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Music begets music. When it comes to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra hitting the road for audiences beyond the major cities, traveling performances remain fond memories for those now involved in making them happen. “When I was a kid, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Brandenburg Orchestra would come up and play and I would hear them in regional New South Wales,” says Erin Helyard from the MSO’s tour bus, making its way up to Ballarat for a show. The conductor and current MSO Artist in Residence recalls these shows vividly. “I remember seeing [violin soloist] Richard Tognetti when I was about 16 and it was just phenomenal. Really, I just felt, ‘Oh gosh, that’s what I want to do with my life: I want to be a musician.’”

MSO violinist Mary Allison has similar recollections of performers visiting her tiny hometown in New Zealand. “I can remember, very clearly, groups of musicians or sometimes ballet dance troupes or ensembles that would come to the town I grew up in … and I was just mesmerised,” she says. These days, Allison has collected her own share of experiences on the road as a touring musician. “I’ve played in a huge variety of venues – from farm sheds, where the stage was built over 44-gallon drums – to community sports halls with varying acoustics, and some very sophisticated concert halls.”

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MSO at Costa Hall, Geelong

While the drums were somewhat earlier in her career, Allison’s had more recent experiences with the MSO, such as visiting Wangaratta while it was in flood and playing in a quartet on an old Art Deco shop floor in Mildura. She says it’s a delight to play regional shows which can often involve more intimacy with audiences than those in larger cities. “[I love] observing the joy and wonder on their faces during a concert because you can actually see the people in a small hall and you make a connection with them.” Helyard agrees it’s always special to play to audiences in those regions, sometimes situated just a few feet away from people.

“The audience is very close – you can see visible gasps of joy.” Helyard reminds that it’s no easy feat to move an orchestra around, and the generous backing of the MSO’s donors and supporting foundations is crucial to make regional touring happen. Indeed, Creative Victoria, through its Touring Victoria program, is a key supporter of the MSO’s activity in the regions.

“Regional is really expensive for organisations and it often needs significant subsidising from other sources because you can't rely on just box office – but I think it's worth it,” says Helyard.

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MSO at Frankston Arts Centre

A particularly joyful part of MSO’s regional touring schedule for many performers is the schools program, which plays to thousands of primary and high school students each year in towns including Shepparton and Albury–Wodonga.

Matthew Schroeders, manager of Riverlinks venues in Shepparton, says it’s a big highlight of the calendar. “It's quite educational – it's not just music playing ... I think that's the key element to why it’s been so successful,” he says. Sometimes, he explains, performers will dress in different colours so students can clearly see each section of the orchestra and the conductor will describe what they are playing in a deliberately accessible way. Schroeders says his venue’s decades-long partnership with the MSO also fosters important connections with local musicians such as Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra.

Brendan Maher, venue manager of the Albury Entertainment Centre, which has also been hosting the MSO for decades, agrees the schools program is a very special part of the year.

“For some kids, they might be seeing a concert like this for the very first time – so there’s always a great deal of excitement in the foyer as they come in and then they all sit there very quietly waiting for that very first note.”

He adds that local audiences always relish the chance to see an orchestra of the MSO’s calibre, something that can be easily taken for granted in the city.

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MSO Chorus performing Messiah

This year, the orchestra will return to Ballarat in September, and Shepparton, Wangaratta and Albury in October, for a program showcasing Mendelssohn, Beethoven and more. Also on the regional schedule later this year is Handel’s Messiah, which Helyard will direct in Warragul, Bendigo, and Geelong. Allison says its yearly program is a highlight for her. “I just love Messiah … it’s just one of those rituals you do at Christmas. December isn’t the same without Messiah,” she says.

“Over the last number of years, we've been taking Messiah to the regions where we get together with the local choir as well as our own choir and it's very heartwarming … people come out of the hall beaming.”

The MSO is grateful to the supporters that make regional touring for the MSO possible. Alongside funding from Creative Victoria through Touring Victoria, MSO’s 2024 activity across our State is supported by generous philanthropic partners.

In 2024 we celebrate 10 years with the Robert Salzer Foundation, a partnership founded on a shared belief in the value of music to society and continuing Robert Salzer’s legacy of bringing meaningful cultural experiences to Victorians.

The Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation

“The Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation proudly supports the MSO’s commitment to high quality music-making in the Greater Shepparton region. The Foundation acknowledges the power of long-term investment and for nearly 60 years has supported programs that inspire achievement within a thriving arts community in Shepparton. Focusing on participation, access to all, opportunity and professional engagement, young musicians in the region, and their valuable teachers, have a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with many of the best musicians in the country.”

Angior Family Foundation

“The Angior Family Foundation’s support underscores our mutual dedication to enhancing cultural accessibility and enrichment in every corner of Victoria. Together, we hope to provide important opportunities for local communities to experience the transformative magic of orchestral music firsthand, celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of Victoria and nurture a profound appreciation for the arts among regional audiences by removing geographic barriers to participation.”

Freemasons Foundation Victoria

“The mission of Freemasons Foundation Victoria is to improve the lives and opportunities of all Victorians. Music plays such an important role in enhancing community health and wellbeing, and we see our partnership with the MSO as a wonderful way to help those living in regional areas to experience the power of music firsthand. Our support allows thousands of people to enjoy, to learn from the experts and enjoy the talents of these wonderful musicians.”

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