2025 DONOR IMPACT REPORT
“CLASSICAL
MUSIC AT MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE TAKES
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
Front cover: Choir 3006 perform onstage in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for Open House Melbourne. Image: Laura Manariti.
Above: Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir with María Eugenia Nieva. Image: Laura Manariti.
To our wonderful community of supporters,
Welcome to Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2025 Donor Impact Report – our celebration and sincere statement of thanks for all that you helped to bring to life throughout the past year.
On almost every single day of 2025, something special took place here at Melbourne Recital Centre that simply would not have happened without your support. Whether it was a life-changing concert featuring a favourite local or international musician, an inspiring behindthe-scenes mentoring session for a young artist, or a child’s first thrilling experience of hearing live music, your gift played a vital role in enriching someone’s life with the joy of music.
In the pages that follow you will read about some of the amazing things that your support made possible. Whether you discover something new and inspiring about our artist development and community engagement programs, or are reminded of the happy memories of your favourite performances, you should feel incredibly proud of what you have helped to achieve. No matter whether your gift was large or small, you are part of a community of music-lovers who collectively contribute over $1.5 million each year directly into sustaining and growing Victoria’s vibrant musical ecology – with Melbourne Recital Centre at its heart.
2025 brought some significant changes to Melbourne Recital Centre’s artistic leadership, as we said farewell to Marshall McGuire as Director of Programming, after nearly a decade of exceptional service. Marshall’s programming and artistic vision for Melbourne Recital Centre has profoundly shaped Australia’s musical landscape, and so it was an honour at his farewell celebration to acknowledge Marshall’s enduring contribution to this country’s musical voice by announcing the Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commission. This philanthropically-funded initiative responds directly to Marshall’s oft-repeated provocation that “if we don’t have new music today, we won’t have old music tomorrow” by providing careerdefining artist development opportunities for the brightest compositional voices of the next generation.
The future of music at Melbourne Recital Centre continues to shine under the leadership of our new Director of Programming, Iain Grandage AM, who joined us in July of 2025. A celebrated composer, conductor and artistic director, Iain has spent his career building bridges – between traditions and innovations, between artists and audiences, between the music we know and love and the music that has yet to be heard. His curatorial vision for Melbourne Recital Centre is both bold and deeply human: to honour all that this institution has built, whist opening our doors wider than ever before to the full diversity of Australia’s musical life. In the months since joining us, Iain has already brought his own distinctive voice to the program with so much to celebrate –deepening what makes Melbourne Recital Centre beloved, while opening doors to new artists, traditions and audiences. We are privileged to have him, and we know you will feel that privilege too when you experience what he is creating.
And there is one more thing I cannot wait to share with you. Later this year, Melbourne Recital Centre will open the doors to an extraordinary new space: The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon. Made possible through a partnership between the Victorian Government and the remarkable generosity of Peter and Ruth McMullin, the Beacon will be a beautiful new music lounge on Level 4 of the Centre – an intimate, light-filled room with sweeping views across the Melbourne skyline. It aims to expand the Centre’s reach into new musical communities, such as cabaret, jazz, and musical theatre, whilst also creating a platform for diverse First Nations musical voices – a place where the boundary between performer and audience dissolves and the magic of live music feels close enough to touch. We look forward with enormous excitement to welcoming you there.
As you read this report and reflect upon all that you helped to bring to life last year, I invite you also to imagine the exciting musical future that lies ahead. We look forward with energy and enthusiasm to continuing to partner with you, our wonderful supporters, to ensure that Melbourne Recital Centre continues to flourish as the home of live music for all Victorians.
Thank you.
Sandra Willis Chief Executive Officer
Image: Laura Manariti.
2025 BY NUMBERS
440 PERFORMANCES
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE
Melbourne Recital Centre is Australia’s home for the very best live music experiences. We collaborate each year with our Key Presenting Partners and a wide range of national and international commercial and community presenting companies to ensure that everyone, from high-profile local and international acts to local school students and diverse community groups, can perform and experience music at its very best in our venues.
166,881 TICKETS
2,518
CHOIR 3006 ATTENDEES
28
SCHOOL CONCERTS
418
MOB TIX FOR FIRST NATIONS AUDIENCE MEMBERS
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE PRESENTS
Made possible by the support of our generous community of donors, Melbourne Recital Centre self-presents a diverse annual program of concerts and events, specially curated by our Programming Team to showcase the talent of exceptional local artists, and bring the best and brightest stars of the world’s music scene to Melbourne.
130
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE PRESENTS EVENTS
103
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE
CO-PRESENTATIONS FEATURING A WIDE RANGE OF LOCAL ARTISTS AND ENSEMBLES
15
WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMANCES
18
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE PERFORMANCES
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE
PRESENTS
Our self-presented program celebrates a wide range of musical expression, showcasing classical masterworks alongside contemporary innovations, and weaving First Nations storytelling with community voices. We create a platform for the greatest local and international artists alongside emerging talents, demonstrating our dedication to quality, creativity, and inclusivity.
Thank you to our Music Circle donors who support the depth and vibrancy of the Centre’s musical program and play a crucial role in ensuring we can continue to present a broad range of the greatest musicians and ensembles from Australia and around the globe.
“THE MUSIC HITS YOU WHERE YOU LIVE, RIGHT INSIDE. IT’S EMOTIONAL. IT’S OVERWHELMING. IT PROVIDES A CATHARTIC MOMENT.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Rare and prized concerts, each Signature Event brings a world-renowned ensemble to Melbourne Recital Centre for a suite of performances for Melbourne audiences.
Thank you to the generous donors of the Signature Event Circle: Robert Peck AM, Yvonne von Hartel AM, Rachel Peck and Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects (Signature Event Benefactors), Jim Cousins AO and Libby Cousins AM, Andrew Wheeler AM and Jan Wheeler, Cathy Simpson and John Simpson AM, and Dr Di Bresciani OAM and Lino Bresciani OAM.
The support of the Signature Event Circle in 2025 enabled us to welcome the outstanding Freiburg Baroque Orchestra back to Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for the first time since 2020, joined by the exceptional Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg. Later in the year, audiences were awed over two evenings by the ethereal voices of The Tallis Scholars as our second Signature Event for 2025.
FREIBURG BAROQUE ORCHESTRA (GERMANY)
The Age
“Powerfully enforced throughout these two outstanding appearances, the FBO’s eagerness to share generously and joyfully its love of music makes this ensemble such a visual and aural pleasure.”
— THE AGE
Limelight Magazine
“[Siobhan Stagg] has never sounded better.’’
— LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE
Bachtrack
“... a delightful and extremely polished performance...”
— BACHTRACK
“... powerful and rewarding...’’
— CLASSICAL MELBOURNE
“The magnificence of the orchestra is well suited to the excellence of the recital centre.”
— STAGE WHISPERS
Siobhan Stagg with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. Image: Laura Manariti.
THE TALLIS SCHOLARS (UK)
The Age
“[A] radiant pair of superb musical performances.”
