Zelman Orchestra’s Spectacular 90th anniversary

It is almost exactly 90 years since the first Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra concert was given in the Melbourne Town Hall on 30 September 1933.

Ten years ago, to mark the 80th birthday of the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra, the decision was made to present a performance of the monumental Eighth Symphony of Gustav Mahler, the “Symphony of a Thousand”.

Now, for this, the 90th anniversary, the orchestra presents his more youthful, but perhaps even more ecstatic, Second Symphony. Set for soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, mixed voice chorus and a huge orchestra, Mahler’s Second Symphony demands only the biggest and grandest of venues.

The monumental Resurrection Symphony is one of the greatest musical events one can experience live.
It features a massive orchestra including 10 French horns and 10 trumpets, a large percussion section with two full sets of timpani, a large choir and two stunning soloists – all in the wonderful acoustic and historic ambience of the Melbourne Town Hall! Plus, finally, the grandest instrument of them all, the magnificent Melbourne Town Hall organ and the thundering all-stops-out triumphant Aufersteh’n (Rise again) just minutes before the climactic ending.

The highlights are too many to mention – the intensely dramatic opening movement, the contrasting interludes of second and third movements, the hushed entrance of the mezzo‑soprano in the exquisite fourth movement… all leading to the explosive finale with its soloist duet and unaccompanied entrance of the choir.

This is live classical music at its finest, filling every inch of the Melbourne Town Hall with staggering, ecstatic sound. Zelman Symphony is also thrilled to welcome the beautiful voice of soprano Anna-Louise Cole, a rapidly rising international star; along with the golden-hued mezzo-soprano of Belinda Paterson; supported by the spectacular Melbourne Bach Choir; all conducted by Zelman and MBC’s Artistic Director Rick Prakhoff.

Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra is confident that you will find this performance truly momentous.

Sunday 10 September, 2023: 2.30pm

Melbourne Town Hall: 90 Swanston Street, Melbourne