Season Preview: Your guide to the arts in 2021

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has announced the first half of its 2021 season, with a series of newly commissioned concertos written for members of the orchestra amongst the highlights. With strict restrictions on gathering still in place in Melbourne, the orchestra has only announced the first half of its 2021 season, which will include shorter concerts, often presenting two, one-hour-long concerts in an evening, separated by a 90-minute dinner (and venue cleaning) break.

“It’s more music than normal,” MSO Principal Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey tells Limelight. “It’s not the same as a 45-minute half, it’s two one-hour concerts.”

Benjamin NortheyBenjamin Northey and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Laura Manariti

The year begins with the return of the MSO’s free concert series at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl – “That’s the best outdoor venue in Australia,” Northey says, noting that it lends itself readily to socially distanced concerts – while a new digital platform, MSO.LIVE, will allow audience members to tune in online, either by subscription or pay-as-you-go.

With the new season announcement, the mood at the orchestra...