Inspiring Melbourne's finest young string musicians since 1985.
ABOUT MSEForty years of music, one community at a time.
Since 1985, Melbourne String Ensemble has given young string musicians a place to grow - as artists, as collaborators, and as people. We're entirely volunteer-run, powered by a committee of parents and alumni who believe deeply in what this organisation gives back to Melbourne's young musicians.
Our ensembles are led by professional directors - including Fintan Murphy, Danielle Arcaro, Rohan Mack, and Naomi Durston - who bring real performing and academic careers into the rehearsal room every week, shaping each student as both a musician and a collaborator.
ENSEMBLESFive ensembles. One pathway. Every young musician's place to grow.
From a first orchestral experience to advanced, largely self-directed chamber playing, MSE's five ensembles - Arietta, Prelude, Intermezzo, Chamber, and MSE - take students further with every step. Each is led by a professional musician and educator who knows exactly what the next stage of growth looks like.
LATEST NEWSFrom concert reviews and alumni news, to tour recaps, here's what's been happening across MSE.
40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Forty years ago, the Melbourne String Ensemble gave its first performance. This July, we mark that milestone with a concert we believe will be one of the most memorable evenings in MSE's history. On Friday 10 July 2026 at 7pm, all five MSE ensembles, our Music Directors, and our alumni will unite on stage at Elizabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre for our 40th Anniversary Concert.
The evening features two remarkable soloists: Dindin Jingyi Wang and Dandan Jingfei Wang - both graduates of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and both longstanding MSE alumni who first played with us as young students. To see them return to our stage as internationally recognised artists is, for us, what MSE is all about.
2025 Concerto Concert
The Melbourne String Ensemble proudly presents its 2025 Annual Concerto Concert, a celebration of musical artistry and collaboration featuring all five ensembles - Arietta, Prelude, Intermezzo, Chamber, and MSE. This final concert of the year showcases a rich and diverse program, from the lyrical beauty of Barber and the timeless elegance of Beethoven, to the expressive vitality of Vivaldi and the modern intensity of Schoenberg.
Josephine Vains takes the stage at Ballarat's Organs & Fine Music Festival
MSE alumna Josephine Vains, now a celebrated Australian cellist, chamber musician, and educator, recently performed a solo cello recital as part of the Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Festival - pairing cello repertoire spanning three centuries with organ music from Bach and Gabrielli through to Britten, Ross Edwards, and Pablo Casals.
AUDITIONSReady to audition?
MSE accepts enrolment enquiries throughout the year. Whether your child has only just started on their musical journey or ready for advanced ensemble playing, there's a place to start.
Stefanie Farrands, MSE Alumni & Violist, Melbourne String Ensemble The Seasons Concert 2024
ALUMNIAlumni taking MSE around the world.
MSE alumni perform in professional orchestras across Australia and internationally - carrying the discipline, collaboration, and musicianship they built here into careers on stages around the world. Wherever they've gone, MSE remains part of their story.
TOURSEvery tour, a new stage. Every stage, a new story.
Touring has been part of MSE's identity since its earliest years. Every two to three years, our flagship ensemble travels to Europe, South East Asia or North America to rehearse and perform alongside partner youth orchestras in some of the world's great concert halls - building lifelong musical friendships and a truly international perspective.
In April 2027, MSE returns to Europe, touring Stuttgart, Cologne, Aachen and Brussels.
“The MSE is a gem in the Melbourne music scene. Their exquisite musicianship and dazzling technique are a sure sign that the future of music in this country is in fine hands”
- Dale Barltrop,
Concertmaster MSE & First Violinist ASQ
MSE COMMISSIONSThe Seasons Project
Since 2022, MSE's Seasons Project has commissioned new works for string orchestra by First Nations composers, inspired by the seasons of Country across Australia -connecting our young musicians with culture, composers and community.
SUPPORTERSReal support. Real impact. Real musicians.
Melbourne String Ensemble is proud to thank Xavier College, St Stephen's Anglican Church, and Camberwell Girls Grammar School for their generous and ongoing support. Partnerships like these make it possible for young musicians across Melbourne to rehearse, perform, and grow - and we're deeply grateful for the belief these Supporters have shown in MSE, year after year.