CONTENT COURTESY MELBOURNE DIGITAL CONCERT HALL
It’s been just over a fortnight since Melbourne Digital Concert Hall opened its virtual doors and the response has been extraordinary.
“We’ve streamed nine concerts live, programmed many more and raised over $35,000 in ticket revenue for Australian classical musicians,” co-director Chris Howlett says.
“What started out as an immediate response to a crisis situation has captured the public imagination and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Created by musicians for musicians, MDCH broadcasts live concerts online with the support of presenting partner, 5stream. The full $20 ticket price goes to the artists — many of whom have lost all other revenue — while a modest booking fee of $4 covers transaction costs and employs members of the wider sector, such as piano tuners and technicians.
The Athenaeum Theatre has come on board as a major partner, repurposing its stage as a zero-contact broadcast location that remains fully compliant with Government health and safety requirements. Built in 1839, the Collins Street theatre stands testimony to the sector’s ability to weather a crisis. Its ornate stage now serves as a backdrop for socially distanced artists, playing to the world from an empty hall.
“Our deep gratitude goes to Athenaeum Director, Greg Hocking AM, who answered our cry for help without hesitation and with such remarkable generosity,” co-director Adele Schonhardt says.
“Barry Janes, Glenn Elston and I are really happy to assist this great initiative by providing the Athenaeum as a closed broadcast space,” Greg Hocking adds.
“It’s currently a very difficult environment for all musicians and we hope this project will help to keep live music alive. We have a great artistic community in Melbourne and we all need to support it however we can at this extraordinary time.”
Kawai also leapt to the rescue.
“A grand piano wouldn’t typically top your priority list in a crisis,” Adele explains. “But when it means paid work for musicians who otherwise have no income, it suddenly becomes very important indeed. We’re hugely grateful to Warrick Baker and his team for their support.”
Celebrating Easter and Beethoven with MDCH
The program continues through Easter and beyond, with a series of concerts designed for reflection and inspiration. The acclaimed Duo Eclettico kicks off the long weekend on 9 April, linking saxophonist Justin Kenealy and pianist Coady Green with mezzo soprano Linda Barcan in Australian and international works.
Thursday evening also sees the launch of a major new series marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.
“With so many Beethoven festivals cancelled around the world, we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone year by announcing that Ian Munro will perform all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas with MDCH,” Chris reveals.
“Starting this Thursday, Ian will lead us on a 10-concert exploration of the great master’s works. He has chosen to donate 50 per cent of his ticket revenue to Support Act for the benefit of the wider arts community.”
“The following week, we launch Beethoven’s complete sonatas for violin and piano, starring top musicians including William Hennessy, Benjamin Martin, Monica Curro, Stefan Cassomenos, Wilma Smith and Yasmin Rowe,” Chris adds.
“There are also plenty of other Beethoven concerts in the pipeline.”
Australian composer and writer Gordon Kerry has generously offered to create program notes for both Beethoven series.
Gordon says: “Like all my musician colleagues, my work as a composer and writer has been dramatically affected by the pandemic. MDCH is a fantastic way for musicians to continue to work, and for players and listeners to stay connected through our common culture, so I’m delighted to donate program annotations.”
“And of course, no Easter celebration would be complete without choral music and Bach,” Chris continues.
“We’re thrilled to bring celebrated pianist Dr Calvin Bowman and a special quartet from the Australian Chamber Choir into your living room over the long weekend.”
MDCH goes national
With more than 50 artists on the waiting list, MDCH is set to support musicians and keep music lovers company throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. Even a Stage 4 lockdown presents no barrier to great music.
“We’ve pre-recorded 15 exclusive concerts for a lockdown series,” Chris explains.
“Most were captured in Melbourne and a few in other states with several brilliant collaborators. Although our base is Melbourne we want to help as many artists and the whole industry throughout Australia.
“Stay tuned as we reveal more information in the coming weeks.”
Bookings and details: www.melbournedigitalconcerthall.com