— THE AGE
Limelight Magazine
“... the feeling of being in the company of angels...”
— LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE
“With a reputation for being the finest choral group specialising in earlier composers the Scholars did not disappoint. Their singing was sublime, with as much passion as the music needed.’’
— CLASSIC MELBOURNE
The Tallis Scholars. Image: Hugo Glendinning. 11
INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS
The 2025 International Classics series, our flagship classical recital program, brought together a mix of the familiar and the new; reveling in the exciting new artists impacting the world’s stages, and reinviting familiar and much-loved guests back to our stages. International Classics is presented with thanks to our 5-star hotel partner, The Langham Melbourne.
Clara-Jumi Kang. Image: Marco Borggreve.
APRIL
Matthias Goerne (Germany) with Daniil Trifonov (Russia)
Grammy Award-winning pianist Daniil Trifonov joined vocalist Matthias Goerne to perform one of Schubert’s final works, Winterreise. The Age
“Such a potent musical realisation of interior and exterior moods requires two supremely gifted artists, and baritone Matthias Goerne together with pianist Daniil Trifonov proved more than equal to the task.”
— THE AGE
Daniel Lozakovich (Sweden)
One of the world’s most sought-after young violinists, Daniel Lozakovich made his debut at Melbourne Recital Centre and captivated audiences with a performance of JS Bach’s Violin Partitas.
“[Lozakovich] played his violin so beautifully that I was transported. I wish I could be more specific; words cannot do him justice.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
JUNE
Stephen Hough (UK)
Pianist Sir Stephen Hough celebrated a triumphant return to Melbourne Recital Centre, performing virtuoso masterpieces of the Romantic era to a packed audience in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
The Age
“Stephen Hough has taken Melbourne by storm, presenting a Herculean display of virtuosity […] As piano recitals go, it really doesn’t get any better than this.”
— THE AGE
SEPTEMBER
Clara-Jumi Kang (South Korea/Germany)
Violinist Clara-Jumi Kang marked her Melbourne Recital Centre debut with an intimate unaccompanied solo recital, presented as a dynamic double bill alongside local Baroque ensemble Latitude 37.
“I played one note [in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall] and I was so excited. I knew I could do more. The acoustics here are very special – it’s not like this in many places.”
— CLARA-JUMI KANG IN POST-CONCERT INTERVIEW WITH MARSHALL MCGUIRE
OCTOBER
Benjamin Grosvenor (UK)
The commanding British pianist wowed audiences with an awe-inspiring program of major works by Mussorgsky and Chopin.
“[The] Melbourne recital was a sensation.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
“I’m not sure I have heard such majestically sonorous chordal playing emanating from the MRC Steinway before, and seemingly so effortlessly.”
— CLASSIC MELBOURNE
NOVEMBER
Daniel Müller-Schott (Germany) with Konstantin Shamray (Australia)
Cellist Daniel Müller-Schott and pianist Konstantin Shamray joined forces to perform a striking program of favourite works by Bach, Brahms, and Shostakovich.
Limelight Magazine
“There are times when all you can do is marvel. The recital by German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott and RussianAustralian pianist Konstantin Shamray is one of those times.”
— LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE
MOSTLY MOZART
Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), this special matinee series brings the Centre to life during the day, and provides treasured opportunities for ANAM students to gain valuable experience performing in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
In 2025 there were four sumptuous matinee performances as part of the Mostly Mozart series, each accompanied by our famous morning tea!
— Mozart Serenade with Alison Mitchell, flute and Damien Eckersley, double bass
— Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven with Australian String Quartet
— Eine Kleine Nachtmusik with Adam Chalabi, violin
— Mozart & Marseillaise with Paavali Jumppanen, piano
ANAM students perform onstage in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Image: Laura Manariti.
NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY SERIES
Thanks to the generosity of the Robert Salzer Foundation, Melbourne Recital Centre was delighted in 2025 to continue to shine a spotlight on new Australian and international contemporary Art Music through the presentation of the New Music Discovery Series.
Seeking to represent a broad cross section of the most innovative and exciting contemporary voices in New Music composition, seven concerts were presented across the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon as part of the series.
JANUARY
Triptych – Robin Fox
APRIL
Sex Magic – Claire Chase and Levy Lorenzo (2 performances)
MAY
8 Pipers for Philip Glass – Nat Bartsch, Lucy Warren, Charlotte Jacke, Erwan Keravec
AUGUST
Our Duty to Care – Changing Wilds Ensemble
SEPTEMBER
Rubiks Collective 10th Anniversary Concert
NOVEMBER
Citizenship Notes – Brooklyn Rider
7 PERFORMANCES
1,805 TICKETS
38 ARTISTS ENGAGED
Robin Fox performs Triptych. Image: Laura Manariti.
COMMISSIONS
Our Australian Composer Commissions are vital investments in new and unheard voices and stories, waiting to be expressed through music.
MARSHALL MCGUIRE EMERGING COMPOSER COMMISSION
2025 marked the launch of the Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commission. Founded in celebration of our former Director of Programming’s nearly decadelong leadership of MRC’s artistic vision, this important donor-supported initiative pays tribute to Marshall’s passionate commitment to supporting the next generation of Australian composers.
The premiere performances of the inaugural Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commissions were held in the Primrose Potter Salon on 22 October. Sproutedness Indicator by Lilijana Matičevska and Emu by Moses Mohammed were expertly brought to life for the very first time by the musicians of Rubiks Collective.
This special commissioning program is unique in our musical ecosystem and, by offering significant workshop time with professional performers along with the commissioning fee and high-quality recording of the final works, plays an important role in supporting young composers to bridge the gap between the end of formal study and the beginnings of a professional career.
“This period of time between finishing formal studies and finding one’s voice in the professional artistic world is a universal and daunting one. Without the structure and support of university, it can feel a bit like being dropped in the ocean and asked to swim somewhere without knowing the way. Programs like the Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commission make a real difference in helping us bridge that gap, giving us a support and sense of direction.”
— MOSES MOHAMMED
The Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commission is made possible thanks to the support of the Vizard Foundation, along with generosity of Peter Armstrong, John and Lorraine Bates, Debbie Brady, Mary Bram, Richard and Susan Bunting, Ann Darby, Dr George Deutsch OAM and Kathy Deutsch, Paul Donnelly and Brigitte Treutenaere, Susan Eldridge, Carrillo Gantner AC and Ziyin Gantner, Dr Kingsley Gee and Zhen Fu Guan, The Hon. Justice Michelle Gordon AC KC and The Hon. Kenneth Hayne AC KC, Richard Gubbins, Barry Jones AC and Rachel Faggetter, Angela Kayser, Sandra Robertson, and Joy Selby Smith.
[L to R] Marshall McGuire, Lilijana Matičevska, Moses Mohammed and Iain Grandage AM. Image: Laura Manariti.
Rubiks Collective musicians. Image: Laura Manariti.
