Below is a comprehensive listing of classical music concerts and performances in Melbourne. We believe this to be the most comprehensive listing of such performances in Melbourne available either on the web or in print.
You may also choose to list concerts featuring particular composers or instruments by using the drop-down menus
below.
If you are looking for concerts on a particular date, select the date from the drop-down box below.
What's on in Melbourne
Purcell's opera: Dido and Aeneas
Shoestring Opera performs
Purcell'sDido and Aeneas.
Matthew Toogood conducts Amadeus Chamber Orchestra which will also play Tchaikovsky's
Serenade for Strings. Artistic direction by Greg Eldridge. Singers include
Tracey Hendy, Julia Harper, Adam Wood, Tim Reynolds, Kate Bright, Lucas Richter,
Wendy Trent, Hannah Dahlenberg.
7.30pm Friday 6 August 2010
4pm Saturday 7 August 2010
St Silas Church, Bridport Street, Albert Park (use no. 96 or no. 1 tram)
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(Mel ref Mel 2K B6)
All tickets $25
Enquiries: (03) 9696 5116
Sally Cooper in recital with Leigh Harrold
A stunning classical showcase with one of Australia's top violinists
featuring:
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long become a Melbourne Institution for those
Intelligent and Independent
souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or
mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can
occasionally be a little Irreverent.)
Bring your picnic basket and rugs and enjoy the glorious music under
the stars. And be swept away by this free performance of Puccini’s romantic
tale of young love, La
bohème. What better place to relive a chance meeting by
moonlight than under the stars at the Music Bowl. If the weather is fine
White Hat expects that this event could be a lockout so get there early.
Gates to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl open at 4pm. If you are intending to
come to a concert with a family or group of friends, it is advisable
that you arrive together or arrange to gather outside the gate to avoid
your group being split if the gates close. In the past you have been
able to bring your own drinks but only plastic glasses. We will verify
this year's conditions when the information becomes available.
Did you miss this event? Then
subscribe to our free email newsletter to
receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its
subscribers Informed since last century and has
long become a Melbourne Institution for those
Intelligent and Independent
souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or
mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can
occasionally be a little Irreverent.)
Four of Australia’s shining lights of opera will perform in Opera in the Park
at Victoria Gardens on Saturday 6 February.
Suzanne Johnston’s operatic career encompasses the prestigious
European Festivals of Glyndebourne and Salzburg, as well as Australia’s
major opera companies, for whom her repertory includes the title roles in L’incoronazione di Poppea,
The Gypsy Princess and Carmen,
Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Hermia
(A Midsummer Night's Dream), The Fox (Cunning Little Vixen),
Eliza Doolittle - opposite Anthony Warlow - in the sell-out production of
My Fair Lady and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance. Suzanne most
recently performed in the Victorian Opera’s productions of Through the
Looking Glass.
Antoinette Halloran represented Australia as a finalist in the
Belvedere Operatic awards in Vienna and was the winner of the Australian
Puccini Foundation Award in 2003. Her Opera Australia repertoire includes
Stella: A Streetcar Named Desire, Title roles: Rusalka, Madama Butterfly, Johanna:
Sweeney Todd, Mimì: La
bohème and many more. She has also worked with NZ Opera, Victorian
Opera, Melbourne Opera and MTC.
Christopher Tonkin won the Italian Opera Award 2005, was
runner-up 'Tita Ruffo' International Competition 2006, Herald Sun Aria
finalist in 2005 and German Operatic Award finalist in 2005. His Opera
Australia repertoire includes Antonio: The Gondoliers and Novice's
Friend: Billy Budd. He has also performed with Melbourne Opera,
Romania, Royal Academy Opera, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne
Chorale.
