MSE’s most recent concert at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Richmond was a heartwarming celebration of dedication, progress, and musical joy. Families and friends gathered to hear the wonderful results of a term’s hard work, with performances spanning junior to advanced levels.

The Prelude ensemble, under the direction of Naomi Durston, performed Arctic Fire and Alley Cats, dazzling the audience with their fresh energy and enthusiasm. Intermezzo, conducted by Rohan Mack, showcased their growth and dedication with expressive renditions of Vivaldi’s La Folia and Durante’s Allegro.

The programme also featured chamber works performed by MSE Chamber and MSE ensembles under the direction of Fintan Murphy and Danielle Arcaro. The chamber groups wowed the audience with their technical skill and musicality, playing repertoire by Brahms, Mozart, Shostakovich and Schumann.

Each performance reflected not only talent, but the care and commitment of students, teachers, and families alike.

In April 2024, MSE's flagship ensemble  spent three weeks in Germany and Czechia, performing in several major cities of Berlin, Leipzig and in the Czech republic before finishing the tour in Stuttgart. MSE collaborated and performed with the Stuttgart Youth Chamber Orchestra, the Leipzig Youth Symphony Orchestra, and with the orchestra of the School of Music and Art in Liberec. Alumnus Jacinta Ryan (currently a member of the Mannheim opera orchestra) joined us as our soloist and MSE had the opportunity to play in some wonderful concert halls such as the Liedehalle in Stuttgart.

Our program showcased many Australian works, including new works commissioned as part of the Seasons Project and also performed at the Australian Embassy in Berlin. MSE players attended masterclasses with notable German professors such as Anke Dill, Carolin Widman, Marlene Ito, Suyeon Kang and  Peter Bruns. 

Launched in 2022, The Seasons Project commissions Australian First Nations composers to write work for string orchestra inspired by indigenous seasons. So far a collection of five seasons have been premiered and toured both regionally and internationally by the Melbourne String Ensemble. Composers of these exciting new works include Christopher Sainsbury,  James Henry, Aaron Wyatt, Brenda Gifford and William Barton. Read on to find out about the music and the project.

Since 1985, young string musicians have been influenced, inspired and nurtured by the Melbourne String Ensemble. Our alumni have gone on to make an enormous contribution to communities all over the world. Many have developed successful carers as musicians, conductors and composers.