Syzygy Ensemble. Image: Laura Manariti.
MERLYN MYER COMMISSION
The Merlyn Myer Music Commission is an initiative established in memory of Dame Merlyn Myer (1900-1982) to support female composers in Australia. This prestigious commission offers a unique opportunity for a selected composer to create and present the premiere performance of a new musical work. Not only fostering artistic growth, the commission also ensures their compositions are performed, heard, and recorded.
In 2025, awarded composers Alice Chance and Chloe Kim collaborated on a new work featuring piano, violin, cello, flute, and clarinet, which was performed by the acclaimed Syzygy Ensemble in the Primrose Potter Salon on 1 October. The performance included a conversation with the composers and Director of Programming Iain Grandage AM. The audience were treated to a repeat performance after the discussion, allowing people to experience the work again with greater insight and fresh ears.
The Merlyn Myer Music Commission is generously supported by The Aranday Foundation and The Yulgilbar Foundation.
“We are very excited to be supporting this next instalment of the Merlyn Myer Commissions at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The timing has never been more apt for a new work that is inspired by joy in music. Born 125 years ago, Merlyn Myer was always keen to support innovation and new ideas. She would have been delighted to be remembered through this collaborative project between two outstanding artists.”
—
RUPERT MYER AO AND ANNABEL MYER, THE ARANDAY FOUNDATION AND THE YULGILBAR FOUNDATION
“It is a huge honour to be a recipient of the Merlyn Myer Commission and to have the opportunity to collaborate with artists I deeply respect. Chloe [Kim] and I have cooked up a project involving improvisation and joy-led composition methods from our unique musical backgrounds to create a work that reflects on how we might distill joy in music.”
— ALICE CHANCE
“One of life’s greatest blessings is being a full-time musician. To now embark on a
Syzygy Ensemble members, Chloe Kim [centre right], Rupert Myer AO [centre left] and Alice Chance [Rupert’s left]. Image: Laura Manariti.
Sarah Blasko. Image: Mauro Trentin.
SPOTLIGHT ON CONTEMPORARY
MUSIC
Melbourne Recital Centre showcases hundreds of contemporary musicians and performers from across Australia and internationally each year. Here are just a few highlights from 2025.
JANUARY
Rufus Wainwright (Canada/USA)
The Age
“He may be stripped of the rich production of his recordings, but Wainwright doesn’t do low-key. He’s built for grand gestures. Like he once said of his frequent muse Judy Garland, you really believe Wainwright means every word he sings.”
— THE AGE
“Rufus Wainwright in such an aesthetically and acoustically beautiful space – always going to be a winner!”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
“Fabulous evening! The sound is fabulous and enhances the experience! Perfect venue for the amazing Rufus Wainwright.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
SEPTEMBER
Sarah Blasko (Australia)
“Her sublime, god-given instrument opens up endless melodic possibilities and we can’t imagine anyone else on the planet singing these songs – some of which haven’t been performed live for 20 years – with such poignance and understated grace. We’d go so far as to say she’s Australia’s answer to Kate Bush…”
— AUSTRALIAN MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
“The sound was excellent. The lighting was cool. The band was fantastic.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
“The Sarah Blasko concert at the Recital Centre was fabulous. The Recital Centre is one of my favourite venues for music performances. The acoustics are always amazing.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
NOVEMBER
Reuben Kaye (Australia)
Limelight Magazine
“The most elevated way to see one of the greatest performers Australia has ever produced.”
— LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE
“Reuben Kaye is an outstanding performer. Alarmingly intelligent, eloquent, and witty […] My heart felt elated with his wonderful insightful comments and observations. Great that the Recital Centre decided to have him on stage.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
“Fabulous to see Reuben Kaye in the Melbourne Recital Centre and a very different audience experience with the beauty and acoustics of the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
Nobuntu. Image: Nico Keenan.
FESTIVALS
Our partnerships with a wide range of exciting festivals – including Midsumma, YIRRAMBOI, RISING, Asia TOPA and Now or Never – demonstrated active championing of inclusive access, participation and representation. These strategic alliances amplify Victoria’s vibrant diversity while strengthening our role as a cultural connector that transcends traditional venue boundaries, building sustainable networks that benefit multiple stakeholder groups. Highlights for the year included:
JANUARY
Midsumma Festival
Michael Griffiths – It’s A Sin, presented as part of Midsumma Festival, paid tribute to Pet Shop Boys in the Primrose Potter Salon.
MARCH
Asia TOPA
Water Song, a powerful, cross-cultural collaboration led by acclaimed South Korean vocalist Sunny Kim and composed by Ensemble Ochaye, was presented in collaboration with Asia TOPA and Arts Centre Melbourne.
“Absolutely loved Water Song at Melbourne Recital Centre for Asia TOPA – the sounds and synergies between five incredible women through different voices, language and instruments were breathtaking and an evocative space for reflection.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
JUNE
RISING
Our collaboration with RISING enabled the world premiere of Speak Percussion’s PIGEONS, a new contemporary piece supported by MRC’s ongoing Creative Development program.
“An extraordinary blend of innovative musical performance, sound recording, lighting, choreography and costuming.”
— CLASSIC MELBOURNE
AUGUST
Now or Never
In an Australian exclusive, Moritz von Oswald (Germany) performed his landmark modern composition Silencio live with the Consort of Melbourne’s 16-voice ensemble. This event was co-presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Now or Never festival. Limelight Magazine
“Traversing between electronics and the human voice at its most ethereal.”
— LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE
Speak Percussion perform PIGEONS. Image: Laura Manariti. 25
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Melbourne Recital Centre’s Artist in Residence program is one of the many ways that the Centre provides support and recognition to outstanding Australian artists. By offering a rare opportunity to engage deeply with the life of the Centre for a year-long residency, the program gives the chosen artist significant freedom to shape their time with us, provides access to our spaces, and support to curate ambitious concerts and events.
Our 2025 Artist in Residence was Robin Fox, a visionary audio-visual raconteur and founding director of Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS). Robin’s audiovisual laser works have been performed in over 60 cities worldwide and brought the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall to life for an unforgettable experience in January. Robin also presented several concerts and talks as part of his residency.
JANUARY
Triptych – concert, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
“Words fall flat when trying to describe something so vivid, so multi-dimensional, so alive. But if there had to be any, it seems describing Triptych as an ‘audiovisual space-time carving’ is the closest one could get.”
— BEAT MAGAZINE
JULY
Highlights from the History of Australian Electronic Music, presented as part of Open House Melbourne – installation and talk, Primrose Potter Salon.
AUGUST
Radical Trajectories: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the LaTrobe University Music Department, co-presented with Now or Never – talk, Primrose Potter Salon.
“I loved hearing Robin speak. It added immensely to my knowledge of arts and contemporary music.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
NOVEMBER
Tangles: Explorations in new modular music – concert, Primrose Potter Salon.
Robin Fox demonstrating to
Laura Manariti.
