The Whitlams join Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Hamer Hall show

Beloved Aussie band The Whitlams will join forces with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for a one-night-only symphonic performance at Hamer Hall on Saturday 6 September.

This special concert marks the next chapter in a collaboration that began in 2004, when The Whitlams became the first Australian indie band to perform with the nation’s leading orchestras. Since then, the show has evolved with new arrangements added over the years as the band’s catalogue has grown.

Led by Tim Freedman and conducted by Nicholas Buc, the MSO will bring a full symphonic treatment to the band’s career-spanning setlist, including timeless favourites “No Aphrodisiac” and “Blow Up the Pokies”, as well as newer tracks from 2022’s Sancho and 2024’s Kookaburra.

The performance will also feature string arrangements by the late Peter Sculthorpe and contributions from acclaimed Australian composers Benjamin Northey, Brett Dean, Iain Grandage, Daniel Denholm, and Jamie Messenger.

Tim Freedman said the collaboration with the MSO was a rare and cherished opportunity.

“Once every seven years we get to perform in the middle of the beautiful storm of an 80-piece orchestra,” Freedman said.

“This time it’s with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Australia’s best sounding room, Hamer Hall. I’m counting down the days to what will be a really memorable evening.”

The Whitlams’ last three Melbourne tours sold out venues including The Forum, The Northcote Theatre, and The Corner Hotel. This upcoming show will be their first seated concert in the city since 2017.

Pre-sale opens 11.00am Tuesday 15 April at thewhitlams.com/mso-presale, with general public tickets available from 12.00pm Thursday 17 April via Arts Centre Melbourne.