Omega Ensemble

Bartók in Contrast

Origins

Clarinettist and artistic director David Rowden leads chamber music all-stars Omega Ensemble in an exhilarating program of 20th-century works. From the Hungarian hillside to Soviet squares and the circus of Paris, this concert covers the full gamut of colour and emotion prized in music for clarinet.

The remarkable improvisations of Melbourne jazz saxophonist Richard Pavlidis are the centrepiece of his original music. Joined by his band for his latest show, Origins, Pavlidis explores the nature of loneliness. His tenor saxophone traces a human lifetime, navigating a solo path from childhood to adulthood.

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Thu 6 February 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (90-mins no interval) Poulenc Sonata for clarinet & piano Khachaturian Trio for clarinet, violin & piano Shostakovich Violin Sonata in G Bartók Contrasts for clarinet, violin & piano

Fri 7 February 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval)

Omega Ensemble Tickets $60 ($55 conc) Presented by Omega Ensemble

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Richard Pavlidis saxophone Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Richard Pavlidis

Natalya Plays: Studio Ghibli – Chopin Style Celebrate the iconic music of Studio Ghibli performed in the style of Chopin by Australia’s quirkiest pop culture pianist, Natalya Aynsley.

Exciting arrangements that distill the essence of Chopin, and cleverly infuse the melancholic themes from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and more, result in a truly unique musical experience.

INF O R M AT I O N

Sat 8 February 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours incl. interval) Music from Studio Ghibli films.

Natalya Aynsley piano Tickets $64.50 ($54.50 conc) Presented by Natalya Plays Piano

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

‘Akin to being awake in a dream.’

THE LINE OF BEST FIT

The follow up to 2017’s transcendental Occult Architecture, new release Stars Are the Light is the Portland-based band’s luminous seventh album.

Taking disco as its groove-oriented departure point, the new tracks shimmer with elements of ’70s funk and ’90s rave music. Johnson’s signature guitar sound is at its most languid and refined, while Yamada’s synth and vocals are mesmerising. Johnson and Yamada are accompanied by The Lightship – a visionary light play of live visuals, curated by Manchester-based visual projection artist Emmanuel Biard.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INF O R M AT I O N

FEBRUARY

Moon Duo

With its dreamy cosmic soundscapes and blissfully down-to-earth outlook, psychedelic rock band Moon Duo (aka Sanae Yamada and Wooden Shjips’s Erik ‘Ripley’ Johnson) is uniquely capable of pushing into new territories while making its listeners feel all at home.

Tue 11 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Moon Duo Tickets from $45 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Mistletone

STAFF PICK

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FEBRUARY

LOCAL HEROES

Golden What do Salvador Dalí, Leonardo da Vinci and Béla Bartók have in common? They all used the ‘golden ratio’, a special number that appears in the most beautiful works of art and music, including Bartók’s visceral String Quartet No.4. This golden composition is just one highlight in a shining hour of chamber music with Penny Quartet.

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Mon 10 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Julia Potter new work (world premiere) George Butterworth Love Blows as the Wind Blows Bartók String Quartet No.4 Georgie Darvidis vocals Penny Quartet Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Penny Quartet

Deva Premal & Miten with Manose Go on a magical journey into mantra, song, celebration and meditation with world renowned chant artists Deva Premal & Miten with Manose and their Temple Band. Their mix of the healing power of mantras from the East and heartfelt songs of awakening creates a space to come home to the deep peace of our inner spirituality.

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Wed 12 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Three hours incl. interval) Deva Premal & Miten Manose Temple Band Tickets from $70.05 Presented by One Entertainment

Blondie, situated next to Melbourne Recital Centre, offers an exciting menu inspired by Asian cuisine and provides an interesting mix of Australian and European wines, craft beer and cocktails.

To get you through the week they have a Monday to Friday Happy Hour from 3-6pm, and their resident jazz band – made up of talented students from the Victorian College of the Arts – plays every Friday from 5pm.

Bookings for pre-concert dining are strongly recommended, phone 03 9686 3389.

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JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

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Gene Kelly the Legacy Gene Kelly’s wife and biographer Patricia Kelly shares intimate and moving moments with Gene through never-before-seen movie clips, never released audio and unforgettable memorabilia.

Gene Kelly created some of the most iconic scenes in film history. Don’t miss this behind-thescenes look into his extraordinary life, including the chance to meet Patricia Kelly after the show.

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Thu 13 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins no interval) Patricia Kelly Tickets from $99 ($89 conc) Presented by Luca Entertainment Productions & Tim Woods Entertainment

David Helfgott in Concert

Hoang Pham in Concert

Genius and maestro are amongst the many accolades David Helfgott has received for his performances around the globe. Quite simply, Helfgott at the piano is an experience like no other. This special one-off concert features solo works and Helfgott’s signature ‘Rach 3’ accompanied by Hoang Pham on second piano.

Melbourne pianist Hoang Pham continues, year after year, to perform music that is at the heart of the piano repertoire, to his adoring fans. In this piano recital Chopin’s melodic invention, warm sentiment and poetry complement masterworks

by Beethoven and Fauré.

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Sat 15 February 2pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (75-mins no interval) Lecuona Malagueña Gottschalk Souvenirs d’Andalousie Liszt Concert etude No.3, S.144, ‘Un sospiro’ Chopin Polonaise A-flat, Op.53, Heroic Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, Op.30

Sat 15 February 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (75-mins no interval) Chopin Scherzo in C-sharp minor Op.39 Beethoven Sonata in E, Op.109 Fauré Nocturne No.6 in D-Flat, Op.63 Chopin Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op.58 Hoang Pham piano Tickets $68 ($61.20 conc) Presented by Hoang Pham Productions

David Helfgott piano Hoang Pham piano Tickets $68 ($61.20 conc) Presented by Hoang Pham Productions

1 Patricia Kelly 2 David Helfgott 3 Hoang Pham

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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FEBRUARY

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FEBRUARY

LOCAL HEROES

This Mirror Has Three Faces

Terramusica: Silk & Ink

Strelitzia Ensemble has been widely praised for its innovative and eclectic programming. Here, the Ensemble performs two contrasting yet perfectly complementary piano trios by Robert Schumann and Lera Auerbach.

Connected by their gifts in both music and writing, this is music that brims with metaphor and layered meanings.

The expressive and evocative music of the koto ( Japanese zither) meets the beautiful and elegant world of Sumi-e ( Japanese ink painting). Brandon Lee Koto Ensemble performs a thrilling range of works, from the traditional to the avant garde. These beautiful works are intrepreted live through the ink paintings of artist Junko Azukawa.

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Mon 17 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Schumann Piano Trio No.3 in G minor, Op.110 Lera Auerbach Piano Trio No.2, Triptych – This Mirror has Three Faces

Wed 19 February 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval)

Strelitzia Piano Trio Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Strelitzia Piano Trio

Brandon Lee Koto Ensemble Junko Azukawa Sumi-e ( Japanese ink painting) Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Multicultural Arts Victoria

Accessibility The Centre is committed to universal access offering a range of services and facilities to ensure our concerts and events are accessible for everyone.

Lifts, Escalators & Stairs – Lift access is available to all levels of the building and the escalator on the Ground Floor Foyer travels to Level 1.

Wheelchair & Mobility Access – Seating for wheelchair and mobility aid users is available in all performance spaces.

