The year may soon be coming to an end but the city’s classical music scene is as vibrant and varied as ever. If you’re looking for relaxing and inspiring things to do this November, we’ve rounded up the best classical concerts in Melbourne. From timeless masterpieces brought to life by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to world premieres, there is something for every classical music aficionado and music lover this upcoming month.
Brahms Festival: First Symphony & Piano Concerto
MSO Chief Conductor Jaime Martín will direct Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, a masterpiece famously delayed by the composer’s intimidation over Beethoven’s legacy. Renowned pianist Denis Kozhukhin also joins the program to perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, setting the stage for the composer’s second symphony and concerto in the subsequent concert.
This season, you can experience Vivaldi’s most famous composition in Melbourne’s oldest cultural venue. Organised by Candlelight, the Baroque composer’s works will shine with a new light as the iconic theatre is bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. Featuring Invictus Quartet, the programme includes The Four Seasons and La Folia.
Beethoven’s Pastoral — Australian Chamber Orchestra
Richard Tognetti leads an expanded ACO in an all-Beethoven season finale, anchored by the beloved Pastoral Sixth Symphony. The exceptional program also features the Coriolan Overture and the Triple Concerto, showcasing Tognetti on violin alongside principal cellist Timo-Veikko Valve and pianist Konstantin Shamray. This strong lineup heads to the Melbourne Recital Centre on November 21 and 23, with a stop at Hamer Hall on November 22.
Drifting Currents — Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
If you’re looking for a pause from the classics, Melbourne Recital Centre is also welcoming the world premiere of Alice Humphries’ Cello Concerto, a new Australian work written especially for celebrated MCO cellist Blair Harris. The program also features powerful performances of Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances, music by Pēteris Vasks, and Josef Suk’s Serenade for Strings.
A Classical Christmas — Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
With Christmas right around the corner, composer Sir James MacMillan conducts the MSO and the Choir of Trinity College Melbourne in a programme featuring selections from Bach’s and his own Christmas Oratorio, which the orchestra co-commissioned. What’s more, excerpts from Respighi’s Botticelli Triptych and Handel’s iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus complete this robust classical lineup, making for a perfect early kick-off to the festive season.
Now that you know the most anticipated upcoming classical music concerts in Melbourne this November, hurry up to secure your spot before tickets sell out!
