CONTENT COURTESY MELBOURNE DIGITAL CONCERT HALL
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Having raised $65,000 for its musicians during its recent Faces of our Orchestras festival, the Melbourne Digital Concert Hall today announces its new Satellite Nights initiative — expanding its support of artists to Sydney and Perth.
Melbourne Digital Concert Hall extends its support to musicians in Perth and Sydney with thanks to Kawai Australia, acclaimed singer Fiona Campbell, and the Government House Foundation of WA.
“Starting on 13 May, our Wednesday Satellite Nights offer the chance to experience Australia’s great artists in concert, no matter where you live,” MDCH co-director Chris Howlett says.
“Talent and need know no boundaries. With high-quality streaming, neither do we. Importantly, each ticket fee goes straight to the artists, giving them hope and income in these challenging times.”
Much-loved singer Fiona Campbell has joined the MDCH team from Perth, spearheading an exclusive series recorded live for MDCH in the Government House Ballroom.
Listeners will ease into their Wednesday evening at 7pm (AEST), 13 May with an unmissable recital by clarinettist Ashley Smith and pianist Gladys Chua. Thrilling operatic arias will kick off at 8.30pm (AEST) with tenor Paul O’Neill, soprano Naomi Johns and accompanist Tommaso Pollio.
On 20 May, listeners can join Ali Bodycoat and Adrian Galante at 10pm (AEST) for a spot of late-night magic from the Perth jazz scene.
“I am completely thrilled to partner with MDCH in this extraordinary initiative and showcase some of Perth’s finest musicians to Australia and the world,” Fiona Campbell says.
“As artists we have all experienced lean years and sometimes the only thing that gets you through are your friends, colleagues and the promise of music. Thanks to the generous support of the Government House Foundation WA, we are able to do just that, create an opportunity for our dear friends who also happen to be world class artists.
“Please join me in the glorious Ballroom of Government House WA, for a glimpse of some of the wonders in the west…And thank you, my dear friends in Melbourne for extending your hand and keeping us all connected through the miracle of technology.”
The Sydney series kicks off on 20 May with tenor Andrew Goodwin, followed by the Australian Haydn Ensemble, all streamed live from the Kawai Studio in St Leonards with thanks to Kawai Australia.
The following weeks promise a brilliant line-up of Sydney favourites including star harpist Emily Granger (pictured above), Ensemble Offspring and piano-cello duo Kathy Selby and Julian Smiles.
“At times like this it is crucial to ask yourself what’s important,” explains Warrick Baker, National Sales and Marketing Manager at Kawai Australia, who has played a fundamental role in supporting MDCH.
“When the call came from Chris for help, it was a very easy – yes whatever you need!
“With the performing arts the very first to be impacted and the last to recover, the sector is on the verge of collapse. MCDH has become a lifeline to so many who lost their livelihoods in a matter of hours. Not only has it created regular income for the musicians involved, it has created a unique viewing experience for audiences.
“We are very much looking forward to seeing the Sydney program commence.”
MDCH co-director Adele Schonhardt adds: “All that matters right now is the artist, the audience, and the connection between them. We witnessed the power of that bond last week in Faces of Our Orchestras — a 14-concert festival of symphony players that earned stellar reviews and generated $65,000 in income for players without work.
“We’ve engaged over 130 musicians so far and we fully intend to keep building those ties to support many more on a national scale.”
There are highlights in store in Melbourne, too. Upcoming concerts include cellist Molly Kadarauch, the second half of Ian Munro’s complete Beethoven Sonatas, Songs of Sleep and Solitude with Max and Rosie Riebl, pianist Hoang Pham, oboist Jasper Ly with pianist Peter de Jager, piano-cello brilliance with Caroline Almonte and Blair Harris, Songs from Australia with Greta Bradman and Calvin Bowman, and a new Sunday series starring members of the Australian Chamber Choir.
Bookings and details: www.melbournedigitalconcerthall.com
Featured image credit Keith Saunders.