Accessible Toilets – Accessible toilets are located on all foyer levels and backstage areas.

Signage – For visitors who are blind or low vision, key service signs throughout the Centre are displayed in Braille.

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Hearing Assistance – Visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing can use the Centre’s hearing loop. Switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position to access the service, or request a receiver and headphones from the Front of House team.

Assistance Animals – The Centre welcomes all visitors with assistance animals (such as Guide Dogs) certified by a registered authority.

Communication Boards & Picture Cards – If you need help with asking questions at the Box Office or Bar, there is a communication board for your use. Our Ushers carry small Picture Cards to aid communication.

Companion Cards – The Centre accepts the Companion Card for all visitors with a disability who require a companion at Melbourne Recital Centre events.

Parking – Accessible car spaces are available throughout Southbank, including at the Arts Centre Melbourne Car Park and on Dodds Street opposite the Southbank Theatre.

Additional information and a range of audible and print resources for visitors with access requirements can be found on our website, including our Welcome to the Centre Guide, Social Script, Communication and Picture Boards and Large Print Venue Maps. Learn more at melbournerecital.com.au/access If you have any questions about access please call 03 9699 3333 during business hours or email boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

FEBRUARY

Critically acclaimed British spoken-word artist, rapper, poet, novelist and playwright Kate Tempest has shown dazzling command as an artist, expressing depth and compassion beyond her years.

Since her emergence in 2011, the London-born artist has redefined what it means to be a wordsmith in the modern age. In addition to her albums, she has published three poetry collections, one book-length poem, a novel and staged three plays. Along the way, she’s entranced audiences on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, been showcased on NPR’s Tiny Desk and garnered widespread critical acclaim from the likes of everyone from Forbes to The New York Times.

Returning to woo Melbourne audiences off the back of her third studio album, The Book of Traps & Lessons, she dials into the next phase of an already impressive and wide-ranging career, reaffirming her reputation as ‘an essential narrator for our time.’ The Telegraph (U.K.) INF O R M AT I O N

Tue 18 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Kate Tempest (U.K.) Tickets from $59 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Handsome Tours

Kate Tempest ‘This isn’t a gig, it’s a reckoning.’

THE GUARDIAN (U.K.)

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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FEBRUARY

Yeasayer

‘Sheer experiential pleasure.’

American experimental rock band Yeasayer captures what it’s like to be alive in the world today with wide-eyed clarity.

Led by singer-songwriters and multiinstrumentalists Chris Keating, Anand Wilder and bassist Ira Wolf Tuton, its songs veer from the intensely personal and romantic to the fervently political, challenging its audience and making them think. New release Erotic Reruns stands out as one of the band’s best albums to date due to its singular vision. Light years removed from the band’s 2007 opening volley,

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All Hour Cymbals, it distils a decade of twisted, paranoid pop into the Brooklyn band’s most direct, cut-to-the-bone release yet. Yeasayer balance a sardonic and chilling reaction to dark times with moments of warmth and selfreflection. With five full-length albums under its belt, the N.Y.C. trio continues to surprise musically with songs designed perfectly for electronic live sets. You won’t want to miss this highly anticipated Melbourne performance.

PASTE INF O R M AT I O N

Wed 19 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Yeasayer (U.S.A.) Tickets from $59 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Destroy All Lines

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

FEBRUARY

The New Pornographers Long-shining indie stars The New Pornographers return to Melbourne for the first time in 10 years.

For the last two decades, The New Pornographers have been delivering infectious hooks, sweet harmonies and a pile of power-pop riffs every time they take the stage. The critically acclaimed supergroup – A.C. Newman, Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey, Blaine Thurier, John Collins, Joe Seiders and Simi Stone – takes to the stage off the back of its brand-new release, In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights. The eighth album is more of what The New Pornographers do best: ‘pure, blissfully irresistible power-pop.’ (NPR Music)

The Canadian eight-piece, one of the few bands to employ multiple lead vocalists (a province usually left to outfits like The Beatles), are remarkably intact given the status and commitments of their members. While lyrically reflecting the political and climatic unease of the times there’s still those sugar rush choruses, delicious bass lines and sheer upbeat glee.

Who could imagine bliss and unease could so easily cohabitate? An unmissable gig by this great pop collective.

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Thu 20 & Fri 21 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) The New Pornographers (Canada) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Supersonic Enterprises

‘The New Pornographers are stronger than ever.’

PASTE MAGAZINE

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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LOCAL HEROES

Critical Exchange A soaring voice in the Australian jazz scene, Lillian Albazi is lauded for her natural charm and versatile vocals. Joined by Shaun Rammers (saxophone) and Oscar Neyland (double bass), the coveted young artist and her band explores the dynamic interplay between individuality and unity while celebrating iconic songs – from ‘the father of bossa nova’ Antônio Carlos Jobim to the prolific Nat King Cole.

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Fri 21 February 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Lillian Albazi Trio Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Lillian Albazi Trio

1 Lillian Albazi 2 Anja & Zlatna 3 The New World Players

Beautiful Balkans: Songs About Her Anja & Zlatna invites you to an exciting insight into the Balkans’ unending romantic love for women. These are those ladies who can be seen at weddings, sharing sorrows and joys of love or even working on the fields. Leitmotifs of love, yearning and friendship bring together a diversity of traditions – transporting you to this beautiful region.

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Sat 22 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Traditional music from the Balkans.

Anja & Zlatna Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Anja & Zlatna

A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy Experience the beauty and power of music from Final Fantasy performed by the incredible New World Players chamber ensemble – featuring fabulous piano soloist Benyamin Nuss – under the direction of conductor Eric Roth.

Favourite scenes, battles and characters from the series spring to life in this hugely popular musical event.

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Sat 22 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Music from Final Fantasy.

Benyamin Nuss piano Eric Roth conductor The New World Players Tickets from $50 Presented by AWR Music Productions, LLC

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JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

FEBRUARY

Doug Kelly

Stewart Kelly

LOCAL HEROES

3MBS Beethoven 250 Marathon 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne joins the world in celebrating the 250th birthday of classical music’s most adored and larger-than-life composer Ludwig van Beethoven, by bringing some of Australia’s best fine music performers for an all-day event featuring multiple performances.

Expect to hear favourites as well as seldomperformed treasures.

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Sun 23 February from 9.45am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Music by Beethoven.

Single tickets from $34 ($25 conc) – see website for session times and further details.

Presented by 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne

Top Class Dance A mesmerising concert representing young dancers from across Victoria, Top Class Dance showcases a wide range of genres of dance from jazz, tap and ballet to funk, hip hop and cultural styles. A rare insight into the approaches and abilities of our State’s top performing dance students.

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Mon 24 February 10am & 2pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (90-mins no interval) Top performing VCE and VCE VET Dance students.

Tickets $17.50 ($15.50 conc) Presented by Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Schubert’s Lovestruck Miller Boy An emotional tour de force, Die Schöne Müllerin is an unmissable concert experience, exploring love, life and death. Pianist Stewart Kelly pairs with tenor Doug Kelly for this rare performance of the full cycle. Stewart and Doug were the major prize winners at the 2019 Liederfest and are acclaimed for their performances of lieder and art song.

