OBSERVER: AO at MLC Kew
One of Melbourne’s finest orchestras, Australasian Orchestra, has a blockbuster concert coming up on March 1.
Conducted by AO artistic director Robert Dora, the opening concert of 2026 features Rachmaninov’s romantic Symphony No 2, and a work entitled Cascades, in a new orchestration by Melbourne’s Jess-amie Kaitler.
This follows the AO tradition of mixing traditional classical works with new works that showcase Australian composers, much to the delight of its audiences.
And audiences are in for a real treat with the rest of the program, which features fine soprano Piera Dennerstein (pictured), performing operatic and classical vocal highlights with the orchestra.
Piera will sing Leoncavallo’s Qual fiamma avea nel guardo … Stridono lassu from his opera Pagliacci, Claude Debussy’s exquisite Lia’s Aria, from L’enfant Prodigue, and the ever popular Habanera from Carmen by Bizet.
Since graduating with a music degree from Monash University, Piera has sung roles in opera and oratorio, and has also developed a successful career as a cabaret artist.
She recently toured the show she created, Pursuing Pleasure, to audience acclaim around Australia. She is a superb artist who always communicates her love of music and her expertise as a soloist with the audience.
The concert begins at 2pm on Sunday March 1 at James Tatoulis Auditorium, MLC, Barkers Rd, Kew. Bookings are advised, and you can secure your tickets by visiting www.trybooking.com/DICWO or you can try your luck at the door on the day of the concert.
Julie Houghton