Dear MRC supporter

Welcome to Melbourne Recital Centre’s first newsletter especially for its inner circle of donors, business partners and members.  It’s been my privilege to Chair this vibrant organisation for just over a year and I’ve now attended many wonderful concerts and events.  What inspires me most is the incredible commitment and virtuosity of the artists whose performances are like crystal in the pure acoustic of our marvellous performance spaces.  They lift us out of the everyday and remind us of the elemental pleasure of sharing in great music.    

We are so fortunate to have one of the world’s great concert halls right here in Melbourne.  With this newsletter, we invite you to share even more deeply in its lore – to learn a little more about the musicians and the many enablers whose dedicated support brings their performances to life.   

Thank you for your support of Melbourne Recital Centre this year.  On behalf of the Board I extend my best wishes for the festive season and look forward to welcoming you back to MRC in 2012.

Kathryn Fagg
Chair of Melbourne Recital Centre

Recent Development News

Music Circle Patrons Program Launch - 25 October, 2011

Victoria’s Governor Alex Chernov AO QC launched a new giving program at Melbourne Recital Centre that invites Victorians to make an outstanding contribution to music.

The new Music Circle patrons program enables donors to make tax-deductable gifts to assist the Centre to further expand its artistic programming:  in the venue, on-line and via enhanced education and engagement activities.  This will provide direct benefits to artists, audiences and Victoria’s international reputation as a cultural leader.

The launch was attended by a number of well-known Melbourne philanthropists who each made leading gifts to the new program. 

Read more for highlights and to view photos

Innovative collaboration comes to life at Melbourne Recital Centre

On 23 November, SubUrban Exchange brought together three different youth music ensembles to create an exciting performance that blended musical genres and dance into an innovative cultural exchange.

Supported by Newsboys Foundation and Melbourne Recital Centre, the concert featured over 70 musicians and artists from three groups: Melbourne Youth Music (MYM), the Anti Racism Action Band (A.R.A.B.) and MASSIVE Hip Hop Choir.

Together they worked to present an evening that blurred the boundaries of genre, showcasing MYM’s young Chamber Strings ensemble, 30 hip-hop dancers and rappers while merging contemporary pop music with classical scores.

Read about their inspiring experience

MRC patron and music enthusiast commissions a new series of piano recitals for the Salon in 2012

 The idea of becoming a patron of music was first planted in the mind of MRC donor Richard Gubbins while listening to a Saturday morning radio program on ABC Classic FM.

A regular volunteer at Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and with Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Richard thought wouldn't it be wonderful to give talented Melbourne musicians the opportunity to perform in solo recitals.

MRC enthusiastically agreed as providing opportunities for local musicians is one of the core values that underpins its programming. A partnership was born...

Read more about Richard's leadership gift

Hold the Date: Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s 103rd Birthday Celebration - 8 February 2012

Melbourne Recital Centre will present a special concert to mark the 103rd birthday of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch on 8 February 2012, and the Centre’s 3rd birthday.

The February celebration will have a different format with the event open to the public for the first time.

Attendance will be free of charge however audience members will be invited to make a donation to the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund on the evening.

Invitations will be mailed in January 2012

This summer’s concert highlights…

Melbourne Recital Centre kicks off 2012 with MusicPlay, an exciting summer holiday music festival for children and families from 18 to 22 January. Offering a wide range of quality arts and educational activities themed around music, the Festival is interactive, fun and many events are free.

MusicPlay is proudly supported by Festival Partner City of Melbourne, The Hugh Williamson Foundation and Program Partners 3AW and Melbourne’s Child.

More information and key Summer season performances not to be missed

 

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