The Australian soprano joins Daniil Trifonov, Hélène Grimaud and Dame Emma Kirkby in Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2017 series.

Australian opera star Emma Matthews will headline an all-star line-up of soloists in the Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2017 Great Performers series. Matthews – whose latest CD Agony and Ecstasy has the Limelight office abuzz – will perform arias by Bellini, Donizetti and Thomas in a rare solo recital.

“We spend a lot of time talking to artists about their programme,” said Director of Artistic Planning Marshall McGuire. “Melbourne’s audiences are experienced music listeners; they want concerts that provide a depth and breadth of artistic discovery and nuance, provided by an artist that possesses world-class skill and talent.”

The series will kick off in March with a recital by Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov in his Melbourne debut, showcasing works by Schumann, Shostakovich and Stravinsky. The series will feature three other pianists throughout the year: Hélène Grimaud, Behzod Abduraimov and Paul Lewis.

Early music champion, English soprano Dame Emma Kirkby will perform a programme of works by Dowland, Jones, Boesset and Ballard with long-time musical partner lutenist Jakob Lindberg. Dutch cellist Pieter Wispelwey will return...