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Tue 25 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (70-mins no interval) Schubert Die schöne Müllerin, D.795 Doug Kelly tenor Stewart Kelly piano Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Stewart Kelly & Friends

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FEBRUARY

Project Ludwig Come on an interactive journey through Beethoven’s six Op.18 String Quartets where you decide the program! Dive headfirst into Beethoven’s sound-world in this special chooseyour-own-adventure style event, performed live by the Australian String Quartet in collaboration with experience design studio Sandpit.

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Mon 24 February 6.30pm Primrose Potter Salon (70-mins no interval) Selected movements from Beethoven’s Op.18 String Quartets.

Australian String Quartet Sandpit experience design Tickets $55 ($45 conc) Presented by Australian String Quartet

Australian String Quartet

Garrick Ohlsson A man, a piano, and you. Garrick Ohlsson is a master of the intimate art of the solo recital.

His commanding presence – very tall, and with one of the largest handspans of any pianist – is at odds with the delicacy and finesse for which he’s famous. If you want to hear good music beautifully performed, this is an ideal opportunity.

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Tue 25 & Sat 29 February 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Program 1 – 25 February Beethoven Piano Sonata No.11 in B-flat, Op.22 Prokofiev Piano Sonata No.6 in A, Op.82 Chopin Impromptu No.2 in F-sharp, Op.36 Chopin Etudes, Op.25 nos 5-10 Chopin Berceuse, Op.57 Chopin Scherzo in C-sharp minor, Op.39 Program 2 – 29 February Brahms Two Rhapsodies, Op.79 Brahms Seven Fantasias, Op.116 Brahms Variations on a theme of Paganini, Op.35, bk 2 Chopin Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op.9, No.1 Chopin Piano Sonata No.3 in B-flat minor, Op.58 Garrick Ohlsson piano (U.S.A.) Tickets from $67 ($58 conc) Presented by Musica Viva 26

Garrick Ohlsson

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

‘A set somewhere between alien and angel, an ornate, cosmic tangle of Laurel Canyon wistfulness and her rich, velvety voice.’

ACL LIVE

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

After signing a worldwide record deal with Sub Pop, Natalie Mering (aka Weyes Blood) disappeared from the road to write and record her next album.

The result, Titanic Rising, is Weyes Blood’s most stunning achievement to date and has received sweeping critical acclaim. The live show is also spectacular, currently stunning crowds all over North America and Europe. Playing sold out venues in both continents, Weyes Blood has elevated her live show since her last trip to Australia and will be bringing her full five-piece band. Adorned in a tailored white suit, Weyes Blood is eager to return to the southern hemisphere.

INF O R M AT I O N

Wed 26 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30 mins incl. interval) Weyes Blood (U.S.A.) Tickets from $55 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Mistletone

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FEBRUARY

Weyes Blood

It’s been three years since Weyes Blood stepped foot in Australia, and a lot has changed.

FEBRUARY

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Miniature Masterpieces Award-winning Lithuanian pianist Gintaute Gataveckaite gives you a closer look at one of the most celebrated miniature forms of the piano repertoire, the prelude. Featured in this recital of miniature masterpieces is the Australian premiere of the Druskininkai Preludes by Čiurlionis coupled with Chopin’s set of 24 Preludes.

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Wed 26 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Čiurlionis Druskininkai Preludes (Australian premiere) Chopin 24 Preludes, Op.28 Gintaute Gataveckaite piano Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Gintaute Gataveckaite

LOCAL HEROES

Opus

Italian Guitar

Arcadia Winds explores ground-breaking music for wind quintet. Carl Nielsen’s masterpiece anchors a program studded with gems like Luciano Berio’s Opus Number Zoo with its playful portraits of animals and the innovative Architectonics by Erkki-Sven Tüür.

Completing this stunning tour is a new work from Gerard Brophy.

Ah, Italy – and Italian music! Join Melbourne Chamber Orchestra for a passionate and sunny musical adventure. There’s the Venetian brio of Vivaldi and the drama and virtuosity of Verdi.

Elevated by Principal Cellist Michael Dahlenburg and special guest guitarist Slava Grigoryan, these stunning Italian works give an exhilarating welcome to the Orchestra’s 2020 season.

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Thu 27 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Erkki-Sven Tüür Architectonics Berio Opus Number Zoo Gerard Brophy new work for wind quintet (Australian premiere) Nielsen Wind Quintet, Op.43

Thu 27 February 7.30pm & Sun 1 March 2.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Vivaldi Cello Concerto in C, RV 399 Handel Concerto Grosso in F, Op.6 No.9 Giuliani Concerto No.1 for Guitar & Orchestra in A, Op.30 Vivaldi Concerto in G, RV 413 (arr. guitar & string orchestra) Verdi String Quartet in E minor (arr. string orchestra)

Arcadia Winds Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Arcadia Winds

William Hennessy director Slava Grigoryan guitar Michael Dahlenburg cello Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Tickets from $67 ($56 conc) Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

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1 Gintaute Gataveckaite 2 Arcadia Winds 3 Slava Grigoryan

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

MARCH

Vardos

Journey to the Danube Delta

St David’s Day Welsh Concert

Vardos takes a journey down the River Danube, winding through countries and making music along the way. Hear the wind blow on the river, generating spinning dances in Slovakian kitchens, fuelling the health spas of Serbia, growing apples and sustaining foxes in Bulgaria, visiting dancers in Southern Ukraine and the folk music of Hungary.

The Victoria Welsh Choir returns to celebrate the rich Welsh musical tradition. Performing hymns, ballads, show tunes, arias and Celtic favourites that raise the roof in concert halls from Bangor to Bairnsdale, this is a night of great entertainment for all lovers of Wales’ musical heritage.

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Fri 28 February 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Traditional Eastern European music.

Vardos Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Vardos

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Fri 28 February 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30 mins incl. interval)

Free Music in the Salon Gain a rare insight into an ensemble’s inner workings. Happening once a month in the exquisite surrounds of Primrose Potter Salon, it’s an open door policy for you to see the artists try out new pieces, new programs and new ideas.

You might see you favourite artists or discover someone completely new.

INF O R M AT I O N

Mon 2 March 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) FREE Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Faleiry Koczkar OAM conductor Victoria Welsh Choir Tickets from $30 Presented by Victoria Welsh Choir

Victoria Welsh Choir

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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MARCH

Patty Griffin Iconic singer-songwriter Patty Griffin has attracted a cult-following with her intimately passionate performance style, telling heartfelt stories with her vivid, powerful vocals.

Over the course of two decades, the Grammy winner has crafted nine studio albums and two live collections, a remarkable body of work that prompted The New York Times to hail her for ‘[writing] cameocarved songs that create complete emotional portraits of specific people … [her] songs have independent lives that continue in your head when the music ends.’

Widely regarded among the best singer-songwriters of her era, this year’s self-titled album, Patty Griffin, collects songs written during her battle with cancer.

Chronicling love and death, heartache and joy, connection and detachment, Patty Griffin continues to create music with her uncanny perception and ever-increasing ingenuity. Last in Australia in 2008 for sold-out shows, the return of this pillar of Americana in a starkly beautiful show is not to be missed.

INF O R M AT I O N

Tue 3 March 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins no interval) Patty Griffin (U.S.A.) Tickets from $64 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Chugg Entertainment & Gaynor Crawford

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‘I would go anywhere, anytime to hear Patty Griffin sing her extraordinary songs.’

