Art of the Symphony

• MELBOURNE

From the ancient Greek for ‘sounded harmoniously’, the words ‘sinfonia’ and ‘symphony’ have been used for centuries.

Leonora Duarte, a Flemish composer who died before Bach was born, used it to describe her haunting works for viol ensemble. Carl Stamitz was a visionary, writing some of the first works that are recognisably modern symphonies. Haydn wrote over 100 symphonies building on Stamitz’s innovations.

Fast-forward to Britten’s youthfully delightful Simple Symphony, and finally to our commission of Australian composer Caerwen Martin, whose music reflecting on the sinfonias of Duarte brings us full circle.

Why you’ll love this concert

Sparkling Classical Symphonies
Chamber orchestras have their origin performing these powerhouse works in the dazzling palaces of European royalty. Join us for two of these joyous early symphonic works by Josef Haydn (sometimes called the father of the symphony) & Carl Stamitz.

The MCO front and centre
The Art of the Symphony is all about showcasing our orchestral musicians, their versatility and expressiveness as a tight-knit ensemble. Hear these incredible talents performing varied music from across 400 years.

Hear a musical voice across centuries
MCO Artistic Director Sophie Rowell has uncovered some precious musical jewels in the sinfonias of Baroque composer Leonora Duarte. Only a tiny amount of music by women has survived from this period, and Duarte’s hauntingly beautiful music powerfully evokes a completely different world from ours.

A New Sinfonia by Caerwen Martin
Can you imagine being among the first people to hear a new piece of music? Speaking to Leonora Duarte’s music across the centuries, Melbourne composer Caerwen Martin has written her Sinfonia No 1: Embracing Duarte. Come and hear musical history being made.