MSO homecoming sounds better than ever

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra made its long awaited homecoming last month, finally returning to the much-loved Hamer Hall for its first performance there in over two years.

The audience was treated to a spectacular line up and no doubt enjoyed the upgraded facilities.

For the orchestra itself many of the musicians were pleasantly surprised by the refurbished hall, overwhelmingly saying it was an amazing experience.

New chief conductor, Sir Andrew Davis, has worked with the orchestra previously and after holding rehearsals in the new hall said it was onward and upward for the symphony orchestra from here.

“The musicians’ joy at being back is quite obvious. They tell me that as soon as they began rehearsing they could appreciate the new acoustics. In my first rehearsal I knew precisely what they meant,” Sir Andrew said.

Sir Andrew was straight to the point when describing what he heard.

“The orchestra’s sound is marvellous.”

The welcomes will keep coming for the orchestra, after it was announced last month that Sir Andrew’s first shows as chief conductor will take place in April next year. The shows, called A Joyous Celebration Gala, will also feature singer Bryn Terfel.

MSO Director of artistic planning, Huw Humphreys said the orchestra was thrilled to be performing with two men who had work together so well previously.

“Sir Andrew Davis and Bryn Terfel have performed together all over the world, from The Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. There could be no more appropriate guest artist to mark Sir Andrew’s inaugural concert as Chief Conductor of the MSO, Mr Humphreys said.

For more information on the 2013 season, under the guidance of Sir Andrew Davis, head to the MSO’s website www.mso.com.au

Photo: Lucas Dawson