MSO Pops

Orchestral recitals are not just opportunities to put on a suit, act sophisticated and discuss the finer nuances of Ives’ Symphony No. 1 in d minor. While these are all excellent ways to appear classy, even classical musicians want to get loose every now and then — and foray into the forbidden music. In this case, the sultry swing of jazz and boisterous broadway tunes.

Held over a series of concerts at Hamer Hall, the MSO Pops series will star special guests from the contemporary songbook alongside Melbourne’s Symphony Orchestra. The series kicks off in March with A Journey Through Jazz: From Louis Armstrong to Herbie Hancock — in which James Morrison will show off his versatility (on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano and keytar) as he whisks the audience away on a tour of Dixieland, Bop, Blues and Birdland.

For something completely different, session two (June 14-15) will see international opera hero Teddy Tahu Rhodes as he shimmies through show-tunes from musicals including Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific and Les Misérables. Jazz hands, people!

Throughout the series, MSO will also be running a competition for one really, really lucky audience member to win a trip to New Orleans (check out their Facebook Page for details).

A Journey Through Jazz: Sat 8 March @ 7pm; Sun 9 March @ 2pm
Teddy Tahu Rhodes on Broadway: Sat 14 June @ 7pm; Sun 15 June @ 2pm
Single tickets range from $25-$139, to find out more visit mso.com.au