Classical music meets modern minimalism and drag cabaret for an unforgettable May.
Melbourne Recital Centre comes alive with a bold and beautiful mix of music, storytelling, and immersive artistry.
From hypnotic visuals and neo-classical soundscapes to the raw resonance of ancient musical tradition worked into minimalist forms, a First Nations drag extravaganza, literary birthday celebration and musical prodigies, it’s a lineup that offers something unexpected at every turn. Whether an intimate session in the salon or a sweeping emotional soundscape, May is not to be missed.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Luke Howard x Simon Burgin
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- Friday, May 2
- Tickets here
A show BBC Radio 6 described as “absolutely heavenly”, this immersive live audio-visual experience by award-winning composer Luke Howard and digital artist Simon Burgin. Howard’s neo-classical music from All of Us and Interlinked is combined with projected works of AI and real-time animation. The result? An utterly mesmerising experience, a captivating journey that will linger long after you’ve departed. Their first collaboration at Dark Mofo has been expanded for Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and their last 2023 show completely sold out, so you’ll want to jump on this one.
8 Pipers for Philip Glass
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- Monday, May 5
- Tickets here
Bagpipes, but not as you know them. The work of acclaimed minimalist composer Philip Glass, reimagined with master of the French highland bagpipes, Erwan Keravec, and pipers. The haunting, textural arrangements of 8 Pipers for Philip Glass originated from their 2024 Berlin performance, now brought to life in a double set that truly showcases the powerful acoustics of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
Melbourne Recital Centre’s Marshall McGuire has called it “a swirling, mesmerising, intoxicating brew of chants and tunes and vibrations.” The opening set in the event is performed by Nat Bartsch, including Glass’ Etude No. 2. It’s an evening blending ancient and modern, folk and classical, taking you on a unique sonic journey.
TINA – A Tropical Love Story (YIRRAMBOI)
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- Wednesday, May 7
- Tickets here
Combining the vibrant heat of tropical Darwin with the burning light of Tina Turner’s musical prowess, this tribute to the late, great superstar is set in 1993 and follows a young First Nations boy and his life-changing meeting with Turner. Part storytelling, part cabaret show and part drag showcase, this true story of queer and First Nations self discovery features stars of the drag scene, Crystal Love, Garret Lyon, Dana Dizon, Sermsah, Thomas Bevan and more.
Created and performed by Miss Ellaneous (Ben Graetz), with choreography by Sani Townson and producing support from Elaine Crombie, it’s a powerful, joyful celebration of identity – and, of course, the wonder and long-standing cultural impact of Tina Turner.
Jane Austen’s Music – Pemberley Revisited
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- Saturday, May 10
- Tickets here
Happy 250th birthday Jane Austen! What better way to celebrate the great writer than with a celebration of the music of Austen’s era, blended with live readings of her finest wit and romance from her collected works. Feel the energetic stir of the country dances that delighted the eligible young ladies, the chamber pieces that rang through the halls of grand houses and the elegant salon music that entertained the well-to-do.
These experiences will be brought to life by the remarkable Rachael Beesley, Aura Go, and Lizzy Bennet’s Band. Be transported to the romance of Austen’s world through story and music. Then, stay for a post-concert talk with Jaclyn Crupi and Sharmini Kumar as they discuss the legacy and works of Austen herself.
Daniel Lozakovich
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- Monday, May 12
- Tickets here
Acclaimed violinist and a man praised as having “perfect mastery” of the instrument, Daniel Lozakovich will make his Melbourne Recital Centre debut this May. This unmissable performance includes three of Bach’s most celebrated solo works, including Violin Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004.
This young virtuoso made his solo debut at age 9, and by 15 was signed to Deutsche Grammophon. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, and Royal Danish Orchestra, and now this astonishing talent is bringing his brilliance to the stage here in Melbourne. You haven’t heard Bach like this before.
Genesis Baroque with Sara Macliver
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- Friday, May 16
- Tickets here
A journey of rest, reflection and an exploration of human and divine love in an intimate setting. Following from their sold-out 2024 debut at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Genesis Baroque and Australian soprano Sara Macliver will draw you into an emotional musical experience, through such works as Bach’s wedding cantata Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, Handel’s elegant Trio Sonata in C minor and the spiritual meditation of Purcell’s An Evening Hymn. Settle in for a soulful evening of joy and contemplation.
Mostly Mozart – Mozart Serenade
- Tuesday, May 20
- Tickets here
The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) presents an afternoon talent showcase with an ensemble of rising stars and faculty. A chamber arrangement of Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, led by Principal Flute of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Alison Mitchell (ANAM Faculty), draws you on a dreamlike journey of lush impressionist sound.
Then, Damien Eckersley (Associate Principal, New Zealand Symphony & ANAM Faculty) joins for an exuberant performance of Mozart’s Posthorn Serenade and all its joys. It’s a vibrant morning interlude of expressive music from an array of talents. The show is preceded by a complimentary morning tea in the foyer.
The Melbourne Recital Centre May program runs from May 2 to 31. For the full program, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
