![Mso Opening Gala 1](https://melbourne-symphony-orchestra.s3.amazonaws.com/production/Blog-Post-images/_480xAUTO_fit_center-center_85_none/MSO_opening-gala-1.jpg)
The Musicians.
I am pleased to be back with the musicians that I love after more than five months. It’s going to be a very special evening!
![Mso Opening Gala 2](https://melbourne-symphony-orchestra.s3.amazonaws.com/production/Blog-Post-images/_480xAUTO_fit_center-center_85_none/MSO_opening-gala-2.jpg)
The Music.
Immortal Beethoven and then two supreme opera composers of the 18th century, Wagner and Verdi. Both born in the same year, 1813!
![Mso Opening Gala 3](https://melbourne-symphony-orchestra.s3.amazonaws.com/production/Blog-Post-images/_480xAUTO_fit_center-center_85_none/MSO_opening-gala-3.jpg)
Nelson Freire.
He is a giant among pianists, and I am thrilled to be making music with him for the first time!
![Mso Opening Gala 4](https://melbourne-symphony-orchestra.s3.amazonaws.com/production/Blog-Post-images/_480xAUTO_fit_center-center_85_none/MSO_opening-gala-4.jpg)
Stuart Skelton.
We are well acquainted and I am a huge fan!
![Mso Opening Gala 5](https://melbourne-symphony-orchestra.s3.amazonaws.com/production/Blog-Post-images/_480xAUTO_fit_center-center_85_none/MSO_opening-gala-5.jpg)
Carl Vine.
We introduce our Composer in Residence, Carl Vine. His Microsymphony encompasses the dramatic features one expects from a symphony, but compressed into just 12 minutes. It’s the perfect curtain raiser!
Sir Andrew Davis images: Peter Tarasiuk