Daring New Music Experiences. It’s a great name for a series that invites “music-lovers with curious minds” to explore a broad spectrum of new music from boundary-pushing artists and ensembles.

“Dive in, take a risk and discover something new,” says Melbourne Recital Centre, which has curated the series as part of its 2024 program.

So far this year, Daring New Music Experiences has featured performances by visionary American string quartets Brooklyn Rider and JACK Quartet, both of which champion 20th and 21st-century composers. In November, the Australian Art Orchestra will perform a 30th anniversary concert.

ELISION performing at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2023. Photo © Jackson Grant

This month, there’s a double bill featuring ELISION and Ngulmiya that promises “spine-tingling ancient vocals paired with rare and fantastical sonic visions”. 

Other events connected to the series include a masterclass by Jim O’Rourke on the Serge Paperface (a rare 1970s synthesiser); and immersive multichannel electroacoustic performances from Joel Ma and Jannah Quill, as well as Lauren Squire and Joel Stern.

“We’ve always had a strand of new music, right from the opening of the Centre in 2009,” says Marshall McGuire, MRC’s Director of...