Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
📍 Southbank, VIC
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs at the Iwaki Auditorium in Southbank, covering classical repertoire, film scores with live orchestra, and choral works. Family concert programs introduce children to live orchestral music.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Melbourne’s premiere classical music ensemble. They’re an amazing and diverse orchestra, who play wonderfully and are arguably one of Australia’s finest and on par with any orchestra internationally. The MSO performa a reasonably varied concert, though as with all orchestras some more diversity and contemporary repertoire would be appreciated. There home is Hamer Hall, the main concert hall for Melbourne, but they do also perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Town Hall. They perform a new music festival in May, which is probably my highlight of their regular programming and regularly perform excellent concerts. Their box office staff are friendly and approachable!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children who have some patience for seated performances — the dedicated family concerts are genuinely accessible and shorter than standard programs. Older children and adults who enjoy film scores performed live will find the experience exceptional.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →26 Google reviews
Evan J Lawson Composer & Conductor
6 years ago
“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Melbourne’s premiere classical music ensemble. They’re an amazing and diverse orchestra, who play wonderfully and are arguably one of Australia’s finest and on par with any orchestra internationally. The MSO performa a reasonably varied concert, though as with all orchestras some more diversity and contemporary repertoire would be appreciated. There home is Hamer Hall, the main concert hall for Melbourne, but they do also perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Town Hall. They perform a new music festival in May, which is probably my highlight of their regular programming and regularly perform excellent concerts. Their box office staff are friendly and approachable!”
Lalita Horton
2 years ago
“I just saw Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back with the sound track played by MSO. It. Was. Insane. Incredible. I nearly shed a tear from the utter brilliance of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.”
Greg Leibel
a year ago
“The friendly people at the MSO Box Office exude passion for MSO's music, and they always have time to help, overcome problems and be flexible. Couldn't recommend them highly enough!”
Sharnee Bennett
a year ago
“Carmen Burana was exceptional, such an incredible experience. They also have non alcoholic wine at Hamer Hall which was a lovely surprise. ❤️”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is one of Australia's premier ensembles, performing across classical, choral, and film score formats at Southbank's Iwaki Auditorium. Dedicated family concerts are shorter and programmed to hold children's attention. The box office staff are responsive and flexible with ticketing. Notable recent performances include Star Wars scored live and Carmina Burana.
