Sir Andrew Davis embraces the Bard while a host of starry soloists add to Melbourne’s imaginative line-up.

A significant Shakespearean anniversary and a tribute to the great film composers form the imaginative centrepiece of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s culturally diverse 2016 season. The continuation of Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis’s Mahler cycle, an impressive line-up of international soloists and some particularly innovative programming at this year’s Metropolis new music festival are all part of the eclectic mix adding to the creative buzz. Rather than concentrating on a big name headliner, the programme released today is long on ingenuity with a broad cross-section of music from a wide range of genres and a sparkling collection of conductors, pianists and string players. “Buoyant Bach, fabulous films, mesmerising Mahler, shattering Shakespeare – the sheer breadth and variety of our concerts is amazing!,” said Davis of the launch. “And I’m particularly proud of the way we reach out to the very young, through our ever increasing education and family programmes. We truly reflect the great diversity of cultural life in our great city and enrich it. Join us in the...