EMMYLOU HARRIS

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

Ears Wide Open 1: Schumann Take a deep dive into Schumann’s Symphony No.2 with your guide, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Assistant Principal Cello Nicholas Bochner. A classic work, deconstructed to give you greater insight into the mind of the composer. On this exciting musical journey with Nicholas and the Orchestra, your curiosity is all that’s required.

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Mon 2 March 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Schumann Symphony No.2 (excerpts) Nicholas Bochner presenter Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Tickets $30 ($25 conc)* Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra *Prices subject to change without notice

LOCAL HEROES

MARCH

LOCAL HEROES

Trio Romantique

Beethoven 130

International performers Masahide Kurita, Jamie Hey and David Selig are a vibrant ensemble with repertoire spanning many genres and eras. Works by Clara Schumann, Grainger and Kodály flow seamlessly in this sophisticated recital, showcasing the alluring combination of flute, cello and piano.

In this exploration between macro and micro, Flinders Quartet interplays scale and form in a thought-provoking musical display. ‘Satisfyingly epic’ is the best way to describe Beethoven’s String Quartet, Op.130, while Schubert’s singular movement Quartettsatz is a tantalising episode.

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Tue 3 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (75-mins no interval) Gaubert Piece Romantique Grainger Handel in the Strand Kodály Cello Sonatina Anne Boyd Bali Moods No.1 Schumann Piano Trio in G minor, Op.17 Masahide Kurita flute Jamie Hey cello David Selig piano Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Masahide Kurita, Jamie Hey & David Selig

Wed 4 March 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (95-mins incl. interval) Schubert String Quartet No.12 in C minor, D.703, ‘Quartettsatz’ Derek Brookes String Quartet No.1 Webern Six Bagatelles for String Quartet, Op.9 Beethoven String Quartet No.13 in B-flat, Op.130 Flinders Quartet Tickets $51 ($40 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Flinders Quartet

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1 Nicholas Bochner, presenter 2 Masahide Kurita, flute 3 Flinders Quartet

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Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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MARCH

Xavier de Maistre

Vivaldi’s Venice Visit Vivaldi’s Venice with extraordinary French harpist Xavier de Maistre in a performance shimmering with light and colour with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

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Having charmed audiences on his critically acclaimed 2018 Brandenburg debut, the internationally celebrated artist returns to sweep listeners along the bustling canals of Venice on a musical tour of the City of Bridges. Hear characteristic Venetian works including beloved concertos by Vivaldi performed as though for the very first time in masterful arrangements for harp and orchestra. Xavier, with his distinctly vibrant musical voice will impress upon audiences the shimmering light and colour of Venice. For those who did not get the chance to see this inspiring performer in 2018, Xavier de Maistre will once more demonstrate why he is among the most sought-after soloists in the world.

INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 5 & Sat 7 March 7pm & Sun 8 March 5pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (100-mins incl. interval) Vivaldi Concerto for harp (lute) in D, RV 93 Marcello Concerto for harp (oboe) in D minor, S D935 Parish-Alvars ‘La Mandoline’, Op.84 Pescetti Sonata in C minor Vivaldi ‘L’inverno’, Concerto for harp (violin) in F minor, RV 297, Op.8 No.4 Paul Dyer conductor/harpischord Xavier de Maistre harp (France) Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Tickets from $27 Presented by Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

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LOCAL HEROES

Stars Without Makeup Individually, Gian Slater, Simon Barker and Barney McAll are recognised as innovators of their instruments. Together they form a trio of virtuoso musicianship, bristling creativity and adventurous spirit. Performing songs from its debut album, Grey is Ground, Stars Without Makeup conjures a musical world that is expansive, grooving, lyrical and daring.

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Fri 6 March 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Stars Without Makeup Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Stars Without Makeup

Beethoven’s Razumovsky Beethoven’s ‘Razumovsky’ String Quartets are highly regarded, and with good reason: the second of these works is nothing short of a masterpiece. Quartz pairs this pinnacle of the string quartet repertoire with Hugo Wolf’s gorgeous Italian Serenade. These rich and engaging works truly showcase Quartz’s polished precision.

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Tue 10 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Wolf Italian Serenade Beethoven String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59 No.2, ‘Razumovsky’ Quartz Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Mebourne Recital Centre & Quartz

LOCAL HEROES

Wolfie to Ludwig Beethoven was a great admirer of Mozart’s talent.

The feeling was mutual, with Mozart proclaiming Beethoven would steal the world’s attention with his music. Richly rewarding for the listener, technically challenging for the artist, their immense musical gifts are beautifully showcased in this concert of piano trios by Rock Paper Scissors.

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Wed 11 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Mozart Piano Trio No.2 in G, K.496 Beethoven Piano Trio in D, Op.70 No.1, ‘Ghost’ Rock Paper Scissors Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Rock Paper Scissors

1 Stars Without Makeup 2 Quartz 3 Yasmin Rowe, Rock Paper Scissors

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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MARCH

Signature Event The Complete Beethoven Piano Concertos

Freiburg Baroque Orchestra & Kristian Bezuidenhout

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Born in Germany in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven redefined music as we know it. His legacy contains some of the most expressive music ever written, bounding between heights of passion and joy and moments of complete and sober reflection.

2020 marks the composer’s 250th birthday year. What better way to celebrate the magnitude of his revolutionary music than with a survey of his piano concertos, performed by artists who have formed their own special relationships with Beethoven across a lifetime of listening and playing.

The five piano concertos were composed between 1795 and 1809 and have been treasured for more than 200 years. Melbourne Recital Centre’s Signature Event welcomes Kristian Bezuidenhout and Freiburg Baroque Orchestra to perform all five over two outstanding evenings.

Kristian Bezuidenhout is one of today’s most notable and exciting keyboard artists, equally at home on the fortepiano, harpsichord and modern piano.

His partnership with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra as artistic director has attracted high praise, in particular for their recordings of Mozart.

Hear the concertos as Beethoven imagined them, with the Orchestra’s standing-setting musicianship set off by Bezuidenhout’s ‘irrepressible imagination and vitality’ (The Guardian, U.K.).

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Tue 10 & Wed 11 March 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – see website for duration & interval details Program 1 – 10 March Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm Beethoven Piano Concerto No.1 in C, Op.15 Beethoven Piano Concerto No.2 in B-flat, Op.19 Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37 Program 2 – 11 March Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm Beethoven Creatures of Prometheus: Overture, Op.43 Beethoven Coriolan Overture, Op.62 Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4 & 5 Kristian Bezuidenhout fortepiano (South Africa/U.K.) Freiburg Baroque Orchestra (Germany) Tickets from $99 Two-concert packages from $158.40 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by Yvonne von Hartel AM, Robert Peck AM, Rachel Peck & Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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Dare to Hope

Top Class Music

The Vampires

Award-winning contemporary music group Syzygy Ensemble invites you to reflect on an age of political and environmental turmoil – and dare to hope. From the bucolic serenity of Irish composer Greg Cafferey to the sublime intimacy of Caerwen Martin’s The Beauty of Now, these soaring works are a vibrant source of inspiration.

Top Class Music presents extraordinary young musicians performing three diverse programs.

The concerts present a range of instruments, interpretations and styles by soloists and groups, comprising top performing music students from Victoria. This is an opportunity to enjoy a brilliant and eclectic concert experience suitable for all ages.

