Aug 2026 Vol.71 Michael Bertram Composition Award Commission World Premiere in partnership with Melba Opera Trust
In August, we were thrilled to partner with the Melba Opera Trust to present the world premiere of ‘In the Belly of a Dragon’ in the Primrose Potter Salon. This piece was written by emerging composer Lewis Ingham (pictured above in blue), the inaugural winner of the Michael Bertram Composition Award. Performed by Melba Artists soprano Sophie Blades and repetiteur Zachary Hamilton-Russell, the musicians were able to work with Lewis during the year to refine the composition in a series of creative development sessions. As is now tradition for the world premiere of a new commission at Melbourne Recital Centre, the audience were treated to an initial performance of the work, an interview with the composer and performing artists, and then a second rendition of the same work, allowing for greater context and understanding as well as the opportunity to enjoy a piece that is now both new and familiar.
Our Community and Creative Engagement Program is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Learning and Access Consortium of supporters: The Hugh Williamson Foundation, Mrs Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM, The Canny Quine Foundation, The Marian and E.H. Flack Trust, The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC KC & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC KC, The Sentinel Foundation, the Peggy & Leslie Cranbourne Foundation and an anonymous donor. We also extend our sincere thanks to those donors whose support is directed to individual programs: Mrs Margaret Ross AM and Dr Ian Ross, Martine Letts, The City of Melbourne through the Community Inclusion Grants program, The Vizard Foundation, Gailey Lazarus Charitable Foundation, State Trustees Australia Foundation, Jane Kunstler, Jenny Tatchell, an anonymous donor, and the Victorian Department of Education through the Strategic Partnerships Program.
Community & Creative Engagement Aug 2026 Relaxed Performances Concerts tailored for audiences with sensory sensitivities
The Primrose Potter Salon was filled with exquisite harmonies in August as we were joined by The Consort of Melbourne for two Relaxed Performances (featuring our very own Cookie, singing soprano). This vocal ensemble presented repertoire that ranged from early Baroque to the Beatles, and the audience was captivated throughout. The group were even joined onstage by some eager little ones wanting to take part. There was a lot of joy in the room! Generously supported by Gailey Lazarus Charitable Foundation, State Trustees Australia Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
A young attendee at the Consort of Melbourne Relaxed Performance
Choir 3006 Lunchtime singing sessions for Southbank
This month Choir 3006 celebrated the birthday of our wonderful conductor Renee Heron. As expected, the members performed a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, in 3-part harmony no less. Choir 3006 members with Renee Heron
Supported by Jane Kunstler, Jenny Tatchell, and the City of Melbourne through the Community Inclusion Grants program
Community & Creative Engagement Aug 2026
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Strike A Chord National Chamber Music Competition for School Students
In August, Melbourne Recital Centre partnered with Musica Viva to present the National Finals of Strike A Chord, a chamber music competition for school students across Australia. This final was the culmination of a numbers of competition heats, a national coaching program, and a two-day intensive ensemble workshop series at Monash University. The resulting finalists were of the highest calibre, wowing both the audience and judging panel. Congratulations to Kingussie Trio from Victoria who took home First Prize which includes $5000 cash, an invitation to attend the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program, and the opportunity to record a studio album with ABC Classic.
Kingussie Trio (VIC) performing on stage
Share the Music
Charity Tickets
Ticket and Transport Subsidy Program
Free Double-Passes to Support Not-for-Profits
This month we welcomed the following schools and community groups through our Share the Music program which provides free tickets and transportation to shows at the Centre: YourDNA Creative Arts Yooralla ADEC Scope Burwood East Special School Stars and the Moon Theatre Company Belmore Special School
It was a busy time for fundraising in August with the Centre supporting several not-forprofit organisations by providing tickets for silent auctions and trivia nights. Through our Charity Tickets program we assisted: Walk with a Doc Redkite St Mary's House of Welcome Melbourne Uni Student Union Trinity College Choir 3MBS FM
Community & Creative Engagement Aug 2026
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Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commissions Supporting the next generation of Australian composers
We were excited to welcome back violist Katie Yap and harpsichord player Donald Nicolson from Bronzewing for the second Creative Development session for the Marshall McGuire Emerging Composer Commissions project. Working with emerging composers Nicole Brady and Arie Madden Welti, this August session cemented initial ideas around form and harmonic effects, as well as providing the opportunity to workshop different stage plots and lighting in the Primrose Potter Salon. The world premiere of these works will take place on Wednesday 7 October and tickets can be booked now through the Melbourne Recital Centre website. Generously supported by The Vizard Foundation and many individual donors
Accelerando VCE Young Artist Development Program
August was an exciting month for one of our young Accelerando musicians who had the opportunity to open for Jessica Mauboy as part of ALWAYS LIVE's Victorian Vibes down in Queenscliff. Regional student Nora Trujillo Mendez, who plays guitar and piano as well as majoring in voice, was thrilled to receive the call to perform. Nora Trujillo Mendez and Jessica Mauboy