In Conversation at Melbourne Recital Centre

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In episode 10, we conclude our survey of the 'great' classical composers, with one of the most revered names in classical music. Mozart.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In episode nine, we continue our survey of the 'great' classical composers, looking at the genius of Franz Schubert. Franz Schubert's life covered the first quarter of the 19th century, and sadly, not much more. He was only 31 when he died, but the catalogue of his compositions runs to nearly 1,000 works. But is that all that makes Schubert 'great'?

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In episode eight, we continue our survey of the 'great' classical composers, setting our sights on Johannes Brahms.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In the previous episode, Graham spoke about the idea of a composer or a piece of music being "great", and the habit we sometimes have in classical music of assuming there's an accepted canon of great composers or great works. Using this lens, we looked at one of the biggest names in classical music, Beethoven. In episode seven, we subject another of the really big names in European classical music to this scrutiny: Johann Sebastian Bach.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. Now don't let the word “form” put you off. It's just another way of talking about how composers structure their ideas and organise their music, and in a lot of European music of the past few centuries, there are a few forms, or musical templates, which have been used a great deal. Of course, we could spend hours on each one, but what follows is a summary which we hope will give you enough information to explore further on your own. Let's see what we can discover.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. Episode six is the first of our composer-centric episodes, looking at some of the so called 'Great Composers'. But what makes these composers so 'great'? We start with one of the most famous names in classical music, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. The term ‘chamber music' can be a barrier for some. In this episode, Graham dives into the descriptive terms used in chamber music, and hopefully removes some of those linguistic barriers. In doing so, he gets right to the core of a lot of the music presented at Melbourne Recital Centre.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In episode three, Graham continues his two-part deep dive into key, looking at the differences between major and minor keys. Technical terms can be alienating when it comes to enjoying music. Musicians throw around terms like Sonata in D Major all the time. But what does that actually mean? Join Graham to find out.

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In episode two, Graham explores one of the fundamental principles of European music, but one which can be a mystery to some. We're talking of course, about key. Key is a term used all the time across all genres of music. But what exactly is it? Join us to find out!

Welcome to Classical Uncovered – a podcast designed to demystify corners of the classical music world. All areas of human endeavor have their special terms which are normal and natural to those in the know. But for those unfamiliar with that language, it can appear strange or even alienating. Classical music is no different. Over 10 episodes, classical music expert Graham Abbott breaks down the concepts and terms used in classical music, with the aim of helping you better understand and enjoy your music experiences. In episode one, Graham explores Musical Eras, unpacking the labels we use to describe certain periods of history. What do we mean when we talk about Baroque or Romantic music? Fasten your seat belts, over the next 20 minutes you will surf over 1000 years of European music history.

Now in its 10th season, Melbourne Recital Centre's Great Performers series presents great artists giving extraordinary performances of compelling classical, bold and cutting-edge repertoire in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. This year, the Centre has partnered with renowned presenter/producer and conductor Graham Abbott to create the Great Talks podcast – an audio companion to each concert in the 2021 Great Performers series. Part pre-concert talk, part deep-dive into the music, artists and program curated for each concert, these podcasts are designed enhance the concert experience for music-lovers for all ages and levels of music knowledge. In their upcoming concert on Wednesday 7 July, classical luminaries David Greco and Erin Helyard perform their ARIA-nominated interpretation of Die schöne Müllerin (The Maid of the Mill). In Die schöne Müllerin, we meet a young man with thoughts of love. Just one glimpse of the miller's daughter at the window and he's smitten, but in vain, for she loves another. The song cycle is loved for its breathtaking complexity, intense originality and the rich melodies that carved Schubert's reputation as a genius of the lieder genre. Greco and Helyard's Müllerin brings fresh insight into Schubert's masterpiece while retaining the beauty that has made it so iconic. More about Graham Abbott: Graham Abbott has been Conductor-in-Residence at the Elder Conservatorium of Music Adelaide, Musical Director of Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus, Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Musical Director of Melbourne Chorale, and Guest Chorus Master for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is a frequent guest conductor with the major Australian orchestras and opera companies, leading choral societies and numerous new and early music ensembles. Graham is also a respected speaker and broadcaster and was producer and presenter of the highly successful Keys To Music series on ABC Classic FM from 2003 – 2017. In 2021 Graham will return to the Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Oriana Choir and conduct The Barber of Seville for State Opera South Australia. Graham will also lead tours for Hayllar Music Tours, including to the Bendigo Chamber Music and Adelaide Festivals, and host performances at the Four Winds Easter Festival, Bermagui.

