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We are thrilled to present this Union Theatre Centenary exclusive event featuring works by some of the great classical composers including Debussy, Britten, Bogle and Webern in a one only Victorian regional performance of this very special program.

Over more than a century the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has established itself as Australia’s preeminent orchestra, and a cornerstone of Victoria’s rich, cultural heritage. Dedicated to creating meaningful audience experiences it is renowned for performances of the highest international standard, drawing accolades from across the globe. Here the MSO Chamber Orchestra, curated by MSO lead violinist Sarah Curro, and featuring special guest, actor Dennis Coard, present an inspiring balm of music and words, entitled The Poetry of War. A timely program of musical excellence that explores the human response to the futility of war. You will be moved by this profound experience.

Featured musicians:

Sarah Curro violin / curator
Kirstin Kenny violin
Gabrielle Halloran viola
Michelle Wood cello
Shane Hooton trumpet
Andrew Macleod flute
Elyane Lassaude piano

MSO program

DEBUSSY - Syrinx, L.129
CHARLOTTE MEW - [Poem] May 1915
ELEANOR FARJEON -[Poem] Easter Monday
MAY HERSCHEL-CLARK - [Poem] The Mother
SAINT-SAËNS - Romance for flute and piano, Op.17
SIEGFRIED SASSOON - [Poem] Glory of Women 
JUDGE / WILLIAMS - It's a Long Way to Tipperary
WILFRED OWEN - [Poem] Futility
POWELL / POWELL - Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-bag
WILFRED OWEN - [Poem] The Letter
WILFRED OWEN - [Poem] Disabled
WILFRED OWEN - [Poem] Parable of the Old Man and the Young   
PARKER / CHARLES - We'll Meet Again [arr. solo trumpet]
WILFRED OWEN - [Poem] But I was Looking at the Permanent Stars
WILFRED OWEN / REVERSE BUTCHER - [Poem, to be recited over Webern] Prophecies, a Glum Re-run
WEBERN - Five Movements, Op.5, mov. ii
TRAD. - The Last Post
ROBERT LAURENCE BINYON - [Poem] For the fallen
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
TRAD. - Reveille
WILFRED OWEN - [Poem] The Next War
BRITTEN - Rhapsody for String Quartet
BOGLE - And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
JOHN SCHUMANN - [Poem/Lyrics] I Was Only 19
BARRY HEARD - [Poem] Ode to Vietnam
CROSTHWAITE - Counterpoise
EDMUND BLUNDEN - [Poem] Ancre Sunshine
NOVELLO - Waltz of my Heart
 
1 hour, 18 minutes

Committed to shaping and serving the state it inhabits, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s preeminent orchestra and a cornerstone of Victoria’s rich, cultural heritage.

Each year, the MSO and MSO Chorus present more than 180 public events across live performances, TV, radio and online broadcasts, and via its online concert hall, MSO.LIVE, engaging an audience of more than five million people in 56 countries. In 2024 the organisation will release its first two albums on the newly established MSO recording label.

With an international reputation for excellence, versatility and innovation, the MSO works with culturally diverse and First Nations artists to build community and deliver music to people across Melbourne, the state of Victoria and around the world.