International artists descend on Melbourne

The VCA & MCM will have a rich international flavour over the coming weeks with four celebrated foreign artists visiting to mentor and inspire students, as well as give a series of public talks and concerts. Costumier Susie Vickery (who divides her time between Britain, India and China), Italian composer Riccardo Vaglini, Japanese percussionist Kuniko Kato, American pianist Craig Sheppard will take part in the Master Teacher Program, supported by Arts Victoria.

Contemporary Music at Bennetts Lane
Tuesday 11 September

Bennetts Lane Jazz Club will host VCA Contemporary Music on Tuesday next week for an evening of original student works and arrangements with special guest drummer David Jones. The ensemble that performs at the highest standard will be given the opportunity to record their original works in the newly revamped VCA Sound Recording Studio.

Concert details »

Spring Early Music Festival 
9 - 30 September

The MCM’s Spring Early Music Festival returns this September, under the direction of Stephen Grant (Head, Early Music and Voice), bringing together some of the finest early music specialists to perform alongside current students and alumni. The program, featuring works from Bach to Mendelssohn will be performed in acoustically generous settings, including the beautifully refurbished Wyselaskie Auditorium and the Trinity College Chapel.

Festival details »

Graduate Professional Pathways

VCA & MCM have awarded four inaugural $25,000 Professional Pathways Scholarships, funded by Arts Victoria, to help recent graduates develop their own professional careers while assisting local arts organisations. The 2012 winners and their partnership organisations, are: Katherine Chan (MProdDesign, 2008), Production Designer, with the Melbourne Theatre Company; Rowan McNaught (BFA, 2009), Artist, with West Space; Terry Yeboah (BDram, 2007), Theatre Director, with Western Edge Youth Arts; Belinda Ensor (PGDip FTV, 2010), Film & TV Producer, with the Emerging Writers Festival.

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Alexander Technique and the Performing Arts Conference

The VCA is hosting the Alexander Technique and the Performing Arts Conference, 21-23 September, with master teachers and researchers from NZ, UK, USA and Australia. Designed to advance the knowledge, methodology and innovation in the teaching and practice of the Technique, the conference is open to all who have an interest in its integration into performing arts training and artistic practice.  Please note this conference is free to all VCA & MCM staff and students.

For your chance to win a double pass to the APTA Conference email vcamcm-enews@unimelb.edu.au 

Conference details »

School music program to help Black Saturday survivors

The MCM is running a series of music workshops for teenagers in communities still recovering from the Black Saturday bushfires, culminating in a Melbourne concert. Six recent graduates are working with woodwind and brass ensembles at schools in Alexandra, Healesville and Whittlesea, to support and enhance existing music teaching.  The students will then perform alongside the University of Melbourne’s Wind Symphony and the Royal Australian Navy Band in an afternoon concert at the Conservatorium’s Melba Hall on Sunday 16 September.

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Michael James Manaia

fortyfivedownstairs, in association with Melbourne Festival presents Taki Rua’s Michael James Manaia, by John Broughton. The young larrikin Michael James Manaia joins a proud Maori regiment, goes to war – and is changed forever. This is his story, raw, humorous and unsentimental – one that has become the voice of a lost generation.

For your chance to win 1 of 2 double passes for Thurs 11 October at 7.30pm, email vcamcm-enews@unimelb.edu.au

12 – 28 October
fortyfivedownstairs 

Spring Early Music Festival

For your chance to win a special Spring Early Music Festival Pass, which includes a double pass to each of the following events, email vcamcm-enews@unimelb.edu.au.

An English Soirée: from Pinto to Mendelssohn, Sun 23 Sept, Music by Cramer, Pinto, Richard and Fanny Mendelssohn

Grief and Joy: Emotions in the music of the 18th century, Tues 25 Sept Cantatas and Concertos by J S Bach, G P Telemann and J Th Römhild

Cosmopolitan Conversations: Telemann's Paris Quartets of 1730, Sun 30 Sept

9 – 30 September
Spring Early Music Festival »

Napoleon at 
NGV International

Our friends at the NGV have given us a double pass to Napoleon: Revolution to Empire which closes on 7 October. Don’t miss this stunning exhibition which examines French art, culture and life from the 1770s to the 1820s. A must see for all!

For your chance to win email vcamcm-enews@unimelb.edu.au.

Until 7 October
Napoloeon: Revolution to Empire »