Now in its 10th season, Melbourne Recital Centre’s Great Performers series presents great artists giving extraordinary performances of compelling classical, bold and cutting-edge repertoire in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. This year, the Centre has partnered with renowned presenter/producer and conductor Graham Abbott to create the Great Talks podcast – an audio companion to each concert in the 2021 Great Performers series. Part pre-concert talk, part deep-dive into the music, artists and program curated for each concert, these podcasts are designed enhance the concert experience for music-lovers for all ages and levels of music knowledge. In his Great Performers debut, celebrated pianist Ian Munro explores inspired repertoire from Romantic masters Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff and a new work of his own. Munro is one of Australia’s most distinguished artists, in demand as both a performer and composer. His gifted range and sensitivity at the piano makes him a great partner to even the most emotionally complex repertoire. In this episode, Graham delves into the program for Munro's solo recital. More about Graham Abbott: Graham Abbott has been Conductor-in-Residence at the Elder Conservatorium of Music Adelaide, Musical Director of Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus, Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Musical Director of Melbourne Chorale, and Guest Chorus Master for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is a frequent guest conductor with the major Australian orchestras and opera companies, leading choral societies and numerous new and early music ensembles. Graham is also a respected speaker and broadcaster and was producer and presenter of the highly successful Keys To Music series on ABC Classic FM from 2003 – 2017. In 2021 Graham will return to the Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Oriana Choir and conduct The Barber of Seville for State Opera South Australia. Graham will also lead tours for Hayllar Music Tours, including to the Bendigo Chamber Music and Adelaide Festivals, and host perfomances at the Four Winds Easter Festival, Bermagui.

Now in its 10th season, Melbourne Recital Centre’s Great Performers series presents great artists giving extraordinary performances of compelling classical, bold and cutting-edge repertoire in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. This year, the Centre has partnered with renowned presenter/producer and conductor Graham Abbott to create the Great Talks podcast – an audio companion to each concert in the 2021 Great Performers series. Part pre-concert talk, part deep-dive into the music, artists and program curated for each concert, these podcasts are designed enhance the concert experience for music-lovers for all ages and levels of music knowledge. In their upcoming concert, one of Australia’s favourite musical couples Slava and Sharon Grigoryan play their favourite pieces of music, performing selections from their album Our Place and works that have meant the most in their lives including those written by their heroes and peers. In this episode, Graham delves into the program for Our Place including Vivaldi, Ravel, Arvo Pärt, Enrique Granados and more. More about Graham Abbott: Graham Abbott has been Conductor-in-Residence at the Elder Conservatorium of Music Adelaide, Musical Director of Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus, Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Musical Director of Melbourne Chorale, and Guest Chorus Master for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is a frequent guest conductor with the major Australian orchestras and opera companies, leading choral societies and numerous new and early music ensembles. Graham is also a respected speaker and broadcaster and was producer and presenter of the highly successful Keys To Music series on ABC Classic FM from 2003 – 2017. In 2021 Graham will return to the Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Oriana Choir and conduct The Barber of Seville for State Opera South Australia. Graham will also lead tours for Hayllar Music Tours, including to the Bendigo Chamber Music and Adelaide Festivals, and host perfomances at the Four Winds Easter Festival, Bermagui.

Bookmarks is Melbourne Recital Centre's online book club for lovers of music, literature and conversation. Our inaugural Bookmarks online event featured award-winning Australian pianist and writer, Anna Goldworthy and her novel 'Melting Moments'. Beginning in 1941, 'Melting Moments' offers a portrait of a woman’s life over more than five decades as a series of key moments. It explores the themes of fate, transience, intimacy and forgiveness. Charming and sharply observed, 'Melting Moments' is, like its protagonist Ruby, a gentle powerhouse. Anna Goldsworthy joined host Jaclyn Crupi in a live discussion to engage with the author beyond the page and connect with fellow readers.

