The Soldier's Tale: Concert Program

Welcome to the first concert of Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series. It is a joy to welcome you to Hanson Dyer Hall at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. A particularly warm welcome to the students of Melbourne Conservatorium and Melbourne Youth Orchestras who join us this evening, thanks to the support of the University of Melbourne, Creative Australia, Creative Victoria and Orchestra Victoria’s patrons and supporters.

It is always a personal highlight to see the musicians of Orchestra Victoria come together and perform on stage. As some of Victoria’s finest professional musicians, hearing them perform live is always a treat and tonight you will enjoy some of Stravinsky’s finest music, Pulcinella and The Soldier’s Tale.

Sit back, relax and enjoy as our musicians bring you into the story of these magnificent works under the leadership of conductor Kynan Johns.

Jacinta Ewers
General Manager - Orchestra Victoria

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you joining us tonight at Hanson Dyer Hall, for the first of our three Southbank Series Concerts for 2024.

Under the captivating direction of conductor Kynan Johns, we are thrilled to present this concert showcasing the brilliance of Igor Stravinsky. From the vibrant and rhythmic Pulcinella Suite to the compelling narrative of The Soldier’s Tale, tonight's performance promises to captivate and inspire.

Pulcinella, originally composed as a ballet, extracts the most captivating and lively elements of the ballet into a standalone orchestral masterpiece. In contrast, The Soldier's Tale is a musical blend of various styles and influences, including folk, jazz, and classical, performed by a small ensemble of seven musicians and narrator which allows each instrument to shine in its own right. Both of these works demonstrate Orchestra Victoria's exceptional ability to draw on their diverse experience in opera and ballet repertoire to bring an exciting authenticity and precision to the interpretation of these well-loved Stravinsky scores.

On behalf of Orchestra Victoria and all those involved in bringing this concert to life, thank you for joining us on this special evening - I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the extraordinary talent of the musicians before you.

Jessica Gethin
Artistic Advisor - Orchestra Victoria