There will be guest appearances from Benjamin Northey, Deborah Cheetham AO, Siobhan Stagg, Khatia Buniatishvili, Ray Chen and so, so many more.
With its 2023 season comprising of over 200 events, it will showcase 36 Australian works, welcome 86 guest soloists and conductors – which includes 26 debut appearances with the MSO.
The program is committed to representation for women in the classic music sphere – with 10 of the 17 new MSO commissions throughout 2023 composed by women and half of the guest artist across the seasons mainstage program are female.
What you need to know
- The MSO have unveiled their 2023 program
- This season is Jaime Martín’s second year as Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- The program includes over 200 events, that showcase 36 Australian works and welcome 86 guest soloists and conductors
Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here.
In addition, the MSO will present two extraordinary international orchestras to Victorian audiences. In May, the London Symphony Orchestra will perform two programs under the baton of luminary conductor Sir Simon Rattle. And in August, the MSO will present the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with nine-time GRAMMY award-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, performing Marsalis’ epic All Rise with the MSO, conducted by Benjamin Northey.
The MSO’s annual calendar of Gala events begins with Season Opening Gala Zenith of Life, featuring Soloist in Residence Siobhan Stagg (soprano) performing the achingly beautiful music of Richard Strauss’ Four Last Songs. Celebrated Australian composer Mary Finsterer begins her tenure as MSO Composer in Residence with the gala premiere of her serene and majestic new work, Mysterium I, inspired by a renaissance-style motet, and the program culminates with Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.
The MSO will reunite with audience favourite, Ray Chen for its Winter Gala, performing Tchaikovsky’s breath-taking Violin Concerto alongside Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony. The Spring Gala will feature the Australian debut of Georgian-French pianist Khatia Buniatishvili performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1, paired with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.
The East Meets West program returns with the MSO’s tenth annual Chinese New Year Concertwelcoming the Australian debut of musicians from the Sichuan Orchestra of China conducted by their Artistic Director, Darrell Ang. MSO Principal Guest Conductor Xian Zhang will conduct the MSO in September; she will be joined by American superstar violinist Esther Yoo for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and pianist Joyce Yang for her lyrical program Homelands – Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto and Smetana’s Má vlast.
One of the greatest composers of our time, Sir James MacMillan will lead the MSO and Chorus in an all-star Australian line-up performing Handel’s great oratorio, Messiah. The Scottish Maestro’s December visit will also see him conduct the MSO in the Australian premiere of his own work, a Christmas Oratorio. Described as a ‘rich and prodigious invention’ the landmark work is an MSO co-commission with Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The MSO is proud to continue its tradition of showcasing First Nations music and artists with a number of stunning concert events across the year, including a special NAIDOC Week Celebration conducted by Jaime Martín.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director and Founder Lyn Williams AM, Gondwana Voices, the national children’s choir of Australia join the MSO Artistic Family as Ensemble in Residence. Known for their unique and compelling performance style and their commitment to Australian music, Gondwana Voices will join the MSO for several performances including Brett Dean’s powerful work Vexations and Devotions in July.
New Australian compositions take pride of place in the program with living legend Paul Grabowsky AO premiering his latest work for his trio Torrio! at the Melbourne Recital Centre and Monash in May, before the MSO performs another world premiere from Grabowsky in Hamer Hall in July.
Chief Conductor Jaime Martín says he is thrilled to release the 2023 season. “Each day that I work with the MSO I am genuinely inspired and invigorated by the passion and professionalism of the players and the organisation. I can’t wait to share this excitement and energy with audiences across Victoria during the magnificent 2023 season.”
2023 is set to be a huge year for Melbourne’s classical music scene. Find out more by heading to their website.
