Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Sale after 17 years

The world-renowned Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will make its highly anticipated return to Sale on Wednesday 28 October, bringing one of Australia's finest musical experiences to The Wedge Performing Arts Centre for the first time since 2009.

The performance marks a significant milestone for Wellington’s performing arts community. The orchestra’s previous visit to Sale was in 2009, when acclaimed conductor, the late Richard Gill led the orchestra and renowned flautist Peter Sheridan appeared as soloist.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Cindy Madeley said securing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's return was a major achievement for The Wedge and a testament to the venue's reputation as one of regional Victoria's leading performing arts centres.

“The MSO is Australia's most respected cultural institutions, and we're thrilled to welcome them back to Sale. Securing a performance of this calibre is a tremendous achievement for The Wedge and highlights the important role it plays in bringing world-class arts and cultural experiences to our community”.

The program will feature the world premiere tour of Joe Chindamo's Flute Concerto, performed by acclaimed Australian flautist Eliza Shephard, whose dazzling technique and stage presence have captivated audiences across the country.

As the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Composer in Residence, Chindamo is also represented in the program through Fantasie auf Nachtmusik, a fresh reimagining of Mozart's beloved Eine kleine Nachtmusik.

Audiences will also enjoy Mozart's vibrant "Linz" Symphony, creating a program that brings together bold new Australian composition and timeless orchestral masterpieces.

"Thanks to the generous support from the John Leslie Foundation, this concert will be a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience a world-class orchestra close to home, without having to travel to Melbourne. Whether you're a lifelong classical music enthusiast or attending an orchestral performance for the first time, this promises to be a truly memorable evening and a chance to enjoy some of Australia's finest musicians right here in Sale” Cr Madeley added.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents: Night Music performs at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, Sale on Wednesday 28 October at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available through The Wedge box office and website at www.thewedge.com.au.

Quote attributed to Wendy Clarke, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Associate Principal Flute

“We’re really excited to be back on the road and returning to your venue after almost 20 years! We were last at the venue in October 2009, and we couldn’t be happier to be returning and performing for the local community once again. There’s something very special about taking the Orchestra beyond Melbourne and performing for audiences across Victoria. We’re particularly looking forward to sharing the stage with the brilliant Eliza Shephard for the world premiere season of Joe Chindamo’s Flute Concerto – it’s a wonderful piece to be touring and we can’t wait to share it with audiences in Sale”.

Quote attributed to Brian Castles, Board Trustee for the John Leslie Foundation

“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has a wonderful history with Sale, having visited annually for many years as part of the ABC Celebrity Concert series. Their visits were a highlight on the local calendar, with school concerts during the day followed by sell-out performances at Memorial Hall in the evening. Since the series ended, opportunities to experience the MSO in Sale have been few and far between, with their last visit taking place in 2009. To now welcome this world-renowned orchestra back to Sale is incredibly exciting. Having performed on stages around the world, it is wonderful that they have chosen to return to our community. It will be fantastic to see the MSO return to Sale this October after so many years".