New Beginnings

A new year, new shows and, most significantly, a new boss are ensuring there’s never a dull moment for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in 2013.

Andre Gremillet started as managing director of the MSO in November and is excited by the challenges his first full year in charge will undoubtedly bring.

“It is a very exciting time for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. We’re working on audience development, the return to Hamer Hall is complete and the arrival of Sir Andrew Davis as our chief conductor,” Mr Gremillet said.

“All of our stars have aligned and it is a very good time to introduce new people to the MSO.”

Mr Gremillet said the new year means he now had a full grasp of his role, and that, while the MSO was already a great organisation, there was plenty of work to
be done.

“Every orchestra is different but all have similar challenges,” Mr Gremillet said.

“We’re looking to find ways to make the orchestra more visible, for tourists and locals. I want Melburnians to walk past Hamer Hall and know that’s where MSO perform.”

“One little test I do is take a taxi and ask them what there is to do in Melbourne. Hopefully the answer is to see one of our shows, although it took me a little longer than I hoped to hear that. It gives me something to work on,” he added.

One of the ways MSO has been reaching out to a wider audience is with concerts based on movies or television shows. This trend is continuing into the new year with shows such as Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels and Frozen Planet in Concert in February.

“Music is important for everybody. We want to show people we’re very accessible. I want to get away from the perception that we’re a stiff, traditional orchestra,” Mr Gremillet said.

While leveraging itself off popular culture is one way to attract an expanding audience, it is by no means the only thing MSO will be working on this year.

“We have different types of audiences and we need to provide for everyone. The constant is the quality of our work, no matter whether the music is pop, TV show themed or traditional.”
Mr Gremillet described the Arts Precinct in Melbourne as “a wonderful setting” and said it was an exciting time for the city.

“It’s a great time for Melbourne as a city. I think there’s a place for the MSO to work with the city. We have a great partner here. I’ve spoken to the Lord Mayor and he agrees orchestra holds a really important place for this city,”

Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels is playing two shows, on Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9. Frozen Planet is a one-off show on February 9.

For more details on either show head to www.mso.com.au