C&G’s Guide to the MSO Sidney Myer Free Concerts

Tips & Advice

February marks the return of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s free concerts at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Described by Broadsheet as a classic Melbourne ‘summer staple,’ the orchestra will play over 3 evenings from the 5th of February until the 14th of February. C&G’s latest blog is a guide to making it a memorable evening – read on!

Whether you’re a classical music connoisseur or just enjoy a cheeky wine under the stars, the MSO’s performances are the perfect soundtrack to an evening picnic. Gather your friends, dig out that old picnic rug, and throw together a hamper of your best snacks. This annual concert series has been embraced by Melburnians for the last 90 years, and 2020 will be no different.

Gates will open at 4:30pm each evening, with the main event beginning at 7:30pm. It’s absolutely free to attend, but do arrive early if you want to snap up the best spots on the hill!

The series will kick off on the 5th of February with ‘Around the World with the MSO,’ which features Cheetham, Hindson and Dvořák. There will also be a special world premiere of the MSO commissioned A Call to Adventure by the Cybec Young Composer in Residence, Jordan Moore. MSO are partnering with the Australian Red Cross to raise money and provide relief for the victims of the recent nation-wide bushfires. The first performance from this evening will be dedicated to those affected by the fires, and serve as a reminder that you can still donate.

On the 8th of February get your groove on with the dancers from e.motion21, a non-profit dance program designed to enhance life for people with Down Syndrome through dance, fitness and performance. The concert, appropriately entitled ‘Dance, Dance, Dance,’ features soprano Katie Noonan, Dvořák, Bartók and Ravel. Just like the others, the main performances will begin at 7:30pm but you can arrive early to catch MSO’s education partner Melbourne Youth Orchestras perform at 6:00pm! 

The concerts will end on a romantic note come Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a lovely ‘La Dolce Vita’ show with your special someone featuring the MSO Horn Quartet, Wagner, Khachaturian, Mills and Respighi.