Described as ‘phenomenal’ (Downbeat, U.S.) and ‘gold all over’ (All About Jazz), The Vampires is a trailblazer for a new generation of Australian jazz talent. Its distinctive sound builds on the rich history of piano-less jazz quartets with a unique twist, adopting reggae, Balkan, afrobeat and Latin rhythms in unexpected ways.

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Thu 12 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Greg Caffrey …and peace comes dropping slow Caerwen Martin The Beauty of Now John Psathas Island Songs Chan Ka Nin Our Finest Hour Syzygy Ensemble Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Syzygy Ensemble

1 Syzygy Ensemble 2 Top Class Music 3 The Vampires

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INF O R M AT I O N INF O R M AT I O N

Fri 13 March 10am, 2pm & 6pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – see website for duration & interval details Top performing VCE music students.

Tickets $17.50 ($15.50 conc) Presented by Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Fri 13 March 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) The Vampires Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The Vampires

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

MARCH

Rhiannon Giddens

‘Americana’s queen goes global.’

WNYC Grammy winning singer, banjo and fiddle player Rhiannon Giddens returns to Australia with Italian musical alchemist Francesco Turrisi.

Finding that her 19th-century American folk banjo tunes and his Sicilian percussion rhythms fit naturally together, the artists trace the evolution of music from Africa and the Middle East, highlighting its monumental influence on Western culture through the ages. Transformed

by Rhiannon’s exquisite voice and Francesco’s metamorphic talents, their thoughtful and highly ambitious music is at once a condemnation of ‘othering’ and a celebration of shared experience.

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Sat 14 March 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Rhiannon Giddens vocals/banjo/fiddle (U.S.A.) Francesco Turrisi percussion/accordion/ piano (Italy) Tickets from $59 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Supersonic Enterprises

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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SOUTHBANK SERIES

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream Tinalley String Quartet has established itself as one of the finest string quartets of its generation.

The Quartet returns for a concert filled with emotional potency and pathos by two of the string quartet’s greatest proponents, Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Join Tinalley to celebrate the life and music of Beethoven and those whose lives his music forever altered.

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Sat 14 March 1pm & 3pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Beethoven String Quartet No.4 in C minor, Op.18 Mendelssohn String Quartet No.6 in F minor, Op.80 Tinalley String Quartet Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Tinalley String Quartet

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RELAXED PERFORMANCE

Evergreen Ensemble Enjoy a casual attitude to sound and movement.

Relaxed Performances provide the same exceptional artists in the best place to hear, with an environment particularly suitable for audience members with autism, learning disabilities or sensory sensitivities. This time, it’s Evergreen Ensemble showcasing its flair for folk and Baroque music.

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Mon 16 March 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (45-mins no interval) Evergreen Ensemble Tickets $10 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Evergreen Ensemble Supported by the Calvert-Jones Foundation, the Samuel Nissen Foundation and The William Buckland Foundation

1 Tinalley String Quartet 2 Evergreen Ensemble 3 Latitude 37

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SOUTHBANK SERIES

Kapsberger & the Secrets of Music Guest artist Simon Martyn-Ellis (theorbo) and Latitude 37 delve into the world of Italian lutenist Johann Hieronymus Kapsberger. One of the most inventive and feted lutenists of all time, his works span many genres and represent some of the most lovely and evocative music to come out of Italy in the early 17th century.

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Mon 16 March 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Kapsberger, Marini and Castaldi.

Simon Martyn-Ellis theorbo Latitude 37 Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Latitude 37

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MARCH

Greta Bradman & Calvin Bowman Soprano Greta Bradman returns to one of her great loves, the solo recital, with a selection of delightfully intimate art-songs. Bradman will be joined by one of Melbourne’s favourite artists, composer and pianist Calvin Bowman. Join Musica Viva for morning tea from 10am, and a Meet the Artists talk following the concert.

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Tue 17 March 11am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Works by Zemlinsky, Sculthorpe, Anne Cawrse, Beethoven, Holland and Calvin Bowman.

Greta Bradman soprano Calvin Bowman piano Tickets $55 Presented by Musica Viva

Greta Bradman

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

Melting Moments To coincide with the release of her new novel, Melting Moments, Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2020 Artist-in-Residence, Anna Goldsworthy, presents a series of readings interspersed with performances from Schubert’s Moments Musicaux. Beginning in 1941, Melting Moments offers a portrait of a woman’s life over six decades as a series of key moments.

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Tue 17 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Schubert Moments Musicaux, D.780

Anna Goldsworthy

Anna Goldsworthy readings/piano Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by the Vizard Foundation

Chaika Melding the earthiness of folk with the dexterity of jazz and craft of classical, Chaika’s vast influences create superb genre-blending music that transcends labels. Described as ‘spinetingling’ (Rhythms) and ‘extraordinary’ (Fine Music FM), the band’s thrilling songs are steadily forging a new direction in Australian music, with new release Arrow receiving the 2019 ARIA nomination for best World Music Album.

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Wed 18 March 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Chaika Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Chaika Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Chaika

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MARCH

LOCAL HEROES

A French Connection Travel to France, immersing yourself in sublime repertoire for flute, oboe and piano. In true Inventi Ensemble style, this concert features beloved works such as Gounod’s ‘Ave Maria’ and iconic masterpieces by Bizet, Saint-Saëns and Fauré arranged for the intimacy of chamber playing.

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Thu 19 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Gounod Ave Maria Borne Fantaisie brillante sur ‘Carmen’ Saint-Saëns Sonata for oboe & piano in D, Op.66 Fauré Fantasie, Op.79 Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin Peter de Jager piano Inventi Ensemble Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Inventi Ensemble

LOCAL HEROES

Through the Thorns to the Stars Classical meets modern as Duo Chamber Melange swings the pendulum from the amiable music of the 18th century through to energetic works of today. From immortal Beethoven and Fauré to the endlessly passionate Piazzolla and the world premiere of Viva Beethoven by Livia Teodorescu-Ciocănea, this mosaic of genres is navigated effortlessly.

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Fri 20 March 6.30pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Beethoven Sonata for violin & piano No.8 in G, Op.30, No.3 Piazzolla Oblivion for violin & piano Teodorescu-Ciocănea Viva Beethoven for solo piano (world premiere) Fauré Sonata for violin & piano in A, Op.13

Corpus Medicorum’s first concert of the 2020 season embraces Richard Strauss’s highly emotive Death & Transfiguration and welcomes back violinist Markiyan Melnychenko for the ever-popular Tchaikovsky Concerto. The thrilling concert also pays tribute to Beethoven with his Egmont Overture.

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Sun 22 March 5pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Beethoven Egmont Overture, Op.84 R. Strauss Death & Transfiguration, Op.24 Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D, Op.35 Markiyan Melnychenko violin Keith Crellin director Corpus Medicorum Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Corpus Medicorum

Duo Chamber Melange Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Duo Chamber Melange

Inventi Ensemble

Duo Chamber Melange

Corpus Medicorum

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Concert 1

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MARCH

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE PRESENTS

Great Performers

Elisabeth Leonskaja Elisabeth Leonskaja is a pianist of the great Russian school, that tradition of powerful musicians that includes Rachmaninoff and Rubenstein.

‘She dazzled in performances of Mozart with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 2016, and I was transfixed by her calm, fine, exquisite musicality.

