Conductor Ingrid Martin leading during the interactive Meet the Orchestra performance.
Photo by
AJ Taylor
Orchestra Victoria — the pit orchestra for The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia when in Melbourne — is also known for its extensive education and outreach programs, bringing orchestral music beyond the big city and into communities across the state.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
As part of the Shepparton Festival, Orchestra Victoria visited Shepparton on April 10 and 11 — performing for aged care residents on the first day and presenting their interactive Meet the Orchestra concert at Riverlinks the next, which drew a packed room of excited children and their families.
Hosted by comedy performer Janet McLeod, the event was anything but a traditional concert.
Through games, laughter and plenty of audience participation, Janet introduced each instrument family — strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion — helping kids learn to recognise the different sounds in a playful and interactive way.
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker filled the room, with children encouraged to “walk like a nutcracker” whenever they heard the trumpet.
The result? A sea of stomping feet, giggles and an enthusiasm that lit up the venue.
Conductor Ingrid Martin gave the entire audience a crash course in how to lead an orchestra before two young participants — Joshua and Omalee — were invited to the stage one after the other.
With batons in hand, each took their turn guiding the musicians with such seriousness and emotion, it was moving to watch.
The program featured an eclectic mix, from the familiar classics of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov to works by First Nations composer Brenda Gifford, offering the young audience an eclectic musical experience.
It was a full house at Riverlinks as young music lovers gathered for a playful introduction to classical music.
Photo by
AJ Taylor
As the lights went up, the hour had flown by — and for many in the room, including the adults, it felt far too short.
Beyond the children’s concert, Orchestra Victoria also took music into the community in a different way this year.
For the first time, a string quartet from the orchestra visited two Shepparton aged care facilities: Moyola Lodge Hostel and Rumbalara Elders Facility, on April 10.
The initiative added another layer of meaning to the tour, bringing live music into spaces where it’s often hard to come by.
A string quartet from Orchestra Victoria brought music — and smiles — to aged care residents in Shepparton.
Photo by
AJ Taylor
Following the concert, Orchestra Victoria’s tutti viola Jason Bunn kindly stayed back to speak about the experience — and the impact of touring.
Jason began on the violin before switching to the viola in high school. A member of Orchestra Victoria since 2000, he’s also performed with major ensembles across Australia and regularly appears in chamber groups and contemporary music projects.
His passion for music extends to folk and country too — he’s played with local bands and contributed to recordings, including a 2015 Age Music Victoria Awards-nominated album with his band Jemma and the Clifton Hillbillies.
Jason, how often do you tour?
I think on and off, there’s quite a bit on the cards for 2025, which is great. It’s been rebuilding after the COVID years.
But this year, Shepparton is the first cab off the rank. So, this is our first country trip through the rest of the year. We’ll be going to Bendigo, to Gippsland and Warrnambool (after Shepparton).
Can you tell me more about playing at aged care facilities?
That’s actually a new thing. We effectively started that yesterday in the regions here. Four of us, a string quartet, went out and played at the Moyola Lodge Aged Care facility in the morning and then in the afternoon, we were at Rumbalara Elders facility.
It was really exciting. The four of us loved going to play there, and the audience seemed really receptive. I think it’s wonderful to have some entertainment going into these homes.
What's the highlight of touring country towns?
You get more of a sense of camaraderie with my colleagues. When we’re in Melbourne, we just come from our homes to the theatre or the rehearsal space and then go home again.
But of course, when we come to the regional centre, we’re all sort of in close proximity to each other — dinners and socialise together a bit more.
But also, of course, meeting the locals who attend our performances. I always find the country audiences give a great reception. They’re very, very excited to have an orchestra up here.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I wish the Shepparton Festival every success, and I hope all the other events go well. Hopefully, they can have us again.