SPOTLIGHT ON FIRST NATIONS
MUSIC
We celebrate and amplify First Nations voices and culture. First Nations voices, self determination and storytelling play a vital role in shaping the Centre and its future.
APRIL
Emma Donovan
In The Old Rugged Cross, Emma Donovan explored the gospel and hymns she grew up with in communities. Emma joined forces with celebrated pianist, composer, and conductor Paul Grabowsky AO, plus a powerful collection of Melbourne’s finest jazz musicians.
“Thank you to everyone who came and listened so deeply. It felt like singing in church with my family again.”
— EMMA DONOVAN
“A once-in-a-lifetime show.”
— SCENSTR
MAY
Miss Ellaneous
In partnership with YIRRAMBOI, MRC presented the sparkling First Nations drag cabaret TINA – A Tropical Love Story, a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of Tina Turner and personal story brought to life by Miss Ellaneous (Ben Graetz).
“Emotionally resonant and charged with
JULY
Jess Hitchcock
Musica Viva Australia and Melbourne Recital Centre proudly presented Jess Hitchcock and Penny Quartet in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall as a highlight of NAIDOC week.
“How impressive was Hitchcock’s beauty, stage charisma and a most appealing
COMMUNITY AND CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Our Community and Creative Engagement Program actively contributes to creating a more inclusive society. Melbourne Recital Centre aims to be a place where musicloving Victorians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have the opportunity to inspire and be inspired, by taking their seat, or taking the stage.
The program comprises of a wide range of free or very low-cost initiatives focused on creating opportunities for thousands of Victorians of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience outstanding performances, take part in interactive music workshops, and hone musical skills, both in and beyond the Centre’s walls.
LEARNING AND ACCESS CONSORTIUM
The Learning and Access Consortium brings together a core group of inspired philanthropists whose joint support underpins the sustainability of our acclaimed Community and Creative Engagement program.
Not only does this vital support ensure the programs are offered for free or minimal cost to all who take part, it enables significant and valuable paid employment opportunities for the community of independent professional artists engaged to deliver the wide range of programs.
Thank you to the generous Learning and Access Consortium donors, who contributed a total of $618,230 in 2025 in support of the breadth of our Community and Creative Engagement program:
The Hugh Williamson Foundation, Mrs Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM, The Canny Quine Foundation, The Marian and E.H. Flack Trust, The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC KC & The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC KC, The Sentinel Foundation, The Peggy and Leslie Cranbourne Foundation and an anonymous donor.
We also extend our sincere thanks to those major donors whose support is directed to individual programs: Mrs Margaret Ross AM and Dr Ian Ross, Margaret Lawrence Bequest, The Vizard Foundation, Gailey Lazarus Charitable Foundation, Jane Kunstler, an anonymous donor, and the Victorian Department of Education through the Strategic Partnerships Program.
Quartz String Quartet and audience during a relaxed performance. Image: Belinda Ashe. 29
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
At Melbourne Recital Centre, we understand that a thriving cultural landscape relies on opportunities and professional development for young, emerging and professional performers, as well as the broader industry, including composers, event managers and technicians. Our creative engagement programs provide hands-on experience to grow young artists and elevate industry professionals. These programs include:
— Accelerando
— Making Waves
— Baroque Competition
— Great Romantics Competition
ACCELERANDO
Our Accelerando mentoring program exemplifies our commitment to nurturing exceptional talent regardless of location, with participants from Mildura through to Cann River accessing a year-long program of musical development opportunities and mentoring by professional local artists, which culminated in an exciting debut performance in the Primrose Potter Salon. This approach ensures geographic barriers do not limit creative potential while building regional connections to Melbourne’s cultural infrastructure.
“Accelerando offered experiences I could never receive being from a small town, and offered me an entirely different level of musical education than I could imagine.”
— ACCELERANDO ALUMNI
Thank you to The Peggy and Leslie Cranbourne Foundation for their generous support of Accelerando.
6 HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ACROSS VICTORIA
24 MENTOR SESSIONS
24 MUSIC LESSONS
33 CONCERTS ATTENDED
Accelerando participants. Image: Mark Gambino.
MAKING WAVES
Presented in partnership with Virtual School Victoria, the Making Waves program provides composition workshops, professional mentoring, and a showcase concert at Melbourne Recital Centre for budding VCE composers. Participating students, who hail from across Victoria, experience the life-changing opportunity of having their final VCE compositions performed and recorded at Melbourne Recital Centre by some of Australia’s most celebrated artists and ensembles.
CASE STUDY: DECLAN CHANDLER
Regional Victorian student Declan Chandler undertook VCE Music Composition remotely through Virtual School Victoria as his secondary school was unable to offer the subject. Embracing the challenge of writing experimental jazz, he decided to compose for an unusual combination of instruments – a saxophone quartet.
Working towards a 4-minute composition for his major assessment task, Declan was thrilled to be selected for the Making Waves program – “I feel very grateful and really privileged to have my work performed by professionals at such a prestigious venue.”
The program included individual mentoring with Lachlan Davidson, one of Australia’s leading jazz saxophonists, big band players, and professional arrangers, which enabled Declan to refine his work. A program highlight for Declan was hearing his composition come to life through several intense rehearsals with the Melbourne Saxophone Quartet, having only previously heard the work as a midi file through his computer.
Declan’s final composition Loose Ends had its world premiere in the Primrose Potter Salon at Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday 10 December 2025, and he intends to continue his compositional journey in 2026.
Declan says, “This program is massively transformative for emerging musicians such as myself. The program facilitates not only professional connections in the industry, but also empowers students with true professional performance and recording experience, giving musicians a platform to progress their musical careers and interests.”
Making Waves was generously supported by the Victorian Department of Education, through the Strategic Partnership Program.
Melbourne Saxophone Quartet rehearse with student composer Declan Chandler. Image: Belinda Ashe.
BAROQUE COMPETITION
Formerly known as the Bach Competition, this event’s expansion to encompass repertoire from the entire Baroque period encourages young musicians to explore the rich repertoire of hundreds of composers. The competition is open to any instrument/s soloists, duos or small ensembles 17 years of age and under.
11 soloists performed as finalists for the 2025 Baroque Competition, presented live in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on Sunday 22 June. The first prize ($4,000, along with a live national broadcast performance on 3MBS Melbourne) was won by violinist Samuel Hooper.
The 2025 Baroque Competition was generously supported by Mrs Margaret Ross AM and Dr Ian Ross and presented in association with our Competitions Media Partner 3MBS Melbourne.
Above right: Samuel Hooper. Image: Nico Kennan.
Above: [L to R] Samuel Hooper, Mrs Margaret Ross AM and Dr Ian Ross. Image: Nico Kennan.
GREAT ROMANTICS COMPETITION
Now in its sixteenth year, this celebrated national competition provides a platform for young musicians and ensembles (18 – 25 years) passionate about Romantic repertoire, including such luminaries as Brahms, Liszt and Schumann. Open to soloists, duos or small ensembles, Australia’s most talented young musicians battle it out for the prestigious Elisabeth Murdoch Prize, which includes a generous cash prize, along with media, performance, and professional development opportunities.
