Amidst the plethora of season launches it’s nice to see one offering a distinctive flavour, and with flamboyant organist Cameron Carpenter and the extraordinary talent of lieder singer Florian Boesch, Melbourne Recital Centre have done just that. The venue’s fifth season of its flagship concert series, Great Performers, will see 10 of the world’s most interesting classical musicians heading for Melbourne to perform in the intimate setting of Elizabeth Murdoch Hall.

“In a solo recital there’s a uniquely powerful connection between musician and audience,” says MRC Chief Exec Mary Vallentine. “We put today’s finest players in one of the world’s most exquisite acoustics, and then we carefully select repertoire that allows them to reveal their personality, their skill and musicality, and above all speak to the audience in a very personal way.”

Topping the bill (or, as some might say ‘over-the-top’-ping the bill) is glam-org superstar Cameron Carpenter. “I have been longing to present him but because of the instrument he plays we haven’t been able to bring him to you,” says Programming Director Kirsten Siddle, “until now.” The difference as of this year is that the showman of the organ pipes is...