Just so you don't get the wrong idea, I'm not exactly a classical music buff.
I find it very beautiful and often listen to it while working or meandering around the house, but I’ve got no idea what a diminished chord is. Honestly, I couldn’t even tell you what an oboe is. That’s the kind of level we’re talking about here.
Despite all that, when I was first made aware of Meet at the Market, Orchestra Victoria‘s new initiative, I was immediately interested. The series is designed to offer a more accessible and chilled-out way to experience classical music, which, if you couldn’t tell by the intro, is more my speed.
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There are a handful of features that set Meet at the Market apart. First, it’s only an hour long, meaning you’re not committing to a whole day at the concert hall.
Second, it’s held on Friday evenings kicking off at 7pm, so there’s still plenty of time to grab dinner or get into trouble afterwards, your appetite sufficiently whet by the gin cocktails and mini sliders provided by local distillery Brogan’s Way.
Finally, the events are held at the Meat Market – the new home of Orchestra Victoria – which is a plus not only for its central North Melbourne location but also because it allows for an incredibly intimate show where the audience is positioned around the orchestra, offering many angles for close-up viewing. With high ceilings and industrial charm, it’s the perfect juxtaposition to the refined, emotive works.
The orchestra, which can be found most of the year providing musical accompaniment to ballets and theatre shows, is on full display here, having worked with a specialised lighting technician to add visual drama and intrigue.
Led by the brilliant conductor Jessica Gethin, the session was packed tight with both classic and contemporary selections. Pieces by Mozart and Mendelssohn were performed alongside Australian composer Maria Grenfell’s Tarraleah (a highlight of the evening) and Joe Chindamo’s Fantasie auf Nachtmusik, followed by a description from the composer himself, who’d been watched joyfully from the front row.
Andrew Young’s French horn solo was stunning to witness, played with impressive restraint and control. Afterwards, the audience was privy to a heartwarming moment as he gave a shout-out to his high school band teacher, sitting somewhere in the crowd.
Host Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe did an excellent job of enriching the music with warm, lively conversation and extra tidbits of information about each work.
All in all, the series is a smart idea from Orchestra Victoria – a fresh, lively approach to classical music that is easy to enjoy and feels welcoming to all, whether you’re deeply involved in that world or a total newbie. It may have been my first time experiencing Orchestra Victoria, but it certainly won’t be my last!
For tickets to upcoming Meet at the Market sessions on July 25 and September 12, head here.
