Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Inc.

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO), led by Artistic Director Sophie Rowell and Executive Director Adele Schonhardt OAM, is a valued and critically acclaimed part of Australia’s cultural landscape, sharing both traditional and innovative chamber and orchestral music, and engaging increasingly diverse artists and audiences, since our establishment in 1990.

We are an orchestra which deeply connects with communities throughout Victoria and beyond, through significant regional touring and community workshops and events. We present around 60 events each year at Melbourne Recital Centre and in regional and outer-suburban venues, and provide music education programs for primary school students from disadvantaged areas. We have commissioned 100+ new works by leading Australian composers to champion contemporary composition and to diversify the orchestral repertoire.

MCO is a very small, lean organisation, and we do not receive guaranteed ongoing government funding. We rely on philanthropic donations to help us implement our strategic artistic excellence and community engagement priorities, as follows:
Artistic Excellence:
– Deliver world-class performances showcasing innovative and diverse repertoire.
– Support the creation and performance of new works by Australian composers.
– Attract and retain top-tier musicians and guest artists.

Community Engagement:
– Create education and outreach opportunities to engage youth and underrepresented groups.
– Foster connections with regional communities through touring and partnerships.
– Promote accessibility through affordable ticketing and community events.

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