Orchestra Victoria in Concert

On behalf of Orchestra Victoria, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Orchestra Victoria in Concert here in beautiful Warrnambool.

It’s a joy to be here sharing this special performance with you. Touring to regional communities like Warrnambool is at the heart of our mission—bringing world-class live music to audiences across Victoria. These regional concerts are not only deeply rewarding for us, but they also allow us to connect, inspire, and celebrate the vibrant cultural life that thrives in communities throughout our state.

Tonight’s program is a rich and diverse journey—from the romantic warmth of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings to the sparkling colours of Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst. Along the way, we’ll encounter Stravinsky’s spirited Octet for Winds and Copland’s deeply moving Appalachian Spring, performed in its original chamber form. Under the direction of the brilliant Carlo Antonioli, this concert is an invitation to reflect, to rediscover joy, and to experience music that truly sings.

We are deeply grateful to our generous partners and supporters who make tours like this possible: Creative Australia, Creative Victoria, the Touring Victoria program, and the Handbury Foundation. Thier commitment to the arts and to regional engagement ensures that live orchestral music can be shared and celebrated in communities like yours.

Thank you for joining us this evening. We hope this concert uplifts and inspires you—enjoy the performance!

Jacinta Ewers
Chief Executive Officer, Orchestra Victoria

It’s always a privilege to share programs that offer both heart and surprise — and this one does exactly that.

From the heartfelt charm of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings to the bold freshness of Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst, this concert pulses with life and light. Opening with Tchaikovsky’s lush tribute to Mozart, filled with sweeping melodies and grace, we then pivot into Stravinsky’s witty Octet for Winds — a sparkling work of playful character and flair,

Montgomery’s Starburst, a brilliant sonic firecracker, brings a burst of rhythmic energy and colour, reminding us just how thrilling a string orchestra can be. And finally, we conclude with Copland’s Appalachian Spring in its original chamber version — intimate, open-hearted, and full of quiet hope.

Under the baton of the luminous Carlo Antonioli, and guided by the ever-engaging Jacinta Parsons, this is a concert to reflect, reconnect, and be uplifted. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of classical music or discovering something new, this is an evening to savour.

Jessica Gethin
Artistic Advisor, Orchestra Victoria