On Sunday 21 September six finalists dazzled us on the stage, with violinist Hee Jin Park taking home the Elisabeth Murdoch First Prize ($8,000). Classical guitarist Connor Whyte won the Anne Kantor Encouragement Award ($2,000) and Josephine Daniel on clarinet was awarded the Milan Kantor Encouragement Award ($2,000).
The 2025 Great Romantics Competition was generously supported by Mrs Margaret Ross AM and Dr Ian Ross, with prizes supported by Julie Kantor AO.
Above right: Hee Jin Park. Image: Laura Manariti.
Above: [L to R] Hee Jin Park, Josephine Daniel, Connor Whyte. Image: Laura Manariti.
BEHIND THE SCENES: SECTOR SUPPORT
Melbourne Recital Centre is a hub that supports and invests in the breath of the music sector, including career development opportunities for those working in – or seeking to build a career in – vital technical roles behind the scenes.
REGIONAL TECH SECONDMENTS
Our Regional Tech Secondment program actively seeks to address regional equity through targeted professional development opportunities. This program, new in 2025, welcomed music venue technicians from across regional Victoria – from Swan Hill, Bendigo and Geelong –to gain invaluable hands-on experience in our world-class venues. This initiative provides essential career pathway support while building the skilled workforce that strengthens Victoria’s creative industries.
[L to R] Holly Scoltock and Harriet Gregory, Events Producer Melbourne Recital Centre. Image: Belinda Ashe.
AMPLIFY SUMMIT
In 2025, Melbourne Recital Centre was pleased to host the Amplify (formerly FReeZA) Summit with nationally renowned youth music organisation The Push. This day-long take-over of the Centre welcomed 250 young people aged 12–25 from across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria to connect with industry, expand networks, build skills and discover new pathways to work in the live-music sector.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Melbourne Recital Centre’s extensive Community Engagement program represents a strategic evolution of our long-held commitment to ensuring that access to live music is available to everyone in our community. Featuring a wide range of free or very low-cost initiatives that are designed to deepen participants’ connections with music while fostering measurable community impact, this comprehensive approach ensures that musical programming reaches across demographic boundaries and creates meaningful pathways for cultural participation. These programs make a significant positive impact on the lives of community participants; from toddlers at our Relaxed Performances, to students with a disability and local residents from diverse backgrounds.
RELAXED PERFORMANCES
Featuring the same exceptional musicians who appear in our mainstage concert programs, our annual series of Relaxed Performances are specifically designed for audiences with sensory sensitivities, using altered lighting, in-depth musical explanations and accompanying access resources. Participating artists receive special training to support them to best engage with audiences of all ages with a wide range of communication needs, and the program also provides free tickets and bus transport for special development schools and other community groups who would otherwise face challenges attending the Centre.
In 2025 we presented 16 Relaxed Performances for special developmental schools and community groups, reaching a total of 863 people.
The Relaxed Performance series is supported by the Learning and Access Consortium, Gailey Lazarus Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
“Thank you for the fantastic (relaxed) performances we have attended this year at the MRC. It has been such a great opportunity for the children to have exposure to such a wide variety of musical genres and incredibly talented performers. Apart from music appreciation, it has given them the chance to practice their social skills in a public setting and have a unique cultural experience.”
— SPECIAL DEVELOPMENTAL SCHOOL TEACHER
Dany Maia and audience during relaxed performance. Image: Belinda Ashe.
BOLD STAGE
Bold Stage is a new pilot program successfully delivered in 2025 in close collaboration with three community partners who work with young, underrepresented artists. Designed to provide a platform for communities who are underrepresented on the stages of professional venues, the Bold Stage program provides extensive mentoring, orientation, concert tickets, and production support that enables young artists from a variety of backgrounds to present a professional-quality performance in the Primrose Potter Salon. In doing so, the program also seeks to welcome new audiences from the communities now represented on our stage.
In 2025, Bold Stage supported and presented over 60 Deaf and disabled artists from Monash’s SensiLab, as well as musicians from Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s Adaptive Music Bridging Program, presented in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music.
The third Bold Stage community partner was Songlines Aboriginal Music, who showcased eight emerging First Nations artists, each receiving mentoring by Uncle Robbie Bundle before and during their involvement in the Bold Stage program.
“NOT ONLY WAS THE EVENT PHYSICALLY ACCESSIBLE AND SUPPORTED BY AN ATTENTIVE TEAM, BUT ALSO A GENUINELY WARM AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO PERFORM.”
Songlines Aboriginal Music. Image: Laura Manariti.
SHARE THE MUSIC
Since 2009, Melbourne Recital Centre’s Share the Music program has provided thousands of free tickets and transportation subsidies to those in the community facing barriers to accessing live music experiences.
In 2025, 1,000 people were able to experience live music through our Share the Music program. Our Share the Music community partners include:
— Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Bunjilwarra
— Butterfly Foundation
— Down Syndrome Victoria
— Father Bob Foundation
— Melbourne Indigenous Transition School
— Monash Refugee Health
— Odyssey House
— Schizy Inc
— Special Developmental Schools
— Statewide Vision Resource Centre
— Thorne Harbour Health
— Uniting Care
— Vision Australia
— Western Chances
— Wintringham Housing
— Yooralla
— YourDNA Creative Arts
Thank you to the Learning and Access Consortium for their support, and to the
Nobuntu. Image: Belinda Ashe.
FREE MUSIC
Melbourne Recital Centre opens the doors of its intimate Primrose Potter Salon one day each month from February to December for free open rehearsals featuring the very best of Melbourne’s chamber musicians. The artists use this opportunity to rehearse new works or programs and try out new ideas in an informal, free public event, and audiences are offered the rare chance to peek behind the curtain of the rehearsal experience and develop a deeper understanding of how a professional performance comes into being.
Artists featured in the 2025 program were:
— Hoang Pham
— University of Melbourne students
— Rachael Beesley and Aura Go
— ANAM Musicians
— Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday
— Tango Mundo
— Flinders Quartet
Australian Contemporary Opera Company
— YourDNA Creative Arts
— Iain Grandage AM
LIFELONG CONNECTIONS
MRC contributes to a connection to place for the local community at the heart of the evolving Southbank arts precinct. From toddlers’ earliest live music experiences to opportunities for retirees to connect with a diverse range of local residents at free weekly singing sessions, our programs bring people together to sow and sustain a life-long love of music.
SONG PLAY
Song Play is Melbourne Recital Centre’s early learning music program for families with young children 0-5 years. Featuring a different musical theme each week, the sessions, run by early learning specialist Clare Zabrowarny, encourage children to develop the foundations of musical, movement, and creative skills. Song Play mixes fun interactions with real instruments, musical games, dancing, and most importantly, singing.
“My child and I had a lot of fun attending our two terms of Song Play and Clare is such a great asset to the MRC team.”
