Kick those winter blues away on a date with our treasured Melbourne Recital Centre this July.
From neo-classical piano to timeless rock tributes, baroque masterpieces, and charming performances for the kids, there’s something for everyone at one of Melbourne’s finest venues. Here is just a glimpse of what to keep an eye and ear out for this July.
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Peter & the Wolf with Inventi Ensemble
- Thursday, 4 July
- Book tickets here
Bring the kids to enjoy Prokofiev’s beloved tale of Peter and the Wolf performed by the Inventi Ensemble.
This timeless story comes alive through the magic of music, with each character depicted by a different instrument: Peter by the strings, the duck by an oboe, the bird by a flute, and the cat by a clarinet.
This enchanting performance not only entertains but serves as a seamless introduction to classical music for little ones during the school holidays.
ELISION + Ngulmiya
- Friday, 5 July
- Book tickets here
Experience a ground-breaking collaboration between legendary First Nations artist Ngulmiya and the renowned Australian ensemble ELISION.
ELISION, celebrated for its innovative and boundary-pushing approach to music, partners with Ngulmiya to present a mesmerising performance featuring works from Ngulmiya’s debut eponymous album.
Hailing from the community of Numbulwar in Arnhem Land, Ngulmiya’s incredible soaring vocals, sung in the Aboriginal language Wubuy, promise to deliver a touching experience for audiences.
Ngulmiya and ELISION will delve into the ancient and rich stories of Australia, blending traditional Aboriginal sounds with contemporary musical elements. Through this distinctive fusion, attendees will be transported into the heart of Australia’s history.
Xavier de Maistre + Affinity Quartet
- Monday, 8 July
- Book tickets here
Xavier de Maistre, one of the most prominent harpists of today, is well-known for his revolutionary contributions to classical music. Gramophone praised Xavier as “a virtuoso of the highest order, profoundly musical, and capable of realising a remarkable range of nuance” due to his intense devotion to his instrument.
Accompanying Xavier will be The Affinity Quartet, who have gained recognition for their chamber work in Europe, and are considered to be the next wave of Australia’s chamber music heroes. Affinity Quartet returns to perform groundbreaking works of art after winning the Grand Prize in the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition and playing to a packed house at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Joep Beving
- Friday, 26 July
- Book tickets here
Prepare to have your heart filled and mind cleared as Dutch pianist/ composer Joep Beving takes the stage with his latest creation, Hermetism. This immersive audio-visual performance combines neo-classical piano with stunning scenography designed by Boris Acket.
Beving has made a name for himself by exploring philosophical traditions through his music – and this album is no different. The philosophical and religious study of Hermetism partly focuses on balance and contrasting forces, which Beving delves into in his composition.
Beving’s music, which he has described as “simple music for complex emotions,” is crafted to evoke deep contemplation and introspection in audiences. As the most streamed pianist of our time, Beving promises an unforgettable evening full of reflection and mindfulness.
Brandenburg – Night in Versailles
- Thursday 11, Saturday 12 & Sunday 14 July
- Book tickets here
Step into the lavish world of the Château de Versailles with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.
Accompanied by harpsichordists Justin Taylor and Paul Dyer, the orchestra will enchant audiences with a meticulously curated selection of Baroque masterpieces. The program opens with Giovanni Antonio Reali’s La Folia, followed by Michel Corrette’s vivacious Les Sauvages from his Concerto Comique No. 25 in G minor.
The evening will end with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for 4 Harpsichords in A minor, BWV 1065. Don’t miss this night of wonder and excellence!
Sonorous IX: Joel Ma & Jannah Quill
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- Thursday, 18 July
- Book tickets here
Producer, rapper, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Joel Ma is a distinctive voice in the Australian music industry, known for his inventiveness and experimental use of sound. Awarded Music Victoria’s Producer of the Year Award in 2020 and named a Sydney Myer Fellow the following year, Joel Ma was invited to become the inaugural Artist in Residence for Gamelan DanAnda which resulted in the intercultural Balinese Melbourne project, Saundra Sound System.
Joining Joel on stage is Jannah Quill, a multidisciplinary artist from Melbourne who pushes the limits of electronic music creation and performance through technological investigation and experimentation.
Pink Floyd’s Evolution
- Saturday, 20 July
- Book tickets here
Get ready to re-experience Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon with The Future Factory’s pioneering tribute show.
This innovative performance features music legends like Roger Mason on electronics, James Ryan on guitar, Haydn Meggitt on drums and percussion, and Susie Goble on vocals. Together, they explore the revolutionary spirit of Pink Floyd’s music, capturing the essence of the album that has mesmerised audiences for half a century.
The show will feature Echoes, the compelling 23-minute epic from Meddle (1971), alongside enduring classics like Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and Shine on You Crazy Diamond (1975) – a must-see event for any Pink Floyd enthusiast!
Don’t miss out on these phenomenal performances at Melbourne Recital Centre this July. Whether you’re a fan of classical, progressive rock, or contemporary music, each event in this carefully curated line-up offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Brasilidade – A Musical Journey with Dany Maia
- Saturday, 20 July
- Book tickets here
Experience the heart-pounding rhythms of Brazil as Dany Maia revitalises the music of her own country with her passionate voice and captivating stage presence. Her repertoire spans a broad spectrum of Brazilian musical genres, from the upbeat beats of samba to the melancholic melodies of bossa nova, all of which are presented with her distinctive flair and authenticity.
Head to Melbourne Recital Centre’s calendar for more information and to grab your tickets.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