Jason Wasley was the winner, Herald Sun Aria; Finalist, Placido
Domingo World Operalia Competition; National Opera Studio (London). His
Opera Australia repertoire includes Teacher: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,
Marcello: La bohème,
Pinkerton: Madame Butterfly,
Morales/Dancairo: Carmen
(Oz Opera). He has also performed for Victorian State Opera, National Opera
Studio London,Welsh National Opera, Melbourne Opera, Victorian Opera and
Melbourne Chorale.
Sidney Myer Free Orchestral Concerts at the Music Bowl - Concert 1 - 'Romantic Favourites'
Did you miss this event? Then
subscribe to our free email newsletter to
receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its
subscribers Informed since last century and has
long become a Melbourne Institution for those
Intelligent and Independent
souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or
mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can
occasionally be a little Irreverent.)
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Lutz Koehler (conductor) and Maxwell
Foster (piano) perform:
The Sidney Myer Free Orchestral Concerts in the Music Bowl are one of the
highlights of the Melbourne Summer. The businessman and philanthropist
Sidney Myer left a trust to
benefit the people of Melbourne and Australia. Not only did this trust make
possible the building of the public Music Bowl, it continues to continues to
contribute to the quality of life of Melburnians through works and events such
as the annual free concerts.
Gates open at 4pm and the concert starts at 7pm. White Hat recommends you get
there early because, if the weather is fine it can fill quite quickly. This is
the ideal place to have a champagne picnic with friend under the stars while
listening to classical music. You are allowed to bring reasonable amounts of
food and alcohol but no breakable glasses, sharp objects, or seating which
obstruct the view of others. Before you decide to turn it into a fully-fledged
camping expedition we suggest you check the
conditions of
entry.
The Ashton Singers perform: Mozart's Requiem 30th Anniversary
The Ashton Smith Singers celebrate an astounding 30 years of performance with
a special anniversary concert featuring Mozart'sRequiem.
Saturday 21st August 2010
St John’s Anglican Church Camberwell
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$30
Enquiries: (03) 9523 5228
The Imperial Russian Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Following their sell-out 2009 performance of Swan Lake, the Imperial Russian
Ballet Company return to perform the ageless tale of bravery & dreams that is
The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is famous for Tchaikovsky's music. The
genius of Tchaikovsky created one of the most recognisable & enduring music
scores ever written.
The illustrious cast of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company enjoy performing
The Nutcracker more than any other ballet from their extensive repertoire,
especially when they are joined by children from local ballet schools in the
cities that they perform in around the world. The Imperial Russian Ballet
Company was formed in 1994 by the Bolshoi Theatre soloist, Gediminas Taranda.
Tickets from Ticketmaster
The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge - program 2
Music Viva presents The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge performing a cappella
works by composers including William
Byrd, Thomas Tallis,
Henry Purcell, Charles
Stanford, Gustav Holst,
Herbert Howells, Arvo Pärt,
John Tavener, Morten Lauridsen, Pawel Lukaszewski and
Paul Stanhope.
7pm Tuesday 7th September and 8pm Saturday 11th September
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra present a vocal and instrumental improvisations from renaissance and baroque Italy, featuring a rare musical mix of theorbo, voice, jazz clarinet, percussion, harpsichord, strings and more. Guest director and theorbo, Christina Pluhar (Austria) with members of L’Arpeggiata (France/Italy)
Series Highlight – Sharp, Flat and Grand – Piano Recitals with Nancy Tsou
Como
Historic House is proud to play host to the talents of pianist Nancy
Tsou. After a successful series of recitals in August, the accomplished
musician is in residence to perform a highlight recital on Como’s
historic Lipp & Sohn piano.
Australian Chamber Orchestra Richard Tognetti (Artistic Director and Lead
Violin), Satu Vänskä (Violin), Christopher Moore (Viola), Timo-Veikko Valve
(Cello), Maxime Bibeau (Double Bass), Craig Hill (Clarinet), Darryl Poulsen
(Horn) and Jane Gower (Bassoon) perform:
Discover the life of a German immigrant family in 19th Century Australia
through a presentation of music and readings in the beautiful Music Room of
Labassa. Program includes works by Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert & Schumann.