Mentored by Sviatoslav Richter, this is a musician of mesmerising quality.’

MARSHALL MCGUIRE, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Artists like Leonskaja provide all the technical dazzle you could want but they’re also virtuoso interpreters, finding a direct line between music and hearer, creating moments of revelation.

The crystalline simplicity of Mozart’s music that makes it so magical is also its challenge.

Leonskaja’s lucid, less-is-more approach and scintillating technique makes these three rococo jewels sparkle. Aligned with Mozart’s by its translucency, Schoenberg and Webern’s piano music makes its quiet impact in elegant dabs and strokes of sound and silence. Leonskaja’s candour and command finds the connections between these different kinds of beauty.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INF O R M AT I O N

Tue 24 March 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 10-mins incl. interval) Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm Mozart Piano Sonata No.6 in D, K.284 Schoenberg Six Little Piano Pieces, Op.19 Mozart Piano Sonata No.12 in F, K.332 Mozart Piano Sonata No.10 in C, K.330 Webern Variations for Piano, Op.27 Mozart Piano Sonata No.13 in B-flat, K.333 Elisabeth Leonskaja piano (Austria) Tickets from $64 ($56 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Series Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre Program Partner: The Langham Melbourne

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MARCH

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1 ANAM Musicians 2 Kristian Chong, piano 3 Stiletto Sisters

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MOSTLY MOZART

Mozart – Figaro for Winds Catch up with friends over morning tea and enjoy a wonderful hour of classical music.

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro features everything you’d find in a modern-day soap opera: love, revenge and a wedding thrown in for good measure. This version for wind octet includes all the beloved music, with narration by Bethany Simons.

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Mon 23 March 11am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Mozart (arr. Wendt for wind octet) The Marriage of Figaro Nick Deutsch oboe/director Bethany Simons actor Phil Lambert author ANAM Musicians Tickets $49 ($42 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) Supported by Lendlease Over 55s Living 42

LOCAL HEROES

LOCAL HEROES

Mustonen & Brahms

Palinka!

Outstanding Australian violinist Daniel Dodds is the concertmaster and artistic director of renowned chamber orchestra Festival Strings Lucerne, a concertmaster of the Australian World Orchestra and a brilliant musician. He joins celebrated pianist Kristian Chong to present two powerful and dramatic sonatas by Olli Mustonen (2012) and Brahms. This is chamber music not to be missed, featuring two stunning performers.

Have you ever wanted to say ‘Cheers!’ in Hungarian? Or how to bake a spiced honey cake that will help you meet your true love? Come with us to the shores of Lake Balaton where the best wines are made. Enter a strange world full of mythical creatures including a wicked, magical chicken and a mosquito bigger than a horse ...

Egészségedre!

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Tue 24 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Olli Mustonen Sonata for violin & piano Brahms Sonata for violin & piano No.3 in D minor, Op.108 Daniel Dodds violin Kristian Chong piano Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Kristian Chong & Friends

Wed 25 March 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Brahms, Hubay, Bartók, Dinicu and traditional Hungarian songs, spells and secret recipes.

Stiletto Sisters Tickets $40 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Stiletto Sisters

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

MARCH

James Crabb, accordion

To Bach & Back: Sophie Rowell The greatest and most prolific of composers, J.S. Bach still has plenty to teach us about the joys of new music.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Sophie Rowell leads the Orchestra through Bach, Sallinen, Grieg and Antonio Agri in this joyful concert which sees the genius of Bach refashioned, with classical accordionist James Crabb performing as a soloist. The Scottish virtuoso has been praised the world over for his versatile musicianship and has appeared with the London Philharmonic and BBC Scottish Orchestras, as well as countless contemporary world-class ensembles. Crabb brings his passion to Argentinian composer Antonio Agri’s Desde Adentro, originally recorded with conductor José Carli in 1997. Contemporary Finnish composer Aulis Sallinen’s Barrabas Variations also features accordion as the solo instrument. Sophie Rowell leads the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.3 and Violin Concerto in A minor, highlighting the composer’s mastery of harmony and counterpoint.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INF O R M AT I O N

Thu 26 March 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) J.S. Bach Orchestral Suite No.3 Aulis Sallinen Barabbas Variations J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor Agri/José Carli Desde Adentro Grieg Holberg Suite Sophie Rowell director/violin James Crabb accordion Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Tickets from $52.50 ($47.50 conc)* Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra *Ticket prices subject to change

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MARCH

Sinofuturists

Howie Lee & Toem Chen

Alex Wang & Chill Chill

Experience the next wave of Chinese and Taiwanese multimedia artists with Sinofuturists, a diverse group of music, video and game engine artists working with the latest technological tools. Expect futuristic soundscapes, distorted electronics and daring atmospheric works.

Alex Wang & Chill Chill

Howie Lee & Toem Chen

Alex Wang and Chill Chill present their cyberoptic visions of modern China. Loosely based on the dystopian illusions of Orwell’s 1984, the duo has created an apocalyptic landscape with game engine environments and avatars to guide the audience through this unreal nightmare. Their performance includes contemporary critiques and historical warnings for future civilisations: from autocratic surveillance to artificial agency, the pair presents an alarming forecast for the digital age.

Producer Howie Lee and game designer Teom Chen present the Australian premiere of a startling new collaborative multimedia live performance. In this immersive experience, sound triggers visual events. The camera shifts, inverts, subverts, disorients and the game world triggers sound in turn. Using the latest technological tools, the movement of the audience and traditional instruments, the duo creates a completely reactive world for both performer and audience.

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Thu 26 March 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours & 15-mins incl. interval)

Fri 27 March 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours & 15-mins incl. interval)

Alex Wang (China) Chill Chill Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, Mat Spisbah & Asia TOPA

Howie Lee (China) Toem Chen (China) Tickets $31 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, Mat Spisbah & Asia TOPA

Asia TOPA is a joint initiative of the Sidney Myer Fund and Arts Centre Melbourne and is supported by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

Please note these concerts contain strobe lighting, high intensity sound, lighting and smoke machine.

Debussy’s La Mer Experience Claude Debussy’s impressionistic masterpiece La Mer – a symphonic classic capturing the essence of the ocean. Together with Arutiunian’s virtuosic Trumpet Concerto and fascinating repertoire by Sculthorpe and Hindemith, this performance by Melbourne Youth Orchestra and rising star Samuel Beagley is not to be missed.

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INF O R M AT I O N

Sun 29 March 2.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (105-mins incl. interval) Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto Sculthorpe Earth Cry Debussy La Mer Samuel Beagley trumpet Melbourne Youth Orchestra Tickets $34 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Youth Orchestras

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2020

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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.

By Phone +61 3 9699 3333 (Monday — Friday 9am to 5pm) In Person Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office (Monday — Friday 9am to 5pm and two hours prior to all performances).

The Box Office is located on the ground floor.

