Music at McClelland

Music at McClelland is held on the third Sunday of the month, 2–4pm, and features exceptional performers from across Victoria and Australia.

In its third year, Music at McClelland represents the perfect fusion of art, music and nature. A beautiful program curated by Monica Curro, violinist MSO and Co-Artistic Director Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, Curro shares;

“I am so excited to unveil our third annual Music at McClelland Series in 2024, which celebrates the astounding talents of the best Australian creatives, and showcases the many facets of our Art Music prism, in this unique and glorious landscape setting of McClelland.

We kicked off in February with the sizzling jazz age Cairo Club Orchestra, then throughout the year we have a conga line of the most brilliant and beloved chamber groups - Ensemble Liaison, Sutherland Trio, Flinders Quartet, and Connection - the virtuosic yidaki (didgeridoo) of Amos Roach (Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Ngarrandjerri), interwoven with flute, harp, viola, electronics and field recordings.

There’s a dazzling solo recital from superstar pianist Stefan Cassomenos; the trailblazing soprano and harpsichord duo of Judith Dodsworth & Joy Lee; and three concerts revealing the stars of the future, from three internationally recognised training institutions - the Melba Opera Trust, the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) Brass Ensemble, and the Australian Youth Orchestra Momentum Ensemble with percussionist extraordinaire Claire Edwardes.

In the intimate Sarah & Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion which overlooks the awe-inspiring bushland Sculpture Park, you’ll experience world premieres of new works alongside familiar favourites. You’ll be entertained, challenged, nourished and exhilarated.

We can’t wait to see you.”

You can purchase a ticket to a single performance of your choice, select five sessions or a full subscription.

Members can use their discount code to receive their membership benefits.

Music at McClelland
2024 Program

The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) has a reputation for being one of the world's most prestigious and innovative training organisations for your pre-professional musicians.

Fresh Beats & Brilliance

Claire Edwardes OAM & AYO Momentum Ensemble

Internationally acclaimed percussionist and champion of female representation in music, Claire Edwardes takes the wheel on a thrilling trip through modern classical. Featuring 'living’ works by leading Australian artists Mary Finsterer, Brenda Gifford and Ross Edwards with a world premiere by Alice Chance, this ride will be electric.

AYO's leading lights will also perform South Catalina by Chris Cerrone and Lost & Found by Molly Joyce. Following a career-altering car accident, this graduate of Juilliard, Yale and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague employs her disability as a source of creativity with powerful results and has been deemed one of the “most versatile, prolific and intriguing composers working under the vast new-music dome” by The Washington Post. Curious? Then climb aboard.

About Momentum Ensemble:

AYO’s Momentum Ensemble acts as a springboard for exceptional young musicians who want to develop a multi-faceted career in music. The aim of these musicians is to democratize Classical music, bringing new interpretations and unconventional works to audiences, and performing in venues that transcend the boundaries of the traditional recital hall.

Momentum Ensemble emerged out of a desire to fill a vocational and training gap for young musicians who are at the cusp of their professional careers. Members of the ensemble will gain teaching skills, access professional development opportunities, and develop skills that will assist them in launching a career as a versatile artist of the 21st century.

Music at McClelland is generously supported by Igor Zambelli. It is a seated event and is held in the Sarah and Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion.