Chief Conductor Jaime Martín makes his debut at the Bowl this Saturday!
Saturday 15 February
Jaime conducts at the Bowl: Dvořák, Gershwin and Ravel
With MSO Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor Jaime Martín
Saturday 22 February
Symphonic Showcase
Conducted by Benjamin Northey
Featuring world premieres from Cybec Young Composer in Residence Klearhos Murphy & the MSO’s inaugural Cybec First Nations Composer in Residence James Henry.
Across February, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra continues its more than 60-year tradition of performing free outdoor concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
The majesty and magnificence of the MSO fills the city’s ultimate outdoor venue, treating audiences to spectacular symphonic performances that will showcase the virtuosic talents of some of the finest contemporary and classical composers. The first in the Sidney Myer Free Concert series last week attracted 7,500 people.
On Saturday 15 February, Chief Conductor Jaime Martín makes his debut at the Bowl conducting a program featuring acclaimed Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, legendary American composer George Gershwin and French composer Maurice Ravel’s best-known work Boléro.
“It is an absolute thrill to make my debut in this iconic concert series at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. These free concerts are an extraordinary gift to Melburnians and visitors to this wonderful city,” says Chief Conductor Jaime Martín. “They are a celebration of music, community, and Melbourne’s vibrant summer spirit. Sharing the joy of live orchestral music with such a diverse audience, under the stars in this beloved venue, is truly special.”
Jaime conducts at the Bowl: Dvořák, Gershwin and Ravel promises a blissful evening of fabulous music in the great outdoors and a not-to-be-missed opportunity to see the MSO’s much-loved Chief Conductor.
Dvořák’s Third Symphony will rise like a gentle breeze through the summer evening, painting a vivid musical landscape with lush orchestral colours. Then, as the darkness deepens, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue emerges, bringing together classical sophistication and jazzy spontaneity, performed by pianist Andrea Lam. Finally, Ravel’s mesmerising Boléro will build inexorably to a climactic crescendo, drawing audiences in with its hypnotic melody and relentless rhythm.
On Saturday 22 February, Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey and the MSO deliver a Symphonic Showcase featuring two masterpieces of 20th-century orchestral music and two works receiving their world premiere. 20-year-old rising piano star Reuben Tsang, who won the 2024 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, opens the concert with audience favourite, Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, featuring thunderous chords and moments of extraordinary lyrical beauty. Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra follows with a brilliant exploration of orchestral colour and complexity, giving each section of the MSO a chance to showcase their remarkable virtuosity. The evening will also premiere new works from Cybec Young Composer in Residence Klearhos Murphy and the MSO’s inaugural Cybec First Nations Composer in Residence, James Henry. The concert also features the Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s curtain raiser at 6pm.
The concerts will be broadcast live on MSO YouTube and ABC Classic with presenters Megan Burslem and Alice Keath playing Masters of Ceremonies.
2025 SIDNEY MYER FREE CONCERTS – FREE ENTRY
7.30pm at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Gates open at 4.30pm with entry on a first-in basis
Saturday 15 February – Jaime conducts at the Bowl: Dvořák, Gershwin and Ravel
With MSO Chief Conductor Jaime Martín
Duration: approx. 2 hours including interval
Saturday 22 February – Symphonic Showcase
Melbourne Youth Orchestra curtain raiser at 6pm
Duration: approx. 2 hours including interval