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Thank you FOUNDING PATRON

The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE BOARD MEMBERS

Prof Andrea Hull AO, Chair Peter Bartlett Stephen Carpenter Deborah Cheetham AO

Joseph Corponi The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly Assoc Prof Jody Evans

FOUNDING BENEFACTORS

LIFE MEMBERS

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

Lin Bender AM

Margaret Farren-Price Eda Ritchie AM Audrey Zibelman

Richard Gubbins Penny Hutchinson Julie Kantor Jordi Savall Mary Vallentine AO

Deborah Cheetham AO Jim Cousins AO Kathryn Fagg AO Margaret Farren-Price & Ronald Farren-Price AM

PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT PARTNER

BUSINESS PARTNER

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

PROGRAM PARTNERS

FOUNDATIONS

THE ARANDAY FOUNDATION

THE MARIAN & E.H. FLACK TRUST

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HAZEL PEAT CHARITABLE TRUST

THE SAMUEL NISSEN FOUNDATION

THE JACK & HEDY BRENT FOUNDATION

THE SENTINEL FOUNDATION

THE CALVERT-JONES FOUNDATION

THE PEGGY & LESLIE CRANBOURNE FOUNDATION

THE VIZARD FOUNDATION

THE HUGH WILLIAMSON FOUNDATION

Inspired Giving MUSIC CIRCLE - A VIBRANT AND DIVERSE MUSICAL PROGRAM Donors who support the depth and vibrancy of the Centre’s musical program play a crucial role in ensuring that we can continue to present a rich diversity of the greatest musicians and ensembles from Australia and around the globe Salon Program Benefactor Lady Primrose Potter AC ($30,000+) Yvonne von Hartel AM, Robert Peck AM, Rachel Peck & Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects (Signature Events Benefactors) ($20,000+) Melbourne Recital Centre Board of Directors Prof Andrea Hull AO Peter & Cally Bartlett Stephen Carpenter & Leigh Ellwood Joseph & Nicole Corponi The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly & Brigitte Treutenaere Assoc Prof Jody Evans Margaret Farren-Price & Prof Ronald Farren-Price AM Eda Ritchie AM Audrey Zibelman ($10,000+) John & Lorraine Bates Warwick & Paulette Bisley (Great Performers Leadership Supporters) John Simpson & Cathy Simpson Maria Sola (Local Heroes & Great Performers Leadership Supporter) Dr Michael Troy ($7500+) Esther & Brian Benjamin (Great Performers Leadership Supporters) Message Consultants Australia ($4000+) Anonymous Danielle Davis & Joyce Marks Jenny & Peter Hordern Diana Lempriere Cathy Lowy Geoff & Jan Phillips (Great Performers Leadership Supporters) Mary Vallentine AO Dr Victor Wayne & Dr Karen Wayne OAM ($2500+) Anonymous Ballandry (Peter Griffin Family) Fund Liz & Charles Baré Alastair Campbell & Sue Campbell Kathy & George Deutsch OAM Ann Lahore Shelley & Euan Murdoch Dr Paul Nisselle AM Greg Noonan Ian Nowak & Kathleen Nowak Jacqueline Schwarz Sirius Foundation ($1000+) Anonymous Adrienne Basser Helen Brack Bill Burdett AM & Sandra Burdett

Maggie Cash John Castles AM & Thelma Castles OAM Laurie Cox AO & Julie Ann Cox AM Mary Draper Lord Francis Ebury & The Late Lady Suzanne Ebury Maggie Edmond Susan Fallaw The Leo & Mina Fink Fund Angela Glover Ann Gordon Jan Grant Nance Grant AM MBE & Ian Harris Henkell Family Fund In memory of Beryl Hooley Penelope Hughes Stuart Jennings Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AM George & Grace Kass Maria Mercurio Baillieu Myer AC & Sarah Myer Rupert Myer AO & Annabel Myer Stephen Newton AO Elizabeth O’Keeffe Helen Perlen Kerryn Pratchett Sandra Robertson & Philip Cachia Dr Peter Rogers & Cathy Rogers Peter Rose & Christopher Menz In Memory of Pauline Speedy Barbara & Duncan Sutherland Pamela Swansson Pearl Tang (including matching from Pricewaterhouse Coopers) ($500+) Anonymous (1) Rhonda & Ted Allen Jenny Anderson Peter J Armstrong Alistaire Bowler Min Li Chong Mrs Jean Dunn Angela & Richard Kirsner Dr Anne Lierse MinterEllison Jane Morris Ian Suren Dr Diane Tibbits ACCESS TO THRILLING MUSIC AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYBODY Supported by the Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund and the Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund, donors to our learning and access programs help to share the music by bringing high-quality music and learning opportunities to people from all walks of life ($50,000+) Peter & Ruth McMullin (Public Space Activations) ($40,000+) Dr Geraldine Lazarus & Mr Greig Gailey (Regional Touring and Outreach Leadership Supporters) ($30,000+) Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM Lady Marigold Southey AC ($10,000+) Annamila Pty Ltd Linda Herd

($4000+) The Betty Amsden Foundation The Jack & Hedy Brent Foundation The John & Jennifer Brukner Foundation Helen & Michael Gannon Kathryn Greiner AO (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Silvia & Michael Kantor Susan Thacore ($2500+) Anonymous Kaye Birks in the memory of David Anne Burgi & Kerin Carr Maria McCarthy Margaret Taylor ($1000+) Anonymous (5) Keith & Debby Badger John & Mary Barlow Jane Bloomfield Helen Brack Bill Burdett AM & Sandra Burdett Christine & Michael Clough Paul Donnelly & Brigitte Treutenaere Gras Foundation Trust Maria Hansen Christine Haslam In memory of Beryl Hooley Jenny & Peter Hordern (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) John Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie Louise Kornman Prof John Langford AM & The Late Christina McCallum Cathy Lowy (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Sally MacIndoe Ann Miller Dennis & Fairlie Nassau Greg Shalit & Miriam Faine The Ullmer Family Foundation (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Mary Vallentine AO Vivian Wei Wang Mark & Jane Wilson Audrey Zibelman ($500+) Anonymous (5) Valma Angliss AM Roly Ball Peter & Cally Bartlett Ann Blake Arnold & Mary Bram Lynda Campbell Stephen Carpenter & Leigh Ellwood John Castles AM & Thelma Castles OAM The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC & Mrs Elizabeth Chernov Caroline & Robert Clemente Leslie G Clements The Hon Mary Delahunty The Hon Justice Julie Dodds-Streeton George & Laila Embelton Assoc Prof Jody Evans Vivien & Jacob Fajgenbaum Margaret Farren-Price & Prof Ronald Farren-Price AM Jo Fisher & Peter Grayson Dr Kingsley Gee Angela Glover Colin Golvan AM QC & Dr Deborah Golvan Charles B Goode AC & Cornelia Goode The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QC

Dr Robert Hetzel Elizabeth Hipgrave Katrina & Simon Holmes a Court Elouise Holmes Peter Jopling AM QC Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AM George & Grace Kass Irene Kearsey & Michael Ridley Genevieve Kennedy Wendy Kozica, Alan Kozica & David O’Callaghan Connie Li Susan & Peter Mahler Ann Blake Jennifer K Marshall Ian & Gill McDougall MinterEllison Jan Morrison Peter B Murdoch QC & Helen Murdoch Tim Orton & Barbara Dennis James Ostroburski & Leo Ostroburski Andrew & Georgina Porter Sue Robinson & Tim Cartwright Mrs Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross Christine Sather Ian Baker & Cheryl Saunders Michael Shand AM QC & Claire Miller Stephen Shelmerdine AM & Kate Shelmerdine Barry & Barbara Shying Dr Alison Street Dr Cherilyn Tillman & Tam Vu Rosemary Walls Catherine Walter AM & John Walter Andrew & Jan Wheeler NUTURING ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT - FOSTERING A BRIGHT MUSICAL FUTURE Supported by the Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund, donors who support our enriching artist development programs help to create a wide range of unique opportunities for local musicians, and help to ensure a vibrant musical future for Victoria and beyond Betty Amsden Kids and Family Program Benefactor The Late Betty Amsden AO DSJ Merlyn Myer Music Commission The Aranday Foundation The Yugilbar Foundation ($50,000+) Lady Primrose Potter AC ($20,000+) Mrs Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross (Artist Development Leadership Supporters) ($10,000+) Warwick & Paulette Bisley Majlis Pty Ltd James Ostroburski & Leo Ostroburski Joy Selby Smith Angelina & Graeme Wise ($4000+) Annamila Pty Ltd Andrew & Theresa Dyer Linda Herd Susan Pelka & Richard Caven Vivienne Ritchie Vivian Wei Wang Lyn Williams AM

