Session 3: Concert Program

Welcome to our new audience members, and welcome back to those who have joined us already this year, for our final Meet @ the Market concert for 2025. We're so thrilled to host you in our home at the Blackwood Box and hope that you have a wonderful evening, sipping specially curated cocktails from Brogan's Way Gin alongside an intimate and welcoming music performance. Tonight, would not be possible without our generous philanthropic community, and our government partners, Creative Australia and Creative Victoria. Thank you to all who have joined us in our brand new Concert Series for 2025 and we look forward to seeing you back here next year! Keep an eye out for our Season Launch, happening in November 2025!

We are sure you will enjoy tonight's performance featuring conductor Carlo Antonioli and our Section Principal Cello Melissa Chominsky.

Jacinta Ewers
Chief Executive Officer

As the final notes of winter fade and the first signs of spring appear, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to At Spring’s Edge—the last performance in Orchestra Victoria’s 2025 Southbank Series and Meet @ the Market concert series.

This program, under the direction of inspiring conductor Carlo Antonioli, invites us to reflect on the turning of seasons, both in nature and in music - marking a fitting finale to what has been a vibrant year of performances.

We begin with Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, affectionately known as the Classical Symphony—a sparkling and mischievous homage to the classical styles of Haydn and Mozart that dances with charm and wit. From there, we journey into Elements of the Earth by Australia's much loved William Barton, whose music speaks with profound reverence for Country and the enduring spirit of connection between people and place.

We continue with our commitment to celebrate the artistry within our own ranks. These concerts feature our incredible Section Principal Cello, Melissa Chominsky, taking centre stage as soloist in Shostakovich’s powerful Cello Concerto No.1. This deeply personal and complex work offers moments of raw intensity, biting irony, and haunting beauty—which together with Orchestra Victoria, Melissa brings to life with sensitivity and command.

As we reach the close of this season, I want to thank you—our audience—for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve joined us at Southbank, at the Meat Market or somewhere in between, your presence and support are what make these musical moments possible. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for more extraordinary experiences with Orchestra Victoria.

Jessica Gethin
Artistic Advisor / Conductor