Step through these doors, and you're sure to be in for something unforgettable.
The cold weather outside might not be everyone’s favourite – but stepping into the warm, acoustically pristine Melbourne Recital Centre is always a comforting balm for the soul. This July, they’re hosting an eclectic mix of performances from award-winning artists across contemporary classical, jazz, electronic and soul.
ZÖJ
- 4 July
- Primrose Potter Salon
- Tickets here
This spellbinding fusion of neo-classical Persian music and experimental beats could only be the work of Ballarat-based duo ZÖJ (meaning “couple” in Farsi). Made up of acclaimed improvisers Gelareh Pour and Brian O’Dwyer, ZÖJ has sold out shows and gained some serious fans over the years, including Melbourne legend Nick Cave. Their latest free-form odyssey is an exploration of homesickness and the joys and aches of being away.
Jess Hitchcock & Penny Quartet
- 7 July
- Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
- Tickets here
As part of its NAIDOC celebrations, Melbourne Recital Centre is bringing Indigenous songwriter, opera and jazz singer, writer and composer Jess Hitchcock to the stage. A true force of talent, she’ll be joined by the innovative Penny Quartet to explore themes of reflection and renewal. This collaborative project sees 11 Australian composers each reimagining one of Hitchcock’s works for strings and vocals.
Hakima – Bukjeh
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- 8 and 9 July
- Primrose Potter Salon
- Tickets here
Translating to ‘wise woman’ in Arabic, Hakima is a profound performance reflecting on the resilience and loss of women who have survived through wars. Made up of poetry, song and storytelling, this project draws from African and Middle Eastern traditions and features vocalists Aseel Tayah and Mohamed Omran, poets Rania Ahmad and Manal Younis, and musicians Taj Eldeeb and Bassam Jalgh.
Sonorous XI: David Chesworth & Gail Priest
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- 10 July
- Primrose Potter Salon
- Tickets here
Presented in collaboration with the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS), the 11th edition of Sonorous beckons guests into an “immersive universe of sound”. Running for one hour, this freshly commissioned electro-acoustic work, crafted by sound artists Gail Priest and David Chesworth, will be delivered in full octaphonic surround sound. Listen, ponder, and give in to the experience.
Benaud Trio 20th Anniversary Concert
- 12 July
- Primrose Potter Salon
- Tickets here
Over the past 20 years, the Benaud Trio has won many fans with their exceptional chamber performances with a lively modern edge. This show sees pianist Amir Farid, violinist Lachlan Bramble and cellist Ewen Bramble take on two works: Dvořák’s famed Piano Trio No.4 in E minor and Jakub Jankowski’s Piano Trio No. 2. Guests may also be treated to a pop-inspired encore, which the ensemble’s become known for.
Sjaella
- 25 July
- Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
- Tickets here
German all-female a cappella group Sjaella returns to Melbourne Recital Centre following a splashy debut in 2023. Noted for their ethereal voices and signature blend of Baroque and contemporary, the ensemble has been flagged as one to watch. Here, they’ll share songs from their critically acclaimed album Origins as well as commissioned pieces in what is sure to be a mesmerising and captivating evening.
Wild Gloriosa – Flowering Soul
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- 31 July
- Primrose Potter Salon
- Tickets here
To finish off the month, Wild Gloriosa (also known as Gloria Ragesh) will serve up smooth, sultry RnB and Neo Soul. With South Asian roots, raised in Singapore and based in Geelong, she’s known for her hypnotic rhythms and bold, colourful aesthetic. She’ll be performing tunes from her most recent EP, Growing Pains, which was released in April this year. Expect blissed-out grooves, catchy hooks and intricately layered vocal harmonies.
To browse Melbourne Recital Centre’s whole program, head here.
