Impressions of Paris proves to be an ambitious marketing slogan for a concert in that it seems to offer little that might evoke the City of Light for an audience member who, say, might also have attended the neighbouring (and recently closed) NGV Winter Masterpieces French Impressionism exhibition.

It is, all the same, an interesting and engaging program, well conducted by Berlin-based Venuzuaelen conductor Rodolfo Barráez, standing in for an indisposed Chloé Van Soeterstede.

Rodolfo Barráez conducts the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Laura Manariti

First off the rank is a new commission entitled Newport Lakes by James Henry, a Kamilaroi–Yuwaalaraay, Yorta Yorta and Yuin man, and currently the MSO’s Cybec First Nations Composer in Residence.

Newport Lakes lies on the traditional lands of the Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation, today the suburb of Newport on Hobsons Bay. There, a bushland park has been created by reclaiming a former bluestone quarry and rubbish tip, and here it serves as the inspiration for this gentle 10-minute work.

Grounded in a chorus of string harmonies and undulating woodwind runs, it also evokes...