— SONG PLAY PARTICIPANT
64
SONG PLAY SESSIONS FOR TODDLERS AND THEIR CARERS
ATTENDEES
Song Play participants and facilitator Clare Zabrowarny. Images: Melbourne Recital Centre.
CHOIR 3006
Understanding music’s profoundly positive impact on wellbeing and social inclusion, we were thrilled to launch Choir 3006 in February 2025 – our free weekly lunchtime choir open to all Southbank locals, workers and visitors. Led by professional choral conductor Renee Heron, this hugely successful new initiative offers participants access to the welldocumented benefits of group singing and social connection, creating a supportive community space that prioritises mental health and creative expression.
“Choir 3006 literally has brought me back to life with joy and happiness.”
— CHOIR 3006 PARTICIPANT
“The 3006 Choir is a beautiful thing to be a part of and I have met some of my neighbours as a bonus.”
— CHOIR 3006 PARTICIPANT
Thank you to Jane Kunstler for her generous support of Choir 3006.
40 FREE WEEKLY SINGING SESSIONS
2,518 ATTENDEES
2 PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Choir 3006 perform onstage in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for Open House Melbourne. Images: Laura Manariti.
16TH BIRTHDAY GALA
In February 2025, our much-loved annual gala dinner saw over 100 of our most generous donors gather on the stage of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall to celebrate MRC’s sixteenth birthday, raising $200,000 in support of our suite of impactful young artist development programs. Elegantly hosted by Mairi Nicolson, some of the many highlights of this memorable evening include guests enjoying a deeply moving performance by former MRC Artist-inResidence William Barton and being wowed by the Flinders Quartet’s energetic rendition of a new work, Perpetuum, by outstanding young composer Chloe Dewhirst, an alumna of our Making Waves program for emerging composers.
16th Birthday Gala attendees and performers William Barton and Flinders Quartet. Images: Laura Manariti. 43
CHAIR’S CIRCLE
Marking the beginning of a significant new chapter for philanthropy at Melbourne Recital Centre, in June 2025 we proudly established the Chair’s Circle as an important new initiative to acknowledge, celebrate and grow our community of major donors. Under the leadership of our new Chair Peter McMullin AM, this circle of philanthropic leaders, who each contribute $25,000 or more each year, is dedicated to ensuring the long-term flourishing of Melbourne Recital Centre as a beacon for musical excellence.
Thank you to our Chair’s Circle members:
Peter McMullin AM (Chair) & Ruth McMullin
Alan Archibald KC & Mary-Louise Archibald
John Bates & Lorraine Bates
Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM
Colin Golvan AM KC & Dr Deborah Golvan
The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC KC & The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC
Robert Peck AM & Yvonne von Hartel AM
Margaret Ross AM & Dr Ian Ross
Cathy Simpson & John Simpson AM
Joy Selby Smith
Andrew Wheeler AM & Jan Wheeler
Anonymous (1)
To enquire about making a tax-deductible contribution and joining the Chair’s Circle, please contact Alistaire Bowler, Head of Development, on (03) 9207 2653 or alistaire.bowler@melbournerecital.com.au
Chair’s Circle dinner attendees and performers Paul Grabowsky AO, Mindy Meng Wang and Iain Grandage AM. Images: Laura Manariti.
SPOTLIGHT ON SEAT DEDICATIONS
Dedicating a seat in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall with a personal message is a unique way to celebrate your love of live music, honour a loved one, or commemorate a special occasion. Made in recognition of a $2,000 donation, funds raised through our seat dedication program directly support our vibrant and diverse musical, artistdevelopment, and community engagement programs.
IN MEMORY OF AN ARCHITECT
Long-term patron Dr Rosemary Nixon AM’s connection to Melbourne Recital Centre precedes even our physical presence. Her late husband Stephen Ashton AM was one of the founding architects of ARM Architecture, who designed the Melbourne Recital Centre building. Rosemary most remembers Stephen and the architectural team being completely obsessed with the acoustics of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall,
especially having to cater for trams rumbling past, and being thrilled with the end result. She has generously donated two seat plaques, including one dedicated in memory of Stephen. Stephen and Rosemary established the Ashton-Nixon bequest before he passed away in 2016.
ENCORE BEQUEST CIRCLE
The Encore Bequest Circle acknowledges and celebrates the extraordinary generosity of those who have pledged to support Melbourne Recital Centre with a gift in their Will.
We encourage you to let us know if you are leaving a gift to Melbourne Recital Centre in your Will so that we can thank you in person, share more detail about how your gift will be used, and invite you to join the Encore Bequest Circle. You will have the opportunity to have your name listed on our programs, and be invited to participate in special gatherings, concerts, behind-the-scenes tours and other exclusive events.
Thank you to our newest Encore Bequest Circle member, Roger Chao, for speaking with us about what inspired him to include Melbourne Recital Centre in his Will.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN MUSIC?
“Before I had the words for the larger matters of life, joy, grief, courage, tenderness, I recognised them in sound.
“When I was younger, I tried to teach myself the piano and the guitar. I loved the idea of music, and I felt its pull, but I did not yet have the patience, the resources, the insight, or the foresight to persevere. With the benefit of time, I see that this is not a personal shortcoming so much as a common human story –talent is rarely enough, and desire is rarely enough. What makes the difference, especially for young people, is sustained encouragement, access, good teaching, and a culture that treats practice not as punishment but as possibility.
“That is part of what I hope support for Melbourne Recital Centre can help provide – the conditions that turn aspiration into capacity. Not everyone will become a professional musician, nor should that be the measure of success. But everyone deserves the chance to encounter excellence, to be mentored, and to discover what steady attention can make of them. If my gift helps even a few people like my younger self – curious, moved, but uncertain how to persist, then it will be doing real work.”
Roger Chao. Image supplied.
TELL US ABOUT AN EXPERIENCE AT MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE THAT MADE AN IMPACT ON YOU?
“Many places can host performances. Fewer can host attention. Melbourne Recital Centre understands that the audience is not a crowd receiving a product, it is a community practising presence together.
“One evening that stays with me was attending one of Wispelwey’s recitals. The performance was superb, but what moved me was what happened in the room. People arrived carrying the day, noise, urgency, distraction. Then, as the music began, modern restlessness loosened its grip. A collective steadiness emerged, not sentimental, but disciplined.
“And there was a moment between movements when no one rushed to applaud. No premature clapping. No need to perform sophistication. Just silence, intelligent, respectful silence. That silence mattered to me because it felt civic. It reminded me that public life can still be dignified, that strangers can share something profound without being divided into camps, that a city can still have spaces where we are invited to be our best selves, and to carry that self back into the street.
“The Centre’s programming reinforces this. It honours tradition without treating it as a museum. It makes room for discovery without condescension. It pursues excellence without turning excellence into exclusion.”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO INCLUDE MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE IN YOUR WILL? HOW DOES THIS CONNECT WITH THE LEGACY YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS?
