Orchestra on the big stages

THE Bendigo Symphony Orchestra will perform their entire season in the city’s premier venues for the first time this year.

Four concerts are scheduled in April, June, September and December in The Capital and Ulumbarra Theatre, and artistic director Luke Severn said it’s allowed the group to become part of the fabric of the region.

“This is Bendigo’s symphony orchestra. This orchestra belongs to the city, and it should be in the premium venues that the city has to offer,” he said.

“The same way that the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play in Hamer Hall and Melbourne Town Hall, the way Sydney Symphony Orchestra play in Sydney Opera House, we should be playing in Bendigo’s equivalent.”

“To me, it’s quite symbolic. Great music belongs to all of us.”

Severn said the season will include everything from the classical period right up to contemporary compositions, kicking off with a 3 April concert featuring works from Australian composer Christopher Healey, as well as Aaron Copland and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

“We managed to finish last year really triumphantly, and the orchestra is sounding better than I’ve ever heard them,” he said.

“Audiences are going to be really excited and impressed by what we’ll be able to offer this year.

“It’s been a bit of a dance, especially at this time in particular because some people are getting sick so they’re away for one week.

“We’re all operating on a bit of a knife edge or balancing act at the moment, but in general it’s going really well.

“I’ve been super impressed by how the well the orchestra has shown up with fantastic attitudes and ready to play fantastic music.”