Featuring
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Johannes Fritzsch conductor
Pamela Rabe narrator
Program
Berlioz Béatrice et Bénédict: Overture
Melody Eötvös Ruler of the Hive
Verdi Macbeth, Act III: Ballet Music
About the performance
Fearless, feminine and forthright, Australian actor Pamela Rabe interprets several Shakespeare heroines in Melody Eötvös’ Ruler of the Hive as part of a program based on The Bard in music, conducted by Johannes Fritzsch.
- Powerful heroines on stage
Award-winning actor Pamela Rabe’s legendary body of film, television and stage work sees her in the company of Australia’s most outstanding actors and directors. Here she portrays portions of Emilia (Othello), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), Helena (All’s Well That Ends Well), Isabella (Measure for Measure) and Rosalind (As You Like It) in this powerful work for narrator and orchestra by Melody Eötvös. - A new mindset
With a musical style described as having, “old pagan flavours, but with new mindset and expression”, young Australian composer Melody Eötvös’ works have been performed across the UK and USA, and by many Australian ensembles. Ruler of the Hive explores Shakespeare’s relationship with women as well as the social and political issues that have impacted women from the Renaissance to present day. - A legendary conductor
With four decades of immeasurable experience, German conductor Johannes Fritzsch is revered by Australian audiences. Conductor Laureate at QSO and Principal Guest Conductor at TSO, here Fritzsch leads the MSO showcasing works from Shakespeare-inspired operas by Berlioz and Verdi.
Duration: approx. 60 minutes with no interval.
Program and artists subject to change.
Arts Centre Melbourne indoor venues are operating at 75% capacity so you may be seated next to other patrons. The MSO and Arts Centre Melbourne strongly recommends the wearing of masks where 1.5m distancing is difficult to achieve, however wearing a mask is no longer a requirement for entry.
Important venue information:
- QR code registration via a mobile device is required on arrival. We encourage you to download the Service Victoria app prior to your visit to ensure a faster check-in time.
- Hamer Hall foyer bars will be open pre-show only
- Personal water bottles will be permitted inside and filtered tap water will be available for self-service at the foyer bars
- No Cloak Room
- No Box Office sales or transactions, only available for trouble shooting or ticket collection
Orchestra safety on stage
The safety of our musicians, staff and audience remain the highest priority as we return to the post-COVID concert hall. In conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne, the MSO has begun rapid-result, asymptomatic testing for all members of the Orchestra and on-stage production staff. As such, you may notice that our musicians are not wearing masks while performing, and that they may be spaced more closely together than previously.
The MSO Mornings series is proudly presented by MSO Premier Partner, Ryman Healthcare.
