MSE 40th Anniversary Concert

A Night Forty Years in the Making

Last Friday, the Melbourne String Ensemble marked its 40th anniversary with a concert that lived up to every expectation - and then some.

Elizabeth Murdoch Hall provided the perfect setting for an evening that brought together the full spectrum of MSE, from its youngest musicians through to distinguished alumni, all sharing the same stage for a programme as ambitious as the occasion demanded. The warmth and energy in the room was palpable from the very first note.

The first half opened with MSE at full strength. Dandan Wang took the solo role in Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in D minor, followed by Dindin Wang's luminous account of Chausson's Poème - both performed under the direction of Fintan Murphy. As one audience member wrote afterwards, the soloists brought "such a range of colours, creativity and beauty." The alumni then joined Fintan on stage for Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat Major, before MSE closed the first half with Vine's Smith's Alchemy.

After intermission, Arietta and Prelude - MSE's youngest ensembles - took to the stage together under Naomi Durston, delivering Donahoe's Winter Winds Waltz and Balmages' Force of Nature with a richness of sound that drew warm appreciation from the audience. Chamber and Intermezzo followed under Rohan Mack with Pilsner's Atlantis of the Sands, taking the audience on a captivating musical journey.

The alumni ensemble then delivered what many described as a highlight of the evening - a stirring account of Grieg's Holberg Suite, directed by Fintan Murphy. For those returning from afar, the opportunity to perform was deeply meaningful. As one alumni cellist travelling from East Gippsland reflected, playing with such a talented and energetic group of young people was "so rewarding and energising - a rare opportunity."

The concert closed with Sarasate's Navarra, Dindin and Dandan Wang performing together to bring the evening to a glorious conclusion - a moment that drew the whole arc of the night together beautifully.

As one venue partner noted, it was "a privilege to be in the audience to experience such a memorable concert." Perhaps it was said best by one concertgoer writing to Fintan Murphy afterwards: "You have raised the skills and standards amongst the young musicians of MSE over the years. A completely unique organisation in Melbourne for string players to hone their talents and ambitions."

Forty years of Melbourne String Ensemble - and if Friday night was anything to go by, the next forty are in very good hands.