This Thursday evening, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will dedicate a virtual choir performance of Paul Kelly’s iconic Australian ode, Leaps and Bounds, to all Melburnians.
Featuring 175 voices from the MSO Chorus and community vocalists alongside 14 MSO musicians, this special tribute to Melbourne will bring the city’s music lovers together, serving as a timely reminder that despite the challenges of 2020, music is still a binding force.
MSO Managing Director Sophie Galaise said this performance is a part of the MSO’s commitment to Keep The Music Going throughout the global pandemic. “Music connects people and communities and now more than ever, we are in need of a bond with life outside of our homes,” she said.
“Paul Kelly’s Leaps and Bounds is a beautiful reminder of the relationship we have with Melbourne and it is our honour to dedicate this performance to all Melburnians. I thank all those who participated from Melbourne, Victoria and as far afield as Belgium and Germany,” said Ms Galaise.
“I’m high on the hill, looking over the bridge to the M.C.G. And way up on high, the clock on the silo says eleven degrees.” – Paul Kelly, Leaps and Bounds
“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has continued to provide enjoyment to all music lovers through its Keep the Music Going online program,” said Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp. “The MSO is one of our city’s cultural icons and it has gone above and beyond to keep our city connected and entertained during lockdown.”
“Melbourne has a strong tradition of coming together during our toughest moments and our city’s musicians and artists are doing so much to lift our spirits when we need it most,” she said.
Leaps and Bounds was arranged for a virtual performance by Joe Twist, alongside Chorus Master Warren Trevelyan-Jones. The video was created by Tom Marley with sound engineering by Alistair McLean. The performance will premiere on the MSO YouTube channel on Thursday 17 September 2020 at 7.30pm.
Image: MSO Virtual Choir (supplied)