Melbourne Recital Centre has officially opened The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon, transforming a previously disused storage space atop its Southbank home into an intimate new performance and events venue overlooking Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.

The Beacon will combine live music, dining and city views, offering a setting for public performances as well as private events. Its inaugural program begins on 17 September with a three-night run by international cabaret performer Meow Meow in Meow Meow & Friend.

Meow Meow and Beacon Director of Programming Iain Grandage. Photo supplied

The program, running through November, will showcase the breadth of Melbourne’s musical life, spanning cabaret, contemporary music, jazz, musical theatre and First Nations-led programming. Artists in the Beacon’s inaugural season include singer-songwriter and producer Jess Hitchcock (5 November), Fem Belling & Monique DiMattina (6 November), Kee’ahn (12 November) and Andrea Keller & Stephen Magnusson on 13 November.

Melbourne Recital Centre chief executive Sandra Willis said the Beacon grew from a desire to bring audiences closer to music while building on the centre’s established focus on artists and memorable experiences.

“Here you can gather around tables, share a meal, and experience Melbourne’s finest artists or world-class...