The just-released Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Annual Report for its 2023 season highlights a year of growth with MSO performances in concert halls across Victoria, attracting an audience of 304,623.

The resulting box office revenue of $17.6m represents the highest grossing box office year in MSO history. MSO Chairman David Li acknowledged “the great support of the Australian Government through the Office of the Arts, and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria for their significant contribution in 2022 to sustain the Orchestra. This additional funding ensured we were able to return an operational surplus of $76,889.”

Jaime Martín and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Laura Manariti

Reflecting on his second year with the MSO, Chief Conductor Jaime Martín spot-lit the work of its musicians. During the report period, he led the MSO in a diverse array of concerts including its Season Opening Gala: Zenith for Life, featuring 2023 Artist in Residence, Siobhan Stagg, Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, and Ray Chen’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

“It has been an incredible journey working alongside the MSO’s outstanding musicians and collaborating with artists from Australia and across the globe,” said Martín. “Our season...