Celebration and Innovation

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has unveiled its 2025 season, a tapestry of performances and collaborations weaving timeless classics and innovative contemporary works.

The 2025 mainstage program features 35 Australian works, and the world premieres of 16 new commissions and co-commissions, including six works by female composers and six by First Nations artists. The line up of international and Australian musicians joining the MSO marks six Australian debuts and 12 MSO debuts.

Presenting 170 events across the year, the season commences 25 January with a showcase of brand-new short works by MSO Cybec composers Andrew Aronowicz, Zinia Chan, Robert McIntyre and Rachel Meyers.

Speaking to Limelight of what will be his fourth year at the helm of the MSO, Chief Conductor Jaime Martín is confident that the organisation is on the right track, artistically and commercially. Box office receipts over the previous financial year appear to back him up. The recently released MSO Annual Report revealed a year of strong growth in 2023-2024, with MSO performances in concert halls in Melbourne and across Victoria attracting a combined audience of...