One of Australia’s oldest symphony orchestras, Melbourne’s Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 90th birthday in 2023.

Founded by the amateur players of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1933, and named after the esteemed Melbourne violinist Alberto Zelman Jr, who died six years before its founding, the orchestra has given at least three concerts each year since. It is now one of Australia’s leading community orchestras, comprising more than 60 players in a full symphonic ensemble, performing classical, romantic and 20th-century symphonies and concertos with guest soloists.

Led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Rick Prakhoff, the Zelman’s birthday celebrations begin in March at the Melbourne Recital Centre with a musical tour of Vienna featuring works by Strauss, Kreisler and Korngold. Canadian violinist Alexandre Da Costa is guest soloist, playing his 1701 “Devault” Stradivarius in a program reflecting his passion for Viennese music. Da Costa will conduct the orchestra with his bow in the Stehgeiger fashion, a technique he has mastered.