Zelman Symphony
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The Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra - the Zelman Symphony - is the longest-running amateur orchestra in Melbourne, Australia.
Founded by the amateur players of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in 1933, the orchestra remembers the contribution to Australian music of the former conductor and leader, Alberto Zelman (Junior). It has given at least three concerts each year since that time.
Herbert Davis was the founding conductor (1933-59). He was followed by Paul McDermott (1960-73), then Leon La Gruta (1974-77). Short-term guest conductors covered the next two years and Philip Carrington, the present conductor, was appointed in 1980. Philip is a fine violinist and teacher. violinist and teacher, was the last long-term, appointed conductor, serving from 1980 until 1999. Since 2000, the orchestra has worked under a number of conductors well known in Melbourne's amateur and professional music circles, including Philip Carrington, Phillip Green, Peter Handsworth, Gerald Keuneman, Janis Laurs, Rick Prakhoff, Tom Pugh, Joannes Roose and Mark Shiell.
There have been only four appointed concertmasters of the orchestra: Bertha Jorgensen (1933-45), Connie Ziebell (1946-82), Donald Hancock (1982-2001), and Yik Ming Chim (2001-2004). At present, the orchestra is performing with special guest concertmasters.
Today the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra comprises some 70 players in a full symphonic ensemble, performing classical, romantic and twentieth century symphonies and concertos with fine guest soloists. Soloists that have performed with Zelman can be found below in the link. The orchestra performs four concerts a year in Melbourne and one in Daylesford, Victoria for the annual Hepburn Springs Swiss-Italian Festa. (Alberto Zelman lived in Hepburn Springs for a short period.)
