Since 1929, Sidney Myer Free Concerts have been a Melbourne tradition, with the MSO presenting at the Music Bowl from 1959 onwards. In 2026, the orchestra returns for the first time in 13 years with four concerts including its 120th-anniversary celebration, pairing Beethoven’s Fifth with Holly Harrison’s Hellbent and the world premiere of Fanfare by Cybec Young Composer in Residence Andrew Aronowicz; a collaboration with Warrnambool-based Find Your Voice Collective; a performance by the Australian Youth Orchestra under Christian Reif; and 50 Years of ABC Classic, featuring music by Elena Kats-Chernin, Ella Macens, Peter Sculthorpe and Nigel Westlake, among others.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Celebrate 50 years of classical music on our national airwaves in this musical love letter to ABC Classic radio.

Lead by Principal Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey, this is a program proudly featuring all-Australian works from composers including Elena Kats-Chernin, Nigel Westlake, Ross Edwards, Peter Sculthorpe and Ella Macens, with a beautiful selection of Australian artists that will take you to all parts of our Country, highlighting the important role ABC Classic has played over the last 50 years.