Zoe's Story: Once upon a time there was a apple, he was very sad... by MelbRecital

Max's Story: I went to Lorne in the caravan with my family for six nights... by MelbRecital

Cem's Story: On Bayram I made a lot of money, and with the money... by MelbRecital

Blake's Story: I went to Cohuna, I made lots of friends there... by MelbRecital

Anita's Story: When I was little, my dad bought me a really cute cat... by MelbRecital

Sophia Exiner (Phia) tells us why community choirs speak (and sing) volumes in modern-day societies. Hosts Maxim Boon and Megan Steller talk to Phia about her choir Melbourne Indie Voices, a group of 240 people united by their shared love of indie music. Are choirs having 'a moment'? Why should you join a choir? Find out and more in the latest Tune Up episode! Extras: Tune out to the crispy sounds of the crunchiest of all snacks, the common chip.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in July 1969, we explore the many different Sounds of Space – what music and noise we send out, and the sounds from the universe we have collected and their impact on the creation of music. Join Associate Professor Kenny McAlpine from The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts & Music, and Laby Teaching & Outreach Fellow Clare Kenyon from the School of Physics, for a cosmic Musical Explorations talk.

Welcome to episode two of The Tune Up: Mama Alto on the Radical Potential of Storytelling and Strength in Softness - brought to you by Melbourne Recital Centre. Hosts Maxim Boon and Megan Steller speak with gender-transcendent diva and cabaret artiste Mama Alto about the power and potential of storytelling through song, how vulnerability builds strength in humankind and the inclusivity of contemporary cabaret. About Mama Alto: Mama Alto is a jazz singer, cabaret artiste & gender transcendent diva. Fierce, femme and fabulous, she has performed at beloved venues including The Butterfly Club, Brisbane Powerhouse, Chapel off Chapel, The Famous Spiegeltent, Gluttony, Hares & Hyenas, The Melba Spiegeltent, Melbourne Recital Centre, the National Gallery of Victoria, Porcelain Tea Parlour & more, and festivals such as Adelaide Cabaret Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Feast (Adelaide), Emerging Writers Festival, Festival of Voices (Hobart), Marysville Jazz & Blues, Melbourne Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Fringe, Midsumma (Melbourne), Stonnington Jazz, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Wonderland (Brisbane) & more. In 2018, she released four studio albums on vinyl, CD and digital release, all recorded with original analogue 1950s recording equipment. Vinyls & CDs are available here, and you can find Mama on Spotify, Apple Music, and many other popular streaming platforms. About your hosts Maxim Boon and Megan Steller: Maxim Boon is a British composer, writer and critic who has been based in Australia since 2014. When he's not ensconced in a concert hall or writing about Melbourne's music scene, he can mostly be found taking selfies with his dog. Megan Steller is an artist manager, writer and producer, who spends most of her time talking about classical music. She occasionally gets really enthusiastic at the symphony and claps in the wrong spot, but she's working on it. Find more stories about the music, musicians and people that make Melbourne Recital Centre the best place to hear at soundescapes.melbournerecital.com.au

Welcome to episode one of The Tune Up podcast with hosts Maxim Boon and Megan Steller! In this episode, Maxim and Megan chat with oboist, collaborator, artistic director and one half of Inventi Ensemble, Ben Opie. Plus, an audio experiment that explores the art and etiquette of opening a cough lolly wrapper in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall featuring usher and percussionist of Ossicle Duo, Hamish Upton. About Ben Opie: Two types of people walk the alleys of Melbourne’s wildly eclectic arts scene: those who argue classical music is a static art form, and those who know the work of Ben Opie. Tackling mind-blowing innovation with the class and sensitivity of a veteran, Ben is a young oboist of matchless capacity performing at the cutting edge of classical music’s fresh-faced evolution. With a big emphasis on innovation and meaningful collaborations, Ben’s approach has the power to keep classical music connected and relevant to its audience. He does this not only in his performing career but also in his new role as Artistic Director of the Peninsula Summer Music Festival. About your hosts Maxim Boon and Megan Steller: Maxim Boon is a British composer, writer and critic who has been based in Australia since 2014. When he's not ensconced in a concert hall or writing about Melbourne's music scene, he can mostly be found taking selfies with his dog. Megan Steller is an artist manager, writer and producer, who spends most of her time talking about classical music. She occasionally gets really enthusiastic at the symphony and claps in the wrong spot, but she's working on it. Find more stories about the music, musicians and people that make Melbourne Recital Centre the best place to hear at soundescapes.melbournerecital.com.au

