Melbourne Recital Centre's musical offerings are hard to define, but easy to love.
More often than not, they feature an unlikely blend of ingredients, blending different genres, styles and instrumentations. Though their talent is often world-renowned, it’s usually also unusual – which is what makes the venue so special.
This month, Greek blues meet West African rhythms, a talented harps drops a feminist debut and two legendary pianists go back to back in one enthralling show. Add on top of that a huge anniversary celebration, a celebrated harpists and more, and you’re in for a thrill.
From beginning to end, here’s what’s on at Melbourne Recital Centre this July.
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Waypeople
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- 1 July
- Tickets here
Saxophonist and composer Jake Baxendale presents Waypeople, a luminous project inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s translation of the Tao Te Ching. The ensemble seamlessly weaves jazz improvisation with Chinese classical elements, exploring themes of paradox, harmony and effortless action through both meditative restraint and moments of expansive expression.
This performance stands as a compelling invitation to experience contemporary music that bridges ancient wisdom and modern innovation.
Saltanah
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- 2 July
- Tickets here
Ṣaltanah revives the rich traditions of classical Arabic instrumental music with exceptional artistry and contemporary insight. Led by Camille El Feghali on qanun and nay, the ensemble includes Bassam Jalgha on oud, Alex Petropoulos on violin, Tal Abilmona on double bass and Rosco Heck on riq and daf.
Deeply grounded in the modal system of maqam, their performances emphasise listening, nuance and spontaneous musical dialogue drawn from Levantine, Egyptian and Iraqi heritage.
Emily Granger Album Launch
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- 7 July
- Tickets here
Harpist Emily Granger launches her new album A Thing Of Beauty in an intimate solo recital dedicated to Australian female composers. The program features two newly commissioned works alongside personal transcriptions that showcase the harp’s full expressive range.
A passionate advocate who has commissioned and premiered more than 85 new works for the instrument, Granger brings warmth, virtuosity and authenticity to every performance.
Harry Ward and Laurence Matheson with Ben Ward
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- 13 July
- Tickets here
Acclaimed violinist Harry Ward, recently appointed to the first violin section of the Berliner Philharmoniker, returns to Melbourne for an intimate chamber music recital.
Joined by pianist Laurence Matheson and double bassist Ben Ward, the program spans Shostakovich’s Preludes Op.34, Liza Lim’s Cardamom, Vilsmayr’s Baroque Partita No.5, a new work by the Ward brothers, and Beethoven’s Spring Sonata. The evening showcases Harry Ward’s renowned luxurious tone and expressive depth alongside compelling interpretations that connect centuries of musical tradition.
The Tailor of Time – 40 years of ELISION
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- 16 July
- Tickets here
Australia’s pioneering new music ensemble ELISION marks its 40th anniversary with the Australian premiere of Liza Lim’s The Tailor of Time. This major work for solo oboe, harp and large ensemble draws on the poetry of Sufi poet Rumi to examine time as a creative and shaping force.
The concert celebrates ELISION’s longstanding commitment to adventurous, boundary-pushing repertoire. The program represents a significant milestone in Australian contemporary music and offers audiences a rare encounter with vital new work at the highest level.
Rachmaninoff with Piers Lane and Kristian Chong
- 18 July
- Tickets here
Pianists Piers Lane and Kristian Chong join forces for a special two-piano recital dedicated to the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The program features the composer’s powerful Symphonic Dances in its two-piano arrangement alongside other major romantic works.
Together, the two legendary pianists illuminate the emotional intensity, melodic richness and dramatic scope that define Rachmaninoff’s enduring appeal.
A Crossroads of Rebetiko and West African Blues
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- 23 July
- Tickets here
Mande Blues Ensemble and Estudiantina of Melbourne reunite for a compelling cross-cultural performance following their sold-out debut. This expanded program weaves together the soulful traditions of West African blues with the passionate, narrative-driven spirit of Greek rebetiko, creating a powerful musical conversation between two rich cultural heritages.
The Mande Blues Ensemble channels the griot storytelling traditions of Mali and Gambia through intricate melodies and hypnotic rhythms. On the Greek side, Estudiantina of Melbourne brings the raw emotional intensity and rebellious heart of rebetiko.
Attacca Quartet
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- 31 July
- Tickets here
The internationally acclaimed Attacca Quartet closes July with a dynamic performance in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Renowned for their energy, precision and communicative power, the ensemble delivers compelling interpretations of both canonical repertoire and contemporary works.
Their performances are celebrated for blending technical excellence with genuine musical storytelling.
For more about what’s coming up at Melbourne Recital Centre, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
