Full steam ahead for the Symphony Orchestra tour

Melbourne Grammar Symphony Orchestra lays tracks for regional tour

In December, the 90-piece Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra will climb aboard a restored heritage train – temporarily and aptly named the Bluestone Express – for a nine-day performance tour across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales.

The Symphony Orchestra, which first performed in 1955, began touring in 1972 and has a proud tradition of supporting the regional communities that are home to many Melbourne Grammar families. Touring has become integral to the experience offered by the orchestra as performance far from the bluestone builds different skills, but more importantly, helps develop the culture of giving back.

“Not only do the students make a tremendous musical development during the tour, they also develop so much as humans and in their awareness of life beyond the city,” Director of Symphony Orchestra Pat Miller says.

The performance will include Russian and English solo and orchestral works, featuring many Year 12 students as soloists, including a complete performance of Tchaikovsky’s evergreen Violin Concerto.

“Touring the orchestra around regional areas helps the boys appreciate the music making that is part of their everyday lives, but also to feel a deep appreciation for their passion, skills and hard work in every town we visit,” Mr Miller says.

While in each location, the students will take part in local activities and experiences, spending time getting to know the region and the people who call it home.

“They are one team dedicated to exceptional music making and to giving back to the wider community,” Mr Miller says.

Tour schedule

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