Whether we're listening through our headphones or in the local coffee shop, music is an irrepressible part of our daily lives – and it is so much more than just the sounds that enter our ears. In the latest Music on the Mind talk, recorded live from Melbourne Recital Centre, esteemed speakers share their fascinating perspectives: Dr Amanda Krause explores how music cannot be isolated from our everyday experiences. Solange Glasser explains how synaesthesia can lead people to see or taste music. Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, engaged through The University of Melbourne-Melbourne Recital Centre Partnership. More about the speakers: Dr Amanda Krause is a post-doctoral research fellow at The University of Melbourne. She is interested in the social and applied psychology of music, and her research examines everyday music interactions, with an emphasis on considering listening technologies and the intersection of everyday music and well-being. Solange Glasser is a faculty member of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and is the convenor of a new online breadth subject entitled Creativity, Genius, Expertise and Talent. Her research interests include multisensory perception and exceptional abilities, with an emphasis on the impact of neurological conditions such as synaesthesia and absolute pitch on musical development.

In May 2018, Leith McPherson—acclaimed vocal coach to the cast of 'The Hobbit' trilogy and Senior Lecturer in Voice and Movement at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at The University of Melbourne—joined us in the Salon as part of our Musical Explorations series. With great skill and wit, Leith offered an informed lecture/participatory workshop on how to enunciate and project to make the most of your vocal power in everyday life. This talk was recorded live as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's Musical Explorations series.

Dr Samantha Dieckmann has been working with multicultural singing group Lullabies of Our Lives, bringing the diverse communities of Melbourne’s north together — one song at a time. The Lullaby Choir, a joint initiative of The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions, the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at The University of Melbourne and Coburg’s Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic Groups New Futures program, aims to promote cultural connection through the lullabies that soothe babes the world over. This podcast was recorded live at Melbourne Recital Centre as part of its Music on the Mind talks series.

In this edition of Melbourne Recital Centre's Soundescapes podcast: How have the acoustics of buildings shaped the style of music that is composed and performed within them? In essence, how does space shape sound? Join acoustician Cameron Hough from ARUP and Ensemble Gombert in this special talks event live from Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Topics explored in this podcast include how church music changed from plainsong to polyphony in the reverberant acoustic of Renaissance Italian churches, to the contrapuntal cantatas by Bach in the drier acoustic of German churches. How the different acoustics of the Eisenstadt Palace and the Hanover Square Rooms influenced Haydn’s writing in his symphonies, and how Wagner created a completely new sound-world for opera in his new theatre at Bayreuth.

What is arts writing beyond the idea of conventional critique? How can writers respond to artistic experiences in ways that expand and extend the value and impact of the artistic work? Meet Piriye Altraide, Jini Maxwell and Adalya Nash Hussein, three outstanding and diverse emerging female writers taking part in Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2018 Writers-in-Residence program at Melbourne Recital Centre. Through their experimental modes of criticism poetry including hybrid non-fiction, cross-platform multimedia and illustrated hypertext, these three impressive creative writers share their responses and interpretations to a range of music experiences at the Centre across the year. Piriye, Jini and Adalya are joined by acclaimed Australian author, journalist and 2017 Writer-in-Residence at Melbourne Recital Centre, Chloe Hooper to discuss their approaches to and influences for arts writing and criticism. If you’re interested in traditional arts writing and the art of critique, listen in and get a fresh perspective on how writers can blur, bend and break the rules of critical writing in the arts.