($1000+) Peter J Armstrong Lin Bender AM John & Chris Collingwood In memory of Beryl Hooley Dianne Jacobs In memory of The Late Harry Johnson Martine Letts Ian & Gill McDougall Dr Richard Mills AM ($500+) Frederic & Karen Pomeranz GIVING CIRCLES Melbourne Recital Centre Giving Circles are passionate and like-minded groups of donors who come together to collectively celebrate their love of music by supporting special projects Ensemble Giovane Leadership Donors in support of Master classes & young artist development ($10,000+) Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins YMF Australia ($7500+) George & Laila Embelton ($5000+) The Hon Susan Crennan AC QC & Dr Michael Crennan QC Jo Fisher Lyndsey & Peter Hawkins Igor & Jenny Zambelli ($3000+) Christine Sather Dr Cherilyn Tillman & Tam Vu ($1000+) Peter J Armstrong Bailey-Lord Family Mary Beth Bauer Fiona Bennett Zoe Brinsden Kathryn Fagg AO Dr Jane Gilmour OAM & Terry Brain Prof Andrea Hull AO Liane Kemp Simon Le Plastrier Norene Leslie McCormac Rosemary O’Connor Jenny Tatchell Laura Thomas ($500+) Dianne Jacobs Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre Legal Friends Inaugural Patrons The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QC ($10,000+) The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QC ($4000+) Naomi Golvan & George Golvan QC Peter B Murdoch QC & Helen Murdoch Maya Rozner & Alex King ($2500+) Anonymous (1) Colin Golvan AM QC & Dr Deborah Golvan Peter J Stirling & Kimberley Kane

($1000+) John & Marcia Arthur Peter Bartlett Annette Blonski & Martin Bartfeld QC The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC & Mrs Elizabeth Chernov Christine Clough The Hon Justice Julie Dodds-Streeton Timothy Goodwin Robert Heathcote & Meredith King The Hon Peter Heerey AM QC & Sally Heerey Judge Sara Hinchey & Tom Pikusa John Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie Pandora Kay & John Larkins Anthony J & Philippa M Kelly Maryanne B Loughnan QC Banjo McLachlan & Paul Mahony Elizabeth O’Keeffe Ralph & Ruth Renard Meredith Schilling Michael Shand AM QC Tom Smyth ($500+) James Barber Elizabeth Boros Hon Justice David Byrne QC Leslie G Clements The Hon Hartley Hansen QC & Rosalind Hansen The Hon David L Harper AM Medical Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre ($2000+) Dr Charlotte Slade & Assoc Prof Sebastian King ($1000+) Mr Phillip Antippa & Dr Tracey Huntley Michael Bennett & Kate Stockwin Professor Rod Hunt & Mr Michael Sharpe Dr Jean McMullin & Dr Catherine Brennan Dr John F Mills Steinway Giving Circle Benefactor Patron Gandel Philanthropy ($30,000+) Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM ($10,000+) Anonymous (1) John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AO Brian Goddard Dr Alastair Jackson AM Lady Primrose Potter AC Skipp Williamson & Carol Haynes ($5000+) Warwick & Paulette Bisley Arnold & Mary Bram The Hon Susan Crennan AC QC & Dr Michael Crennan QC Angelina & Graeme Wise ($2500+) Bruce Parncutt AO ($1000+) Anonymous (1) Kaye Cleary Tim Conrad Craig K Coulson Janine & Timothy Fredman Roger Gillard & Sohwon Kim Linda Herd David Lee Jay Lee & Muriel Yang

Geoff & Jan Phillips Professor Margaret Plant Mrs Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross Sirius Foundation Vivian Wei Wang Dr Victor Wayne & Dr Karen Wayne OAM ($500+) Jane Bloomfield In memory of Beryl Hooley Dianne Jacobs Maria Johnson Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AM Janet McDonald David Poulton A LASTING LEGACY Through marking a legacy, this extraordinary group of donors support the future of the Centre’s vibrant and diverse programs both now and for generations to come.

Encore Bequest Circle Inaugural Patrons Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins Anonymous (3) Jenny Anderson The Late Betty Amsden AO DSJ Barbara Blackman AO Jennifer Brukner Ken Bullen Peter & Jenny Hordern Dr Garry Joslin Jane Kunstler Jeanette McLellan Elizabeth O’Keeffe Penny Rawlins Prof Dimity Reed AM Vivienne Ritchie Sandy Shaw The Estate of Beverley Shelton & Martin Schönthal Mary Vallentine AO Seat Dedications Annamila Pty Ltd Lowina Blackman John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AO The Hon Mary Delahunty Kathryn Fagg AO Ronald Farren-Price AM & Margaret Farren-Price Kristin Gill & family Colin Golvan AM QC & Dr Deborah Golvan Nance Grant AM MBE Brenda Hamilton & family Luke Heagerty Catherine Heggen Hans & Petra Henkell Kathy Horadam Anne Kantor AO & The Late Dr Milan Kantor OAM Alex King & Sebastian King Diana Lempriere Cathy Lowy Evelyn Pose Katherine Rechtman Ralph & Ruth Renard Kiera Stevens Peter J Stirling Ian Suren Jenny Tatchell In memory of David Tong Mary Vallentine AO Mary Waldron Vivian Wei Wang List of Patrons as at 14 November 2019

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MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE PRESENTS

Family Festival 16-18 January 2020 A festival for kids and families to discover music, play an instrument and make some noise with big and mini concerts, workshops and loads of free foyer fun.

THURSD DAY 16 6 JAN

Beethoven Big Sing An inspiring community sing-along extravaganza A Day in the Life of You

FRIDAY Y 17 JA AN

Meeting Mozart Pianist Simon Tedeschi steps into character as music wunderkind Mozart Laura the Astronaut Explores the Planets

SATUR RDAY 18 JAN N

Mimi’s Symphony A joyous symphony centred on the adventures of Mimi the magpie

Stinky Silly Songs workshops and loads of FREE foyer activities and performances including Open Stage, The Wonderlands, harpist Michael Johnson, photo booth and face painting.

For more information & to book: melbournerecital.com.au/musicplay2020 Music Play Family Festival is supported by The Betty Amsden Kids & Families Program and features the Betty Amsden Commission.

Cnr Southbank Blvd & Sturt Street Southbank, VICTORIA

Principal Government Partner

MELBOURNERECITAL.COM.AU BOX OFFICE 03 9699 3333 #melbrecital