The MSO's 2021 Sidney Myer Free Concerts

Overview

UPDATE, January 29, 2021: The MSO's 2021 Sidney Myer Free Concerts will be live-streamed, too, so that folks who missed out on tickets can still watch along. You'll need to head to the MSO's YouTube page — with the first show streaming from 7.30pm AEDT on Friday, January 29, and remaining available to view for 24 hours afterwards.

A staple of Melbourne's cultural calendar for more than 90 years and counting, the Sidney Myer Free Concerts are back for another year. Held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the latest of this long-standing favourite will, as always, features a trio of performances from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Whether you're a classical music buff or just want to stretch out with a picnic on the grass, there's a good reason these concerts have become a summertime tradition.

After kicking off on Friday, January 29, and keeping the fun going on Saturday, February 6, Melburnians can enjoy the last evening in the series on Wednesday, February 10. The first night, The Faun and The Firebird, will feature works by Debussy, Stravinsky and Australian composer Ross Edwards. On the second evening, Mambo! Dancing across the centuries will see showcase the efforts of Rameau, de Falla, Bernstein, and contemporary Australian composers Joe Chindamo and Paul Stanhope. And, finally, there's Spanish Harlem, which will include Duke Ellington tunes, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major and a world premiere by Australian jazz composer Vanessa Perica.

Of course, since the free concert series was last held in 2020, much has changed in the world. So, this will be a socially distanced affair — with tables of two or four available, and lawn deck spots for groups of six as well.

All three performances begin at 7.30pm; however, gates usually open earlier, with times still to be confirmed.

Tickets for The Faun and The Firebird on Friday, January 29 will be available from 12pm on Friday, January 8. Tickets for the other two shows will be available on Friday, January 15.