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The inspiring philanthropist has made one of the most substantial gifts ever received from an individual to Melbourne Recital Centre as part of its anniversary celebrations, to support the unique performance platform provided by the Centre’s Salon for Australian artists at all career stages. The gift comes on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Centre’s opening in 2019.

Lady Primrose Potter’s extraordinary contribution to the arts and the Melbourne community is well known, and she has generously supported a range of the Centre’s educational and outreach programs since 2014.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: ‘Lady Potter’s generous patronage of Melbourne Recital Centre has provided greater access to music for the Victorian community. The Primrose Potter Salon acknowledges her exemplary contribution and will continue to inspire artists and audiences alike for many years to come.’

Lady Primrose Potter said: ‘The hundreds of emerging and established musicians who bring the Salon to life with their artistry and commitment have provided me with immense enrichment and joy. I still treasure the hard hat I was given while the Centre was under construction and now, ten years later, I have been inspired by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and her family’s example. I am delighted to make a gift that allows Melbourne Recital Centre to provide this wonderful performance and creative development space for the artists’ benefit, now and into the future. It is truly an honour and most humbling that the space will be known as the Primrose Potter Salon.’

The Primrose Potter Salon is the Melbourne Recital Centre’s performance space for nurturing artists and building audiences, presenting a diverse program of around 250 intimate classical and contemporary concerts and events each year.

Euan Murdoch, Melbourne Recital Centre CEO, said: ‘The Centre’s chamber music program is unparalleled in Australia with its focus on Victorian and Australian ensembles, contributing to the vitality of the city’s musical life and providing opportunities for artists and audiences to engage on a nearly daily basis. The Melbourne Recital Centre community is profoundly grateful for Lady Potter’s generosity, leadership and vision in supporting Victoria’s artistic vibrancy.’

The 140-seat Salon provides hundreds of emerging and established local artists with a valuable platform to share and perform their music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The Salon is also an important performance and workshop space for children as well as providing a platform for the master class program with local artists learning from international performers.

In 2019 the Melbourne Recital Centre celebrates its tenth anniversary. Continuing its presence as the music heart of Melbourne, an exciting and adventurous program will be announced in late 2018 as part of the celebrations.