Why go to a live performance?

Since the invention of recording, countless naysayers have proclaimed it would be the death of the concert. Yet I found myself in Melbourne Recital Centre’s striking Primrose Potter Salon early on a Thursday evening, with a hearty audience – of notable diversity for a classical concert­ – who obviously still have reasons to experience music as it happens.

Syzygy Ensemble performs Joy Ride.

Melbourne’s Syzygy Ensemble describe themselves as fearless pioneers in chamber music, and have established themselves as one of Australia’s leading new music groups. Their second major concert for 2023, Joy Ride, was pitched as a “thrilling hedonistic romp” and featured a program packed with rollicking tunes.

Guillaume Connesson’s 2002 Techno – Parade saw a trio of Laila Engle on flute, Robin Henry on clarinet and Leigh Harrold pass relentless melodies between each other seamlessly. Engle particularly committed with a spirited percussive flute solo.

Cellist Campbell Banks and new ensemble member violinist Kyla Matsuura-Miller joined for Jump Scares, an entrancing new work by Su Min Lee, proving the emerging local composer as a talent to keep an eye on.

Svante Henryson’s virtuosic, groovy short work...