August 2025 Vol.61
The Shift - Bold Stage
Supports and showcases underrepresented emerging musicians
As part of Bold Stage, Melbourne Recital Centre’s major Community and Creative Engagement project, we partner with organisations working with underrepresented artistic communities Looking to nurture, grow and highlight the voices and stories of emerging musicians that are seldom heard, Bold Stage includes artist support such as venue tours, mentoring, concert tickets, rehearsals, and production meetings leading up to major showcase events. On September 5 , we will host Songlines Aboriginal Music in the Salon for a psychedelic rock journey, and the crew got a taste of the captivating show during the two August rehearsals in the space
Generously supported by the Margaret Lawrence Bequest
Community & Creative Engagement August 2025
Relaxed Performances
Curated concert series with a relaxed attitude to sound and movement
Share the Music
Ticket and Transport Subsidy program
In August we welcomed a number of Share the Music partners offering both free tickets and transportation for concerts in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon Over the past month we were delighted to welcome students and community members from the following organisations:
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities
Uniting Agewell
Royal Children's Hospital's Chronic Illness Peer Support
Wintringham Housing
Andale School
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School
Burwood East Specialist School
Marnebek School
Eliza Hull, Connor Black and Jasmine Johnstone performing in the Primrose Potter Salon
Community & Creative Engagement August 2025
Chior 3006
Lunchtime singing sessions for Southbank, generously supported by Jane Kunstler
Our weekly community choir shows no sign of slowing, with over 450 members and counting. To understand and celebrate our community, we’ve recently sat down with a number of members, to find out about their love for everything Choir 3006!
What is your name?
Candace Miles
Do you live, work, play or learn in Southbank?
I work as the Program Manager for NIDA Melbourne, at our Southbank studios.
What inspired you to join this choir?
I love singing with people! Since joining Choir 3006, Wednesday has fast become my favourite day of the week.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve sung with the choir and why?
I feel Renee Heron (choral conductor) has selected an array of truly beautiful songs and arrangements for Choir 3006, both lyrically and musically....I personally loved ‘This Day’ by Astrid Jorgensen, with a close second being the jazz piece ‘Dig Deep’ by Pete Churchill.
What do you do outside of choir—work, hobbies, other interests?
I feel very fortunate to work for NIDA within the arts precinct and can play a part in facilitating drama programs for both children and adults. Outside of that – I’ve recently moved to Melbourne’s outer-east and enjoy hearing the birdsong on nature walks through the Mullum Mullum and Yarran Dheran reserves
What do you enjoy most about being part of a community choir?
There is something inexplicably magical about creating sound and music together.
How do you think the choir contributes to the local community?
The Choir creates a reason to come together as a collective and be part of something, a sense of belonging
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the choir but feeling unsure?
Choir 3006 is friendly and welcoming - it is for everyone! You’ll learn, meet your neighbours and leave feeling lighter than when you came.
Choir 3006 member Candace Miles
Community & Creative Engagement August 2025
Great Romantics Competition
Performance Competition for artists 18 - 25 years
Day-time Open Rehearsals in the Salon
In August, we welcomed long-time Salon favourites Flinders Quartet. This program provides local artists with rehearsal and recording time in the Salon, before we open the doors to the public for an interactive behind the scenes experience for the audience.
Salon Lab
Creative Development Spaces for Local Artists
Charity Tickets
Double passes for not-for-profit organisations
During August we have supported:
Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Smart Happy Money
Newhaven College Music Program
Theatreworks
Salon Lab provides our local artists with use of our professional spaces during dark days to pursue creative projects. In August we welcomed back Affinity Quartet, who finished recording a Peter Sculthorpe piece for their next album. The ensemble worked with ABC producer Stephen Snelleman and Sound Engineer Alex Stinson.
Affinity Quartet with ABC Producers in the Salon control room
Community & Creative Engagement August 2025
Art of Us - Bold Stage
Supports and showcases underrepresented emerging musicians
Our Bold Stage partnership with the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s Adaptive Music Bridging Program resulted in the spectacular ‘Art of Us’ Faculty Showcase in August Both a foyer Exhibition and Salon Concert, this event included over 40 artists and performers with lived experience of disability, and highlighted and celebrated disability art in all its forms. Generously supported by the Margaret Lawrence Bequest