Presenter/baritone Anthony Ransome, Pianist Janet Gibbs. Refreshments will also
be served. Friday 22 October – Sunday 24 October, 2010
$20 and $15 concession, school aged free, includes afternoon tea.
2.30pm, Sunday 31st October 2010
Bendigo Town Hall
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Enquiriies: (03) 5472 1370
Trout Quintet
Chamber music performed by members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Monica Curro (violin), Sarah Curro (violin), Robert Macindoe (violin), Katharine
Brockman (viola), Lauren Brigden (viola), Gabrielle Halloran (viola), Miranda
Brockman (cello), Sharon Draper (cello), Rachel Atkinson (cello), Sylvia Hosking
(double bass) and Caroline Almonte (piano).
This magnificent real life story coaxed
David Williamson out of
retirement to write. Lotte’s Gift was written specifically for Australia’s
internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Karin Schaupp and tells the story
of the remarkable journey of three generations of women – Karin, her mother
Isolde and grandmother Lotte. Detailed price and booking
information >>
Click on the chosen venue link to the right of the map. Use the controls to zoom in or out on the map or change to satellite view.
Chamber Orchestra - Surrey Hills:
Meets Tuesdays at Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills 7.45pm for rehearsals and holds up to 3 concerts year. String players are very welcome.
$65 and $45 term fees. Enquiries: 9877 5286
Beginner Strings
Feeder strings for the Surrey Hills Chamber Orchestra rehearse at Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills, Tuesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm. One years playing experience needed.
$40 term. Enquiries: 9434 2147
Forthcoming Events
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".
The Port Fairy Spring Music Festival
A festival featuring classical and contemporary music.
In 2007 the Festival offers over 65 events ranging from grand productions and theatre to physical feats and thought-provoking exhibitions.
October 2008 ?
various venues in Melbourne
Liquid Architecture
A Festival of Sound Arts featuring practionioners from local and emerging artists to international icons. Installations, screenings, performances and artist talks.
July 2009 ?
Various venues in Melbourne
Festival of Flowers & Music
Ballarat churches , florists and local organisations display themed floral arrangements. Also featuring classical music and hymns.
October 2008 ?
St Peter's Anglican Church, Sturt Street, Ballarat
Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields
A festival of fine music in historic venues. Artistic director Sergio de Pieri.
Symphony under the Stars is a free outdoor concert that has become a summertime community tradition. Families and music-lovers are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the relaxed surrounds of the beautiful Malvern Gardens, whilst hearing and seeing the much acclaimed Stonnington Symphony orchestra live.
February 2011 ?
Malvern Gardens, Hight Street, Malvern.
Woodend Winter Arts Festival
The Woodend Winter Arts Festival showcases music, literature and the
visual arts in intimate historical venues over three pleasurable days.
Fifth Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition
Sixteen of the world's best piano trios and string quartets compete for the most prestigious prize in chamber music. Full details at chambermusicaustralia.com.au.
July 2011 ?
Melbourne International Festival of Brass
An international festival initiated in 2003 and featuring a series of
workshops led by international artists such as
Barry Tuckwell together with a
series of public concerts. Full details at
Melbourne International Festival of
Brass.
October 2008 ?
Melba Festival
A wide range entertainment and music from classical (with of course reference
to Dame Nellie Melba) to jazz
performed in a variety of atmospheric venues.
City of Stonnington presents Symphony under the Stars
A free concert for the whole family - bring you picnic and enjoy the evening.
SEE…65 talented musicians perform celebrated orchestral music together on stage.
HEAR…lyrical sounds from famed composers inspired by dance, jazz, folk music, and spectacular landscapes.
