The Red Shed, Hobart Brewing Company, Macquarie Point
November 23, 2018

The TSO Live Sessions are an initiative that began in August 2016, and are still going strong. They were initially an attempt to appeal to a younger demographic and bring in new audiences to experience what the TSO have to offer. Two years on, they have proved to be so much more than that. They offer an informality that is rare for orchestral concerts, allowing audience members to eat their dinner and have a drink whilst listening. And listen they do! The level of attention was impressive, and the enthusiasm overwhelming. A lesson, perhaps, for those who think classical music concerts need to be heard in an esoteric bubble.

For the players, it’s an opportunity to perform in a less stressful environment, and a chance for tutti players to shine. Individual players can take responsibility for crafting the performance in a way they rarely have the chance to do in the larger orchestra. On the evidence of Friday night, Tasmania is very lucky to have such a wealth of talent throughout its sections.

The concert was presented by William Newbery, and...