At Spring's Edge: Concert Program

Welcome to Hanson Dyer Hall, for tonight's special performance of At Spring's Edge, our final Southbank Series performance of 2025. It is a joy to welcome Carlo Antonioli to the podium. We know that you will enjoy the evening of music we have prepared for you, from Prokofiev, to Shostakovich and a celebration of Australian music with a work by William Barton. Tonight's performance will definitely have something for everyone.

A special welcome tonight to our friends from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and Melbourne Youth Orchestra who receive free access to this concert series as part of Orchestra Victoria's commitment to equitable access to high quality musical performance opportunities.

I would also like to take this moment to thank our philanthropic community and our government partners Creative Victoria and Creative Australia alongside our venue partner in the University of Melbourne. This concert series wouldn't be possible without their support.

Thank you for being part of our Southbank Series this year and we look forward to sharing our 2026 season with you soon! Keep an eye out for our Season Launch, coming in November 2025!

Jacinta Ewers
Chief Executive Officer

As the final notes of winter fade and the first signs of spring appear, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to At Spring’s Edge—the last performance in Orchestra Victoria’s 2025 Southbank Series and Meet @ the Market concert series.

This program, under the direction of inspiring conductor Carlo Antonioli, invites us to reflect on the turning of seasons, both in nature and in music - marking a fitting finale to what has been a vibrant year of performances.

We begin with Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, affectionately known as the Classical Symphony—a sparkling and mischievous homage to the classical styles of Haydn and Mozart that dances with charm and wit. From there, we journey into Elements of the Earth by Australia's much loved William Barton, whose music speaks with profound reverence for Country and the enduring spirit of connection between people and place.

We continue with our commitment to celebrate the artistry within our own ranks. These concerts feature our incredible Section Principal Cello, Melissa Chominsky, taking centre stage as soloist in Shostakovich’s powerful Cello Concerto No.1. This deeply personal and complex work offers moments of raw intensity, biting irony, and haunting beauty—which together with Orchestra Victoria, Melissa brings to life with sensitivity and command.

As we reach the close of this season, I want to thank you—our audience—for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve joined us at Southbank, at the Meat Market or somewhere in between, your presence and support are what make these musical moments possible. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for more extraordinary experiences with Orchestra Victoria.

Jessica Gethin
Artistic Advisor / Conductor