The Melbourne Sinfonia began as the Collingwood Chamber Orchestra, founded by Kevin Morgan in 1989 with the support of the Collingwood council. The group first rehearsed at the Organ Factory Theatre in Collingwood and then at Princes Hill Primary School. The first rehearsal comprised 9 string players and the group made its debut at Collingwood Senior Citizens Hall with 14 players. Later concerts were held in the Collingwood Town Hall.
Our name changed to The Melbourne Sinfonia in late 1990 and concerts moved to Melba Hall at the University of Melbourne, where they remained until November 2011. With Melba Hall no longer available, the venue changed to the James Tatoulis Auditorium at MLC.
Since 1990 we have presented regular concerts performing music from the baroque, classical, romantic and modern repertoire, and featuring many established local artists and talented students. Joannes Roose has been the orchestra’s Musical Director and Principal Conductor since 1998.
Since 2004 we have been an Auxiliary of the Royal Children’s Hospital – the first hospital in Victoria to have a resident orchestra. Our unique position as a fundraiser for the RCH unites us, as we join in the spirit of enjoying music for a good cause. We currently support the RCH Gatehouse Centre which provides a crisis service and ongoing support for children and adolescents who have been sexually abused. Gatehouse helps these vulnerable young people develop resilience and other coping skills.
The orchestra rehearses on scheduled Wednesday evenings at Flemington Primary School, and performs four concerts a year at the James Tatoulis Auditorium, Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew.
For further information please contact the Orchestral Manager at: orchestralmanager@melbournesinfonia.org.au
