Our beloved and FREE classical concerts make a triumphant return this summer, with The Classics series returning to the City of Stonnington in February 2023.
These concerts are fit for cultural royalty and feature some of Australia’s most acclaimed music and vocal artists that will scintillate audiences with the finest classical music.
This year’s Classics series presents two unique events, beginning with The Classics: Opera on Saturday, 11 February, held at Victoria Gardens and The Classics: Symphony on Saturday, 25 February, held at Malvern Gardens.
With a rich history in the City of Stonnington’s events calendar, both The Classics: Opera and The Classics: Symphony have been running for over 20 years.
Under the artistic direction of award-winning, world-renowned soprano, cabaret artist, producer and creator Ali McGregor, this year’s The Classics: Opera on the Silver Screen will showcase some of the most famous and beautiful operatic arias from pivotal cinematic scenes performed by a cast of six Australian opera singers Kathryn Radcliffe, Karen Van Spall, James Egglestone, Daniel Szesiong Todd, Raphael Wong and Antoinette Halloran, accompanied by a twelve-piece chamber Orchestra and led by maestro Phoebe Briggs.
The City of Stonnington is ecstatic to have Ali McGregor’s artistic directorship for The Classics: Opera on the Silver Screen. This concert is sure to create a beautiful experience for those unfamiliar with on-stage opera and regular opera-goers alike to relive some of the most famous and beautiful operatic arias from iconic cinematic scenes.
This will be followed up by this year’s The Classics: Symphony, where the Stunning 65-piece Stonnington Symphony Orchestra will perform a wonderful selection of well-known classics from classical through to contemporary under the helm of conductor Michael Lichnovsky. Michael has a long history conducting the Orchestra and is incredibly excited to be part of the concert.
Special guest performer and five-time ARIA nominated Lisa Mitchell will join the Orchestra proceedings with her incredible, ethereal vocals and songs that, alongside the powerful music of the Stonnington Symphony Orchestra, are sure to create a captivating and mesmerising experience for all.
The evening will be hosted by one of Australia’s leading actors and triple threat, the one and only Bert LaBonté.
Alongside the performances, enjoy a delicious selection of boutique food and drink options on offer at each concert.
Pack your picnic rug and bring your family and friends for two unforgettable evenings of free classical music concerts in our gorgeous parks under the summer stars.
The Classics: Opera on the Silver Screen
- Saturday, 11 February 2023
- Victoria Gardens, 361 High Street, Prahran 3181
- FREE Event
- Concert from 7.30 – 9.30 pm
- Artistic Director Ali McGregor
- Featuring Kathryn Radcliffe, Karen Van Spall, James Egglestone, Daniel Szesiong Todd, Raphael Wong and Antoinette Halloran accompanied by a 12-piece Chamber Orchestra led by conductor Phoebe Briggs
- Food and beverage available for sale
The Classics: Symphony
- Saturday, 25 February 2023
- Malvern Gardens, 1275/1277 High St, Malvern 3144
- FREE Event
- Concert from 7.30 – 9.30 pm
- Food and drink offerings available
- Hosted by Bert LaBonté
- Performance by the 65-piece Stonnington Symphony Orchestra under the helm of conductor Michael Lichnovsky
- Special guest Lisa Mitchell
- Food and beverage available for sale
