The streaming service formerly known as the Melbourne Digital Concert Hall has recently reinvented itself as Australian Digital Concert Hall, a smart move that really flags just how front-and-centre they’re becoming as part of the Australian arts. Their work during the past couple of years has been absolutely sterling, with an impressive line-up of performers playing under the MDCH (now ADCH) banner across both 2020 and 2021, and (this bit is important!) always with a fault-free audio and video experience. This was their 2022 opening gala, with a live audience at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne and, of course, streamed online to audiences around Australia – for instance, I was watching from sunny Brisbane. With an interestingly diverse program that demonstrated how ADCH can work for all kinds of ensembles, this opening gala was a unequivocal success.

Donald Nicolson (harpsichord) and Laura Vaughan (viola da gamba) performing during the Australian Digital Concert Hall 2022 Season Opening Gala. © Albert Comper.

After a brief word from the ADCH co-director, Adele Schonhardt,...