Archie Roach tributes, Latvian virtuosos, heavenly choirs: What’s on at Melbourne Recital Centre this February
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22.01.2025

Archie Roach tributes, Latvian virtuosos, heavenly choirs: What’s on at Melbourne Recital Centre this February

Melbourne Recital Centre
Tamala Shelton and Tenzin Choegyal
Words by Juliette Salom

This February, journey to Melbourne Recital Centre in the heart of the city to be transported to Latvia, the UK, Poland and the era of Bach.

Melbourne Recital Centre is gearing up for a February full of portals. Whether you want to visit the Renaissance period or 17th century Germany, MRC has a show to transport you there. 

Across this month’s program, Melbourne Recital Centre is playing host to a cascading array of cultures around the world. From international icons making their Naarm debuts to the honouring of local legends through unreleased songs, MRC is paying tribute to musical phenomenons from both home and afar.

Read on to find out about just some of the virtuosos and masters taking to the stage at Melbourne Recital Centre this February.

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Cradle of Life: Tenzin Choegyal & Tamala Shelton

 

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  • Saturday, February 1, from 7pm
  • Primrose Potter Salon
  • Tickets here

Two titans of industry come together for a performance that examines our relationship with Mother Earth. After meeting through the late Uncle Archie Roach AO, Bundjalung/Lama Lama spoken word artist Tamala Shelton and Tibetan/Australian musician Tenzin Choegyal reimagine Archie’s unreleased song Cradle of Life in this spoken word rendition.

Tamala and Tenzin bring this song to life through a soaring exploration of the future of our planet. Cradle of Life cascades between a sound experience and a poetic exploration – it’s as heartfelt as it is inspiring. The two artists will be joined by a plethora of other performers and musicians on stage for what will be an incredibly immersive show. 

The Balanas Sisters

 

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  • Friday, February 14, from 6pm and 8pm
  • Primrose Potter Salon
  • Tickets here

Melbourne Recital Centre has got your Valentine’s Day plans sorted with this transcendental show by the Balanas Sisters. With two performances on the day (6pm and 8pm), there’s no excuse to miss out on these Latvian virtuosos.

As musicians who are known for their ability to orchestrate the music between light and shade with just the touch of their fingertips, this will excitingly be Kristine and Margarita Balanas’ Melbourne Recital Centre debut. They will be performing a plethora of thrilling pieces across the program, complementing Baroque masters with contemporary minimalists on the violin and cello. 

Schola Cantorum

  • Monday, February 17, from 11am
  • Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
  • Tickets here

For the first time ever, Schola Cantorum will be bringing their otherworldly program to Australian audiences. Gracing the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall with angelic voices and serene performances, this show from the English boys’ choir of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School will transport you across time and space with their heavenly voices.

The program will cover a vast variety of references, from rare gems to contemporary worlds. Expect a dash of J.S. Bach’s Komm, Jesu, komm, a hint of William Byrd’s Ne irascaris Domine, a sprinkle of Rheinberger’s Cantus Missa, plus much more.

Hania Rani

 

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  • Thursday, February 20 and Frida,y February 21, from 7.30pm
  • Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
  • Tickets here

One of the most widely celebrated modern pianists will be taking over the MRC stage this month as Polish musician and composer Hania Rani brings her extensive catalogue to Naarm audiences.

Hania’s most recent album, Ghosts, will be at the centre of her sonic explorations. The performance will also entwine a selection of songs and moments from throughout her career.

A virtuoso who is bound by no one genre, style or sound, Hania’s status as one of the world’s leading modern pianists has been cemented by her ability to borrow music from all across the spectrum of sound. For piano lovers and music lovers alike, this isn’t a show to miss.

Bach Cello Suite: Part II

  • Thursday, February 27, from 3pm and 7pm
  • Primrose Potter Salon
  • Tickets here

Back by popular demand after a sensational Part I performance last year, Bach Cello Suite is bringing Part II of the remaining three Suites to MRC audiences this February.

This trio of Naarm cellists have made a name for themselves with their virtuosic talents in honouring Bach’s cello Suites. Rohan de Korte, Zoe Knighton and Rosanne Hunt are gearing up to bring the work of the great composer to life with their rich, lively and emotive playing of these works that will drop jaws to the floor. Bach fan or otherwise, this will be a splendid journey of sonic experience for everyone.

Keep up to date with what’s on at Melbourne Recital Centre here.