From Manhattan to Melbourne, places like Carnegie Hall, Juilliard and the Melbourne Recital Centre all have burgeoning artist development programs, taking musicians out of the concert halls and directly into the communities. With them they bring reenergised ideas and performance styles to this new way of thinking about the role of a musician in our diverse societies. Join international guests Amy Rhodes (Carnegie Hall) and Benjamin Sosland (Juilliard School), and a panel of local musicians and directors, for a session focused on stories about these growing relationships, and how they make our cities stronger, both culturally and socially.

​Climate change, architecture and the Taliban, these are just some of the complex ideas that composers and musicians explore as part of Metropolis New Music Festival 2018 at Melbourne Recital Centre. In this podcast, host Cat McGauran speaks with Thea Rossen (Penny Quartet), Liza Lim (composer) and Daryl Buckley (ELISION) about the immersive works they're performing in the festival and the contemporary classical listening experience.

What is Rebetiko? ​It is the music of passion, pain and love. It is a tapestry woven of Byzantine, Turkish, Roma, Jewish and other musical forms, created in the Piraeus 100 years ago by Greek refugees from Asia Minor and has grown to become a globally respected musical style.​ Cat McGauran speaks with Con Kalamaras about Rebetiko music and its history. Con Kalamaras has had a long history within the world music community in Melbourne and in Community Radio. His background is as an active musician within the Greek Community, playing primarily in the Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble, and has also produced many concerts in Melbourne. His ensemble has been a staple in many local and interstate festivals. Con’s passion for music also extends to his obsession for collecting rare European 78 records and for his ever growing LP and CD collection. Fascinated by the history of recording technology, Con has thrown himself deeply into researching the musical history of recordings and how these tie in with the mass movements of people and how these recordings have captured this history.

Known for his deeply resonant voice and musical sensitivity, Gawurra catapulted onto the music stage in 2016 following the release of his critically acclaimed, and multi-award winning debut album, Ratja Yaliyali. The Melbourne-based via Arnhem Land musician joined Double J’s Caz Tran in conversation, discussing the stories behind his music, his passions and influences, and his story.

Nkechi Anele and Lucille Cutting are friends who connected through difference. As two Nigerian-Australian women of a similar age and background, Nkechi and Lucie had vastly different upbringings. One grew up in an urban environment surrounded by many cultures and the other in a small town in country Victoria. Questions about race, identity and culture form the basis of their friendship and led to the development of The Pin – an online discussion platform run by biracial Australians for all Australians. Everyone deserves to feel safe to THINK about who they are, MEET amazing people and EXPRESS themselves. In October 2017, a lineup of thought-provoking guests joined award winning journalist and moderator Santilla Chingaipe for Where We At? — a live forum exploring contemporary thought on race, identity and culture in Australia

In October 2017, we welcomed Jane Davidson and Jody Evans to the Salon to discuss what music audiences want and feel; how music audience experience contributes to well-being; and what can be done to improve music audience experiences.

Like Running Water brings together Ella Thompson, Sui Zhen and Clio Renner in a multi-dimensional arrangement that intersects sound, sight and scent. 3RRR’s Lauren Taylor joined Ella, Clio and Sui Zhen for an In Conversation event to hear insights into the creative process behind the group’s new Melbourne Festival show, musings on their careers.

In this Soundescapes podcast presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, we learn about the extraordinary story of the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir and the choral tradition that has survived for nearly 150 years. Hosted by Cat McGauran featuring choir master Stuart Morris and director of the documentary film 'The Song Keepers' Naina Sen. To discover more stories behind the music, the musicians and people that make Melbourne Recital Centre the best place to hear, visit soundescapes.melbournerecital.com.au

In this Soundescapes podcast presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, we explore J.S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier as part of the 48 Ways of Looking at Bach concert series. Hosted by Cat McGauran and featuring Marshall McGuire, Liz Anderson and Paul Grabowsky. To discover more stories behind the music, the musicians and people that make Melbourne Recital Centre the best place to hear, visit soundescapes.melbournerecital.com.au

In this Soundescapes podcast presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, we look at the different ways music can help different people recover from trauma. Hosted by Cat McGauran and featuring James Richmond, Michael Mosley and Samantha Dieckmann. To discover more stories behind the music, the musicians and people that make Melbourne Recital Centre the best place to hear, visit soundescapes.melbournerecital.com.au

In April 2017, we welcomed Professor Felicity Baker, Dr Samantha Dieckmann and James Richmond to Melbourne Recital Centre to discuss Music and Trauma.

