MEDIA RELEASE: Melbourne Chamber Orchestra presents Musical Dialogues: From Bach to Bluegrass

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MEDIA RELEASE

October 14 2025

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra presents Musical Dialogues: From Bach to Bluegrass 

An intimate evening of chamber music with MCO’s principal players — from the elegance of Bach to the rhythmic energy of Bluegrass.

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) brings its acclaimed artistry to Shepparton for a special one-night-only concert, Musical Dialogues: From Bach to Bluegrass, on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 7.30pm at St Paul’s Lutheran Church.

This captivating program showcases the versatility and expressive power of string playing across three centuries—from the timeless counterpoint of J.S. Bach’s Inventions, through Beethoven’s stormy String Quartet in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4, to the rhythmic vitality of Bluegrass masters Edgar Meyer and Mark O’Connor.

MCO Artistic Director Sophie Rowell says, “I’m really looking forward to returning to Shepparton with this wonderful program. Together with my MCO colleagues, we’ll be performing music that spans from the mesmerising beauty of Bach to the irresistible, toe-tapping energy of Bluegrass. 

“Playing in combinations of two, three, and four, we’ll showcase just how rich, varied, and expressive string instruments can be. I honestly love every piece on this program, but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be a close call between the two string quartets—Beethoven’s is turbulent and powerful, while O’Connor’s is pure exuberance and an absolute joy to play.”

MCO’s musicians relish the intimacy of chamber music—the chance to communicate directly with audiences and each other in works that cross genres and centuries. Musical Dialogues: From Bach to Bluegrass traces a remarkable musical journey, from Bach’s elegant intricacy to the sheer rhythmic joy of Bluegrass. It’s a celebration of connection through music.

The ensemble also joins powerful Yorta Yorta guest artist Allara Briggs Pattison for a series of workshops in Shepparton primary schools, as well as a visit to the Rumbalara Elders Facility.  

“At Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, we are committed to creating meaningful connections with the communities we visit and sharing our music with as broad an audience as possible,” said Dr Emma Sullivan, MCO Education Manager. 

“For this visit to Shepparton, we are also bringing our Wala is Life education program to local primary schools. The program introduces young students to string instruments and offers meaningful insight into First Nations culture and music practice, supported by our brilliant guest artist Allara—a Yorta Yorta storyteller, musician, and composer. We are also thrilled to be visiting the Rumbalara Elders Facility and look forward to sharing Allara’s music and experiences with that community.”

“Students and staff at Wilmot Road Primary School are so excited to welcome the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra,” said Mandi Fuller of Wilmot Road Primary School. “Seeing and hearing professional musicians perform live is an incredible experience that truly brings music learning to life.” 

Program Highlights

JS Bach – Selections from Inventions and Sinfonias BWV 772–801
John Tartaglia – Fantasia for Viola and Double Bass on Themes of Marin Marais
Johann Baptist Vanhal – Divertimento in G major
Edgar Meyer – Duo No. 2 (for cello and bass)
Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4
Mark O’Connor – Quartet for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass

Performers

Sophie Rowell, violin
James Armstrong, violin
Merewyn Bramble, viola
Blair Harris, cello
Emma Sullivan, double bass

Performing in the welcoming acoustic of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, MCO’s principal players bring a unique immediacy to these works — offering audiences in Shepparton the chance to experience the ensemble’s hallmark warmth, finesse, and musical dialogue up close.

Performance Details

Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025, 7:30pm
Venue: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Shepparton
Tickets: mco.org.au/whats-on/musical-dialogues

About Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

Directed by celebrated Australian violinist and concertmaster Sophie Rowell, the MCO is Victoria’s leading professional chamber orchestra offering a fresh, vibrant, intimate and modern take on orchestral performances. A pint-sized powerhouse, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra proves that the best things come in small packages.


In more than 70 performances each season, the orchestra brings top Australian musicians together in inspiring programs of uncompromising artistic quality, finesse, and passion.


The MCO’s mainstage season is presented at Melbourne Recital Centre and broadcast on ABC Classic. The ensemble also hosts A Feast of Music, an annual spring chamber

music festival in Daylesford, as well as a range of chamber, education and outreach programs that tour extensively across Victoria and beyond.

mco.org.au

Media Contact: Samuel Cairnduff
RESONATE Communications
samuel.j.cairnduff@gmail.com | 0401 396 755

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