Bendigo Orchestra comes out to play

CLASSICAL music enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra reconvenes for just its second live performance in almost eighteen months.

The Mostly Mozart concert will feature the renowned composer’s Jupiter Symphony No. 41, Elvira Madigan Piano Concerto No.21, and a new work by local composer and the orchestra’s Viola leader, Cally Bartlett.

“It’s a diverse and interesting program, with a little something for everyone,” she said.

In terms of the opportunity to feature her own composition, which was inspired by the Australian landmark Kati Thanda – also known as Lake Eyre, during the show, Bartlett said she’s very grateful to the orchestra, and especially its musical director Luke Severn, for their support in commissioning, rehearsing and bringing her music to life.

“It is such an honour to have my work premiered at this performance,” she said.

“I have been imagining what it may sound like for a while now, so to hear it in real life is one of the most exciting things. I can’t wait for the magic of performance to add to that.”

She said after so long out of the game, the opportunity for the orchestra to be back out and performing again is nothing short of “wonderful.”

“Community music is more than just an opportunity to play, it’s also an opportunity to achieve something, connect with like-minded people and make connections within the community,” Bartlett said.

“Playing music is excellent for mental health, and with the resumption of our rehearsals we have been able to reconnect with friends on a regular basis again.”

It’s not just the musicians gaining from being back on stage, as Bartlett said the benefits for audiences to be able to attend live events once again are also considerable.

“Music and performing arts have been very hard hit through the lockdowns, and it takes a great deal of effort to get the momentum (of performances) back again,” she said.

“I think music performances play an important role in the lives of our audiences as well as the musicians, and the support was amazing at our performance in March. The orchestra was buzzing from what we achieved and how the audience received us.”

“The spectacle of an orchestra playing has so many interesting facets. There’s the music obviously, but also seeing different instruments in use on stage as well as hearing their different timbres.”

“It tends to draw a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. Our audiences are all there to enjoy the music though, and it’s lovely to see many students and children enjoy it as well.”

Mostly Mozart takes place on Sunday, 20 June at St Paul’s Cathedral, 8 Myers Street, Bendigo with two shows at 2.30pm and 6pm. Tickets are available via bit.ly/3imqITi.