“I included Melbourne Recital Centre in my Will for two reasons – gratitude, and stewardship. Gratitude, because the Centre has given me experiences that reminded me of what human beings can do at their best – compose, practise, perform, and listen with care, and stewardship, because institutions like this do not endure by accident. They endure because people decide they matter, and act accordingly.
Melbourne Recital Centre represents a particular idea of the common good. It gives the life of the mind and spirit a public home. It gathers people not as consumers, but as citizens, people capable of listening, reflection, and shared experience.”
“A bequest is a way of extending the horizon beyond one lifetime. It is a practical way of saying – this is worth protecting. I want young people, especially those who may not yet feel that these spaces ‘belong’ to them, to have the chance to encounter excellence up close. I want the Centre to keep commissioning new work, supporting artists, and keeping its doors open. Culture must be living, not merely preserved.”
To learn more about leaving a bequest to Melbourne Recital Centre, please contact:
Belinda Locke
Philanthropy Manager (03) 9207 2648 belinda.locke@melbournerecital.com.au
Melbourne Recital Centre exterior. Image: Mark Chew.
OUR SECTOR PARTNERS
KEY PRESENTING PARTNERS
Australian Brandenberg Orchestra
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)
Australian String Quartet
Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Musica Viva Australia
COMMUNITY AND CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM PARTNERS
Australian Music Examination Board
The Push
3MBS Radio
Virtual Schools Victoria
University of Melbourne
Songlines Aboriginal Music
Melbourne Youth Orchestras
Monash University’s SensiLab
Melbourne Theatre Company
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Samuel Mariño. Image: Laura Manariti.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our business partners: Ashurst, The Langham Melbourne, Quest Southbank, Mount Camel Ridge Estate and Port Phillip Estate. We are also delighted to welcome Kawai Australia as our new instrument partner for The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon.
The generosity of all our partners amplifies the impact of our work and elevates the experience of Melbourne Recital Centre for our artists and audiences alike. We hope that everyone in our community will support them as they continue to support us.
To learn more about how your business can support Melbourne Recital Centre with a mutually beneficial corporate partnership, please contact Alistaire Bowler, Head of Development, on (03) 9207 2653 or alistaire.bowler@melbournerecital.com.au
OUR SUPPORTERS
MUSIC CIRCLE
Thank you to the donors who support the depth and vibrancy of the Centre’s musical program and play a crucial role in ensuring we can continue to present a broad range of the greatest musicians and ensembles from Australia and around the globe.
SALON PROGRAM BENEFACTOR
Lady Primrose Potter AC
BEACON BENEFACTORS
Peter McMullin AM & Ruth McMullin
CHAIR’S CIRCLE
Peter McMullin AM (Chair) & Ruth McMullin
Alan Archibald KC & Mary-Louise Archibald
John Bates & Lorraine Bates
Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM
Colin Golvan AM KC & Dr Deborah Golvan
The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC KC & The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC
Robert Peck AM & Yvonne von Hartel AM
Margaret Ross AM & Dr Ian Ross
Cathy Simpson & John Simpson AM
Joy Selby Smith
Andrew Wheeler AM & Jan Wheeler
Anonymous (1)
$30,000+
Joy Selby Smith
$20,000+
Alan & Mary-Louise Archibald Foundation
John & Lorraine Bates
Colin Golvan AM KC & Dr Deborah Golvan
Robert Peck AM, Yvonne von Hartel AM, Rachel Peck & Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects (Signature Event Circle Benefactors)
Cathy Simpson & John Simpson AM
Susan Thacore
$10,000+
Anonymous (1)
Warwick & Paulette Bisley
Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins AM (Signature Event Circle)
Craig & Bernadette Drummond
Peter Griffin & Terry Swann Foundation
Alex & Nelly King
Dr David Li AM & Angela Li
Andrew Wheeler AM & Jan Wheeler (Signature Event Circle)
$5,000+
Mary Bram & the late Arnold Bram
Heather Carmody & Anthony Baird
Maggie Cash
Mary Draper AM
George & Laila Embelton
Dr Mary-Jane Gething AO
Linda Herd
Amy & Paul Jasper
Ann Lahore
Diana Lempriere
Dr Mark Medownick & Dr Alla Medownick
Rosemary O’Connor
Tom Smyth
Jenny Tatchell
Janet Thomson
Dr Michael Troy
Youth Music Foundation of Australia Inc (Signature Event Circle)
$2,500+
Donald Abell
Michael Bennett & Kate Stockwin
Nigel & Sheena Broughton
Bill Burdett AM & Sandra Burdett
Alastair Campbell & Sue Campbell
Alex & Elizabeth Chernov
Michael Cowen & Sharon Nathani
Martin Duffy & Patrick Kennedy
Alistair Hay & Dr Jennifer Miller
Catherine Heggen
Dr Alastair Jackson AM
Christopher Menz & Peter Rose
Dr Rosemary Nixon
Susan Pelka & Richard Caven
Emeritus Professor Margaret Plant
Christopher Reed
Sirius Foundation
Maria Sola
Patricia & Vaughan Speck
The Ullmer Family Foundation
Dr Victor Wayne & Dr Karen Wayne OAM
$1,000+
Anonymous (4)
Catherine Belcher
Debbie Brady
Christine & Michael Clough
John & Chris Collingwood
The Hon Mary Delahunty
Vivien & Jack Fajgenbaum
Margaret Farren-Price & Prof Ronald Farren-Price AM
Mark & Danuta Freeman
George Golvan KC &
Naomi Golvan
Gras Foundation Trust
John Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie
Penelope Hughes
Prof Andrea Hull AO
Irene Kearsey & Michael Ridley
Assoc Prof Sebastian King
Angela & Richard Kirsner
Janet McDonald
Banjo McLachlan & Paul Mahony
Mercer Family Foundation
Maria Mercurio
Stephen Newton AO
Dr Paul Nisselle AM
Greg Noonan
Eda Ritchie AM
Greg Shalit & Miriam Faine
C. Tegner
Lyn Williams AC
$500+
Anonymous (4)
Jenny Anderson
Dr David Bernshaw & Caroline Isakow
Jannie Brown
Roger & Coll Buckle
Fiona Bunworth
Min Li Chong
Emilia Cross
Bruce Dudon
Jean Dunn
Chris Egan
Haydn Gibson
Dr Robert Hetzel
Jenny & Peter Hordern
Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AM
Daniel Kirkham
David Klempfner
Jennifer K Marshall
Ian McRae AO & Åsa Hasselgard
Dr Ronald Rosanove & Elizabeth Rosanove
Prof Cheryl Saunders
Terry & Margaret Sawyer
Christine Stott Lia Tran
ACCESS TO MUSIC AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Thank you to the donors who support learning and access programs which share the music by bringing high quality music and learning opportunities to people from all walks of life.
