In December 2022, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra announced it was partnering with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) to launch a new in-house record label as part of a bilateral agreement to expand the MSO’s international reach and showcase Australian musicians, artists and composers.

That agreement bears its first fruit on 31 May with the release of the Debussy & Strauss.

Siobhan Stagg, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Jaime Martín. Photo @

Conducted by MSO Chief Conductor Jaime Martín and featuring soprano Siobhan Stagg, the CD was recorded live in Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, in February and March 2023. It will serve as a permanent record of the MSO’s Strauss and Debussy concerts, which were among Martín’s “personal favourites” of that season.

“Our partnership with the LSO means that the first recording on our new label will receive international distribution and promotion, allowing the MSO to share this wonderful music with the largest possible audience,” Martín said.

Stagg performed Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder at the MSO’s 2023 Season Opening Gala. “To perform these beautiful song cycles live with the MSO in front of a Melbourne audience was a genuine...