Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Names Carla Zampatti AO & M. J. Bale as New Performance Dress Designers

"I'm beyond thrilled by the stunning new look iconic Australian fashion designer Carla Zampatti has created for the female musicians of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra," says Paul Dyer AO, the Brandenburg's Artistic Director.

The new performance dresses, designed and sponsored by Carla Zampatti AO, will be unveiled at the Brandenburg's opening season for 2015, Handel: Heaven and Harmony. The series runs in Sydney from 25 February to 6 March before two Melbourne performances on 7 and 8 March.

The navy dresses are distinctly Carla Zampatti - beautiful, sophisticated and timeless. She has designed the outfits to accommodate the needs of players of a variety of instruments - from the flute to the double bass - and to look striking and be totally functional whether standing or playing seated.

"Carla has had a long and special relationship with the Brandenburg," adds Paul. "She has dressed the women of the Brandenburg since 2000 and our latest style update coincides with the celebration of 50 years since her first collection."

It was Jillian Broadbent, a member of The Brandenburg Council and good friend of Carla's, who first introduced her to Paul.

"I attended my first concert of this vibrant exciting orchestra in the 1990s," recalls Carla, "and 16 years ago Paul asked if I would be interested in designing the women's garments. He introduced the musicians to me and I became really excited by the project as they were extremely talented and beautiful.

"The new dress will be my fourth design and its a real change from everything we've done previously."

"I am really proud of this latest design," says Carla. "It's comfortable for the players to wear while performing. Its beautiful and very feminine, but most importantly I believe they love it and feel good wearing it. I'm looking forward to seeing them on stage on their first performance."

One of Australian fashion's most respected figures, Carla showed her first collection in 1965. She was the first Qantas/Bulletin Magazine Business Woman of the Year in the 1980s, the world's first fashion brand to re-design a car and recently, Princess Mary of Denmark chose a Carla Zampatti gown for her new official royal portrait.

The men of the Brandenburg also reveal an updated look from leading Australian menswear brand M.J. Bale in Handel: Heaven and Harmony.

Finely tailored suits in a range of blues with white shirt and coloured tie and pocketchief combinations will replace the black shirts and pants that the male musicians have traditionally worn.

M.J. Bale represents excellence in menswear in Australia, already dressing a number of media personalities and elite sports teams, including the Socceroos and the Australian cricket team, as well as corporate styling for the likes of Audi, Westfield and The Australian Turf Club.

"We've chosen M.J. Bale suits in a range of blue tones with a broad palette of tie and pocketchief colours," says Paul. "I love colour and vitality, and the new men's performing suits will bring these to the stage in spades."

"We play gorgeous music of the baroque and its full of joy, vitality, refinement and fun. Our new Carla Zampatti and M.J. Bale outfits will not only be a pleasure for the musicians to wear in concert, but also add to the concert experience for our audience. It's a very exciting update for everyone!"