Stonnington Symphony and guests Patrick Miller, Conductor, and Peter Burch, MC
To be staged in the magical, natural setting of Melba Gully, Great Ocean Road, Lavers Hill. An intimate afternoon of fabulous music, gorgeous singing, interactive fun & entertainment. This is an unmissable first time event featuring highly acclaimed Melbourne based 'Pot Pourri', local musicians, roving entertainers, & a range of local produce.
Music in The Round began in 1972 and after a layoff in the 1990s it now
returns. Artists include: the Hamer Quartet, Nehama Patkin OAM, Doug de Vries,
Wilma Smith, Miki Tsunoda, Robert Burke, Michelle Nicolle, David Griffiths,
Elizabeth Sellars, John Hopkins OBE, Fintan Murphy, Glisten, Linda Thompson,
Lucas de Jong, David McNicol, Kenji Fujimura, Timothy Young, Eugene Ball, Sam
Evans, Richard Lawton,Tamara Smolyar, Peter Oyston, Jeffrey Crellin, the Monash
Academy Orchestra and many more. The program will feature some well loved
classics including Saint SaensCarnival of the Animals (narrated by Phillip Gould), The Art Song, BeethovenString
Quartet Opus 74,
StravinskyThe Soldiers Tale, Brazillian Jazz, PouulencBarbar the
Elephant, Bach
Double Concerto for violin and oboe, GriegHolberg Suite,
KhachaturianTrio for clarinet piano and violin, DebussyPremiere Rhapsody,
HurlstoneCello sonata, MozartKegelstatt Trio in E flat, K. 498,
BartokContrasts,
TchaikovskyThe
Seasons, MendelssohnOctet, HandelZadok the Priest,
BerliozLes Nuits d’ete Villanelle/ L’Absence,
RossiniIntroduction,
theme and variations for clarinet and strings, RespighiPines of Rome.
There will also be a special family program.
September 2008 ?
Clayton Campus, Monash University
Handel's Messiah
It’s a Williamstown tradition on the first Saturday after Cup Day. The Camberwell Chorale and the Camerata Orchestra and under the baton of Mr Doug Heywood OAMperform Handel'sMessiah.
November 2008 ?
Williamstown Town Hall
Dunkeld Weekend of Music
A weekend of classical music in the shadow of the Grampians. Artists include the Australian String Quartet. Tickets sell out fast so it is wise to book early.
Melba Hall, University
of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville
Spring Early Music Festival
The Spring Early Music Festival brings together University students, recent
graduates, local and visiting professionals for 14 events over 13 days,
including masterclasses, pre-concert talks and concerts. American virtuoso
lutenist Hopkinson Smith comes to
Melbourne for the first time to perform along side younger emerging artists from
overseas and closer to home. Satyr’s Band, Dutch-based ensemble lead by
recorder player &
oboist Amy Power, and
distinguished Spanish pianist
Enrique Pérez de Guzmán also give their first performances in Melbourne. Trinity
Chapel will come alive when
violinists Lorenzo Colitto and Lisa Ferguson and
viola player Peter Bucknell join
with Melbourne Collegium, an orchestra of young early string specialists, to
present a concert of Baroque favorites. And the Australian Chamber Choir brings
the music of mid-16th century composer Simon Boyleau, chapel master of
the Cathedral of Milan, back to life with the premier modern performance of
these beautiful motets. The Festival culminates with a student opera production
Récréation de Musique, a French musical entertainment devised and
directed by Greg Dikmans.
October 2009 ?
Melbourne
Opera in the Alps
Enjoy a relaxing evening of fine food, wine and classical favourites under the stars, in the picturesque grounds of LaTrobe at Beechworth.
Choral@Montsalvat is a music-in-the-round choral festival. Fourteen choirs
will sing a variety of music, including the Latin-American Missa Criolla
and the African Missa Luba with colourful instrumental ensembles. The
final concert will invite audience participation in the VivaldiGloria led by
the two host choirs of the festival. $28 full, $22 concession, $12 child under
16, $65 family. Sunday May 3 2009, 12pm-5pm. Gates open at 9am.
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".