Join us as we celebrate composers who made the world better through music and amplified overlooked voices — whether it was Vivaldi’s work in music education, Mahler’s reappraisal of the work of Beethoven, or Florence Price’s tireless advocacy for women of colour.

Claire Edwardes is Australia’s most recognisable percussionist, a trailblazing icon, a passionate advocate for her instruments, a champion of new music, and a bold, memorable performer.

Claire is the soloist with MCO for Natalie Williams’ percussion concerto Steeling Fire. The work pays homage to the women who fought for the right to work at the Port Kembla Steelworks in Wollongong in 1980, and features an arsenal of metallic sounds, some of which were sourced from the Steelworks. An effervescent Vivaldi concerto, written originally for the young recorder players at the orphanage in Venice where he taught, will be revealed anew on the vibraphone.