$100,000+
Prof Dimity Reed AM
$20,000+
Anonymous (1)
Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM
The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC KC & The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC
$10,000+
Canny Quine Foundation
The Sentinel Foundation
$7,500+
The Jack & Hedy Brent Foundation
$5,000+
Anne Burgi & Kerin Carr
David & Xenia Williamson
$2,500+
Prof John Langford AM & Julie Kidd
Ralph & Ruth Renard
$1,000+
Anonymous (1)
Keith & Debby Badger
Debbie Brady
Elizabeth Cross
Prof David Forrest
Maria Hansen
Michael Upson
The Hon Ralph Willis AO & Carol Willis OAM
$500+
Anonymous (2)
Dr Christine Bayly
James Bostock
Roger & Coll Buckle
Anne Burton
Ellen & B Easton
Assoc Prof Jody Evans
Doug Hooley
Graham Jephcott
Helen Lovass
Miriam McDonald
Lorraine Moir
Elizabeth O’Keeffe
Andrew & Georgina Porter
Elizabeth Reid & George Robin
Allison Summers
Tony Way
Peter Willis & Eleneth Wooley
Dr Jenny York
NURTURING ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Thank you to the donors who support our enriching artist development programs to help create a wide range of opportunities for local musicians to ensure a vibrant musical future for the Centre, Victoria and beyond.
BETTY AMSDEN KIDS AND FAMILY PROGRAM BENEFACTOR
The late Betty Amsden AO DSJ
YOUNG ARTIST DEVELOPMENT BENEFACTOR
The Peggy & Leslie Cranbourne Foundation
MERLYN MYER MUSIC COMMISSION
The Aranday Foundation The Yulgilbar Foundation
$80,000+
Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross
$20,000
Jane Kunstler
The Vizard Foundation*
$10,000+
Warwick & Paulette Bisley
Julie Kantor AO
$5,000+
Russell & Deborah Basser
John & Lorraine Bates*
Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM
Carrillo Gantner AC & Ziyin Gantner*
Angela Kayser*
Bruce Parncutt AO
$2,500+
The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC KC & The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC*
The James & Leo Ostroburski Foundation
$1,000+
Peter J Armstrong*
Ken Barelli
Debbie Brady*
Mary Bram*
Ann Gordon
Penny Hutchinson
Dr Barry Jones AC & Rachel Faggetter*
Rupert Myer AO & Annabel Myer
Anne Runhardt & Glenn Reindel
Joy Selby Smith*
Helen Symon KC & Ian Lulham
Leslie Thiess
Clayton & Christina Thomas
Brigitte Treutenaere & Paul Donnelly*
Sandra Willis
$500+
Anonymous (1)
Lesley Alway
Paula Dwyer & Charlie Happell
Dr Kingsley Gee & Zhen Fu Guan*
Graham Goldsmith AO &
Deborah Goldsmith
Charles & Cornelia Goode
Richard Gubbins*
Kate Joel
Peter Jopling AM KC & Richard Parker
Sean King
Dr David Li AM & Angela Li
Sue Lloyd-Williams & David Hauser
Clementine Lucas
Richard Murray & Jacquie Blackwell
Peter & Wendy Nottle
A LASTING LEGACY
Thank you to this extraordinary group of donors for supporting the future of Melbourne Recital Centre both now and for generations to come.
INAUGURAL PATRONS
Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins AM
Anonymous (4)
Jenny Anderson
John & Lorraine Bates
The late Betty Amsden AO DSJ
Jennifer Brukner OAM
The Estate of Kenneth Bullen
Roger Chao
Emilia Cross
Dr Kingsley Gee & Zhen Fu Guan
Charles Taylor Hardman
Jenny & Peter Hordern
Dr Garry Joslin
Jane Kunstler
Janette McLellan
Rosemary O’Connor
Elizabeth O’Keeffe
Penny Rawlins
Prof Dimity Reed AM
Christopher Menz & Peter Rose
Sandy Shaw
The Estate of Beverley Shelton & Martin Schönthal
Mary Vallentine AO
TAKE YOUR SEAT
Thank you to the donors who have dedicated an Elisabeth Murdoch Hall seat in the last twelve months.
Ashton-Nixon Bequest
Warwick & Paulette Bisley
Prof Andrea Hull AO
In memory of Margaret Reece
List of patrons as at 31 December 2025
* Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commission
TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS
Anonymous (1)
The Aranday Foundation
Alan and Mary-Louise Archibald Foundation
The Peggy & Leslie Cranbourne Foundation
The Marian & E H Flack Trust
Margaret Lawrence Bequest
Gailey Lazarus Foundation
The Sentinel Foundation
Sirius Foundation
The Peter Griffin & Terry Swann Foundation
The Ullmer Family Foundation
D & X Williamson Family Charitable Fund
Songlines Aboriginal Music. Image: Laura Manariti.
BOARD MEMBERS
Peter McMullin AM, Chair
Prof. Andrea Hull AO, Chair (ret. March 2025)
Andrew Apostola
Anthony Cavanagh
The Hon Mary Delahunty (ret. March 2025)
Kate Duncan (ret. January 2026)
Assoc. Prof. Jody Evans (ret. August 2025)
Mark Freeman
Liz Grainger
Monica Lim
FOUNDATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteer members of the Foundation Advisory Committee who provide valuable support and guidance towards growing our vital community of supporters and philanthropic partners.
Assoc. Prof. Jody Evans, Chair (ret. August 2025)
Monica Lim
Peter McMullin AM
Peter Armstrong (external member) (ret. December 2025)
Jim Cousins AO (external member)
Elizabeth Ee (external member)
Alex King (external member)
Clementine Lucas (external member)
Mairi Nicolson (external member)
Yvonne von Hartel AM (external member)
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT MELBOURNE
RECITAL CENTRE
The extraordinary musical experiences that take place nearly every day of the year at Melbourne Recital Centre are only made possible thanks to the support we receive from our community of generous donors.
You can support Melbourne Recital Centre by making a tax-deductible gift to our artistic programming (Music Circle), artist development, and community programming activities. Donations over $500 are recognised in selected Melbourne Recital Centre materials.
You can also support Melbourne Recital Centre by naming a seat or leaving a bequest.
DONATE
ONLINE
melbournerecital.com.au/support-us/donate-now
PHONE
(03) 9207 2653 during business hours to speak to Alistaire Bowler, Head of Development, to make a donation over the phone.
BANK TRANSFER
Account name: Melbourne Recital Centre Public Fund
Account number: 832 479 157
BSB: 083 419
Bank: National Australia Bank
Please include your name in the transaction description and email development@melbournerecital.com.au to let us know of your gift so we can send you a tax receipt.
For more information about how you can
help bring live music to life at Melbourne
Recital Centre please contact:
Alistaire Bowler
Head of Development (03) 9207 2653
alistaire.bowler@melbournerecital.com.au
Belinda Locke Philanthropy Manager (03) 9207 2648
belinda.locke@melbournerecital.com.au
General Enquiries development@melbournerecital.com.au
Siobhan Stagg with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. Image: Laura Manariti.