While the drums were somewhat earlier in her career, Allison’s had more recent experiences with the MSO, such as visiting Wangaratta while it was in flood and playing in a quartet on an old Art Deco shop floor in Mildura. She says it’s a delight to play regional shows which can often involve more intimacy with audiences than those in larger cities. “[I love] observing the joy and wonder on their faces during a concert because you can actually see the people in a small hall and you make a connection with them.” Helyard agrees it’s always special to play to audiences in those regions, sometimes situated just a few feet away from people.

“The audience is very close – you can see visible gasps of joy.” Helyard reminds that it’s no easy feat to move an orchestra around, and the generous backing of the MSO’s donors and supporting foundations is crucial to make regional touring happen. Indeed, Creative Victoria, through its Touring Victoria program, is a key supporter of the MSO’s activity in the regions.

“Regional is really expensive for organisations and it often needs significant subsidising from other sources because you can't rely on just box office – but I think it's worth it,” says Helyard.

A particularly joyful part of MSO’s regional touring schedule for many performers is the schools program, which plays to thousands of primary and high school students each year in towns including Shepparton and Albury–Wodonga.

Matthew Schroeders, manager of Riverlinks venues in Shepparton, says it’s a big highlight of the calendar. “It's quite educational – it's not just music playing ... I think that's the key element to why it’s been so successful,” he says. Sometimes, he explains, performers will dress in different colours so students can clearly see each section of the orchestra and the conductor will describe what they are playing in a deliberately accessible way. Schroeders says his venue’s decades-long partnership with the MSO also fosters important connections with local musicians such as Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra.

Brendan Maher, venue manager of the Albury Entertainment Centre, which has also been hosting the MSO for decades, agrees the schools program is a very special part of the year.

“For some kids, they might be seeing a concert like this for the very first time – so there’s always a great deal of excitement in the foyer as they come in and then they all sit there very quietly waiting for that very first note.”

He adds that local audiences always relish the chance to see an orchestra of the MSO’s calibre, something that can be easily taken for granted in the city.

This year, the orchestra will return to Ballarat in September, and Shepparton, Wangaratta and Albury in October, for a program showcasing Mendelssohn, Beethoven and more. Also on the regional schedule later this year is Handel’s Messiah, which Helyard will direct in Warragul, Bendigo, and Geelong. Allison says its yearly program is a highlight for her. “I just love Messiah … it’s just one of those rituals you do at Christmas. December isn’t the same without Messiah,” she says.

“Over the last number of years, we've been taking Messiah to the regions where we get together with the local choir as well as our own choir and it's very heartwarming … people come out of the hall beaming.”

The MSO is grateful to the supporters that make regional touring for the MSO possible. Alongside funding from Creative Victoria through Touring Victoria, MSO’s 2024 activity across our State is supported by generous philanthropic partners.

In 2024 we celebrate 10 years with the Robert Salzer Foundation, a partnership founded on a shared belief in the value of music to society and continuing Robert Salzer’s legacy of bringing meaningful cultural experiences to Victorians.