Orchestra Victoria

Orchestra Victoria is an orchestra based in Melbourne, Australia. It was established in 1969 as the Elizabethan Melbourne Orchestra, initially with just 32 players. Over the next decade, the Orchestra expanded both its numbers and repertoire as it accompanied some of the world's leading performers, including Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Joan Sutherland, and worked with renowned conductors such as Richard Bonynge, Stuart Challender, Carlo Felice Cillario, and John Lanchbery.

In 1986, ownership of the Orchestra was transferred to the Victorian Arts Centre and its name was changed to the State Orchestra of Victoria.

In 2001, the Orchestra left the Arts Centre to become an independent, self-governing organisation. This step heralded new beginnings, as the newly named Orchestra Victoria moved to the former Army Band Barracks in Albert Park.

On 1 July 2014, Orchestra Victoria became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Australian Ballet. Since then it has expanded activities, continued to perform with leading artists from around the world, revitalised its philanthropic program, appearing in broadcasts, recordings and open air events, and touring interstate for the first time in many years.

At the end of 2016, the Orchestra was forced to move out of its home in Albert Park to make way for a new primary school.^[1] It currently uses St Kilda Town Hall for major rehearsals whilst it searches for a new permanent home.^[2]

Activities

• In the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne at the opera or ballet
• In concert at venues such as the Melbourne Recital Centre in Melbourne
• In concert at venues around regional Victoria
• Playing alongside students as part of its education program
• On recordings for ABC Classics and Melba Recordings

Leading staff 2016

• Artistic Director: Nicolette Fraillon
• Acting Concertmaster: Roger Jonsson

References

External links

• Official site