Accelerando

This group of talented young artists performed for an appreciative audience in Primrose Potter Salon on Saturday 1 December. As well as opportunities to show off their individual skills, the group performed an incredible ensemble version of Feeling Good, arranged by Accelerando Alumni Nathan Iuoras. The recital capped off a wonderful year of workshops, industry lessons and mentoring for these seven musicians, and we’re sad to be saying goodbye to Sam Ondaatje, Afrika Roach, Charlotte Kube and Taitusi Funaki, who have all completed Year 12 and will be moving on to further study in 2019.

Jamila Jalloh, Tusi Funaki and the Accelerando Musicians performing in the Primrose Potter Salon.

‘I really appreciate everything MRC has done for me and these memories will be with me for the rest of my life.’ Sam – Accelerando Musician 2018

Regional Music Exchange

Our young string ensemble from Bendigo Secondary College ventured out on a regional Victorian tour at the end of November, visiting aged care facilities in Euroa, Wangaratta and Shepparton. With three days on the road, the group were wonderful ambassadors for the Regional Music Exchange program, charming residents before, during and after their performances. One of the highlights was their performance at Rumbalara, the first purpose built aged care facility for Indigenous elders.

The Noble Quartet performing at Euroa Health, Illoura in Wangaratta and Rumbalara Elders Facility in Shepparton.

‘I learnt so much about the profession and myself’ Evie, Noble Quartet Member

Share the Music (Ticket and Transport Subsidy)

Across November and December our regular Share the Music patrons visited us for concerts in both Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon;

Wintringham – 40 guests for 1 performance
Father Bob Maguire Foundation – 3 guests for 1 performance
Calvary Care – 1 guest for 2 performances

Regional Touring

November saw surprise and delight as a running theme for our Regional Touring program. Benalla Town Hall hosted Arcadia Winds on Saturday 3 November and mentioned it was a delightful concert, with these young performers acting as great ambassadors of Melbourne Recital Centre’s touring program. Memo Healesville who hosted the Ozan Iskender Toprak Trio on Sunday 11 November, reported that the performance was a delightful and moving surprise. They didn’t know what to expect, and what they got blew them away!

Music Always

Ziggy and Miles Johnston, one of our Local Heroes ensembles, embarked on their first Music Always tour in November, with 12 performances across six days. They entertained participants in Geelong, Caulfield, Altona, Ivanhoe, Burwood, Sunshine, Coburg and Chadstone, with many extremely impressed at their combination of youth and talent!

Ziggy and Miles Johnston entertaining residents at MACS in Geelong and Wesley Neurological Services.

Regional Master Class

On their Regional Tour, Arcadia Winds dropped by Benalla P-12 College on Friday 2 November to conduct a Regional Master Class with VCE music students, working with a small dedicated group of wind players.

‘Friday was excellent. The musicians were supportive and positive towards our students. They shared both general direction and specific instrumental advice and were very encouraging.’ Barry Roberts, Performing Arts P-12 Coordinator

Charity Tickets

November and December were popular months for charities and arts organisations hosting fundraising events in the lead up to the holidays. We were able to support the following organisations;

Living Positive Victoria
Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
Alliance Française de Melbourne
The Russell Kennedy Women’s Network
Spectrum
St Mark’s Primary School, Dingley
Melbourne Inner North Performing Arts Academy

Benalla Hands-On Learning

After working with a group of Hands-on Learning students from Benalla P-12 College throughout Term 3 this year, we welcomed them to a Melbourne Recital Centre experience on Monday 3 December with Ad Lib Collective. The students learned about the different elements of putting on a concert including performance, composition and production. The day ended with their self-managed concert in the Beacon for an exclusive and lucky audience.

Hands-on Learning students preparing for their own concert in the Beacon

In Centre Master Classes

Adam Dean was lucky enough to have his first accordion lesson ever with one of the international greats of the instrument, as part of the Ksenija Sidorova Master Class on Wednesday 5 December. The session included an interesting Q&A with the artist, with many interested audience members contributing insightful questions.

Learning & Access Update