WOMBATS & ACCORDIONS: THE DAY THE MCO RETURNED TO HER MAJ
IT HAS BEEN A MINUTE SINCE THE MELBOURNE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA HAVE PERFORMED ON OUR STAGE, SO WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO EXPERIENCE THEIR ARTISTRY TWICE IN ONE DAY
There are some days at Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat that perfectly capture the breadth and beauty of live performance. The recent return of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) was one of them.
In a single day, audiences were treated to two vastly different but deeply connected performances: the family-friendly Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky and the evening concert experience Under the Canopy. Together, they transformed Her Maj into a space filled with music, storytelling and cultural connection.
These dual performances mark the first time that MCO has played on our stage since reopening and the first time in nearly a decade since we've hosted the orchestra. Their visit coincided with NAIDOC Week, adding an extra layer of meaning to a program that celebrated First Nations stories and artistic voices.
Based on the award-winning children's book by First Nations author Tylissa Elisara, this performance combined narration, music and imagination, drawing children into a uniquely Australian tale while introducing them to the magic of live orchestral performance.
Hearing a theatre full of children react with wonder, laughter and curiosity was a reminder of how powerful live arts experiences can be for new generations.
As the sun set, the mood shifted for Under the Canopy, an evocative concert that explored themes of place, culture and connection. Rich with musical textures and featuring the work of First Nations composer Aaron Wyatt, the performance invited audiences to slow down, listen and reflect. It was a fitting accompaniment to the spirit of NAIDOC Week, highlighting the importance of storytelling, Country and cultural knowledge through music.
A standout was the remarkable versatility of accordion virtuoso James Crabb. Renowned internationally for his extraordinary musicianship, Crabb moved effortlessly between genres and showcased the limits of what can be achieved on the accordion. His ability to draw such a wide range of sounds and emotions from the one instrument was captivating, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the world's most celebrated musicians.
Most of all, it was simply wonderful to see Her Maj filled with orchestral music. The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra's return reminded us that music has a unique ability to bring people together across generations, cultures and experiences. Through stories of wombats, reflections on nature and the artistry of exceptional performers, the company excelled at what they do best, move us through their music.
THE MELBOURNE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA'S NEWEST FAN - FUDGE THE WOMBAT
Ahead of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra's return to Her Maj, Principal Bass Dr. Emma Sullivan paid a special visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet one of the city's most beloved locals: Fudge the Wombat.
Bringing her instrument along for the occasion, Emma treated Fudge and some curious koalas to an impromptu serenade while sharing a glimpse into the two performances.
Whether Fudge was captivated by the performance or simply enjoying the attention remains up for debate, but the visit was a charming reminder of the inspiration behind Wurrtoo and the joy that live music can bring in even the most unexpected places.
