Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Launches Musician-Led Initiative MSO+
MSO veteran Monica Curro appointed as Creative Director of the community-focused program
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has launched MSO+ - a bold new initiative that will harness the creative power of its players to deepen connection with communities across Melbourne and regional Victoria through musician-led ‘programs with purpose'.
“MSO+ will create new ways for audiences to experience the breadth and depth of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra,” MSO CEO Richard Wigley said. “The voices, passions and creative ideas of our multi-talented musicians will connect more people to music in meaningful ways, and honour Melbourne's live music pedigree.”
MSO+ offers MSO musicians a creative avenue to collaborate artistically with communities on individual passion projects that develop personal, immediate musical experiences slightly outside the traditional concert model.
MSO Assistant Principal Second Violin Monica Curro has been appointed as MSO+ Creative Director.
Ms Curro said MSO+ was a vital initiative to reach new audiences and generations through community-focused engagement.
"We're tapping into our incredible musicians' passions and insights, asking them to submit their wish lists of projects - how they think the beauty and power of the MSO can be harnessed for purpose, impact, reach and connection with the Victorian people we serve," Ms Curro said. “MSO already does excellent work in this space, so MSO+ has a strong foundation for us to build on.”
The recent Find Your Voice Collective performance at Sidney Myer Music Bowl offers a powerful example of the work MSO+ aims to develop. This groundbreaking and deeply moving choir project brought together hundreds of singers and musicians of all abilities from South West Victoria to perform with the full Orchestra at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
The concert, seen by more than 20,000 people at the venue and online, was the culmination of 12 months of collaborative song writing and musical development with members of the MSO and Find Your Voice Collective.
"It was an idea born seven years ago finally coming to fruition," Ms Curro said. "It was a joyous celebration of humanity. That's my template for engagement – collaboration, celebration, accessibility. That's flagship.”
MSO+ program development is underway, and the first projects will be announced in coming months.
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