Song is perhaps the oldest form of musical communication, with the earliest surviving manuscript dating from 3400 years ago. Song has accompanied rituals associated with spirituality, labour, education, entertainment and, of course, expressions of emotion such as love and grief. In this presentation, some of these functions will be explored through examples of plainsong, polyphony, ballades, madrigals, chansons, lieder, and modern works. We shall see how, at various times, the entwining of text and music has favoured one element over the other, and how each language’s rhythm and inflection influences the melodies created.

Australia is home to the world’s oldest indigenous musical culture, and the site of major developments in various genres from folk through rock to art music. On Monday 24 October, leading Australian composer Katy Abbott Kvasnica and her internationally esteemed colleagues who form the ensemble Three explored some of the key works that make up the contemporary art music landscape, including insight into the world premiere of Ross Edwards’ work for solo guitar.

Discover how music can have positive effects on the minds of people with disability. Dementia poses significant challenges for all those it affects. This presentation investigates the benefits of music for persons with dementia and their carers on memory, mood and behaviour. Three of the country’s new National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council Dementia Research Development Fellows Drs Amee Baird, Jeanette Tamplin and Sandra Garrido offer critical insights into how music can have positive effects on the minds of PWD.

A rare up-close and personal discussion with American visionary Zola Jesus. Equally commanding and fragile, Zola Jesus transcends genre with her shape-shifting mix of cinematic synth pop and dark anthemic balladry. Her mix of the traditional and futuristic has seen her heralded among America’s most compelling young musicians and, at just 27, performed with Fever Ray, The XX and collaborated with David Lynch and M83. For her fifth studio album, 'Taiga', Zola relocated to Vashon Island in the Puget Sound in an effort to immerse herself in the natural world. Taiga is an undeniable transition for Zola Jesus described by the artist herself; ‘The music on the record is massive, with big brass and beats, crystal clear vocals.’ In this recording, Zola Jesus shares insights into her creative processes and musings on her career. This was a unique opportunity for an intimate audience to participate in the creative conversation and learn from this remarkable musician.

A rare up-close and personal discussion with banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn Banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn have mastered the deceptively intricate art of the duet. Their performances embrace a diversity almost unthinkable – coming from just two banjos and one voice. Fleck, a 15-time Grammy winner, has collaborated with Chick Corea, Oumou Sangare, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, Dave Mathews, Earl Scruggs, and the entire Cleveland Orchestra for his Banjo Concert ‘The Impostor’. Washburn’s banjo has taken her far beyond the usual old-timey comfort zone, musically and geographically. An alumnus of Uncle Earl, the powerhouse all-female string-band, Abby’s adopted second homeland is China, and her music resounds with echoes of Appalachia and the tidal wave of emerging Chinese cultural influence. Together, Fleck and Washburn employ the relatively rare 3-finger and claw hammer banjo duet to create an explosion of musical white heat. Melbourne Recital Centre presents the opportunity for a rare up-close and personal discussion with banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, moderated by Melbourne’s own banjoist and singer/songwriter Sal Kimber. These artists will share insights into their creative processes, musings on their long careers – and treat us to a few songs along the way. This is a unique opportunity for an intimate audience to participate in the creative conversation and learn from these remarkable musicians.

In Conversation is a creative conversation about artistic processes, musical influences, career highlights and more, recorded live at Melbourne Recital Centre. On Wednesday 29 June, vocalist Lisa Gerrard and Melbourne songwriter Dave Graney joined an intimate group of fans and fellow musicians in the Salon for a rare ‘In Conversation’ event at Melbourne Recital Centre. About Lisa: Over a career that takes in almost two decades with Dead Can Dance, award-winning movie soundtracks and a series of acclaimed solo and collaborative albums, Lisa Gerrard has established herself as one of Australia’s most ground-breaking and in-demand artists. About Dave: Dave Graney hails from the 80s post punk scene with fellow travellers Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Apartments and the Laughing Clowns. Join the conversation! And for more information visit melbournerecital.com.au