MSO announces Myer Music Bowl and Hamer Hall shows in 2021
Melbourne’s first big gig announcement for summer has an unlikely headliner: the MSO. And with COVID-safe restrictions in force, shows will be very different in 2021.
Confidential
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As the MSO plans socially-distanced shows for crowds between 480 to 2000 this summer, maestro Ben Northey says the orchestra has a major role to play in the city’s rebuild and recovery.
The MSO will announce the first half of its 2021 program on Tuesday, which kicks off with the Sydney Myer Free Concert series at the Myer Music Bowl on January 29.
“We’re getting the band back together,” Mr Northey, the MSO’s principal conductor in residence, said. “It’s been very tough, but there’s a journey back. I’ve been thinking a lot about how the MSO … can help people through this difficult time, and into a period of healing.”
The Myer Music Bowl shows will play to audiences of between 1500 to 2000, with empty seats and rows between patrons in the seated area, and socially distant “pods” on the grass.
In pre-COVID-19 times, the outdoor amphitheatre hosted 10,000 punters.
For shows at Hamer Hall, only 480 of the venue’s 2400 seats will be used.
The MSO’s 2021 program includes collaborations with rockers Birds Of Tokyo and deep soul outfit, The Bamboos. It feature more than 100 events with eight world premieres, 12 Australian premieres, 24 soloists, and seven works commissioned by the MSO.
“Through the power of music, we want to help people through this difficult time. The MSO has a very big role to play in the recovery and rebuild of our city.”
Season 2021 subscriptions are available from October 28, and limited tickets on sale from December 8.
For more info: mso.com.au
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