2026 Southbank Series | Celestial Threads

The Southbank Series opens with a program that explores legacy, feeds the imagination and offers new discoveries. Gustav Holst’s The Planets remains one of the great orchestral landmarks of the 20th century, its seven movements evoking the astrological characters of our solar system with colours and sonorities that still astonish a century after their creation. Heard alongside this monumental work is the Suite for String Orchestra by Gustav’s daughter Imogen Holst, a finely crafted four-movement score written in 1943. Its rhythmic vitality and elegant counterpoint showcase a composer with a distinctive voice whose music has only recently begun to receive the recognition it deserves. Leading these works is Alice Farnham, who in 2024 conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra and Singers in the first major recording devoted to Imogen Holst’s orchestral output, which was praised for bringing her long-neglected works to vivid life. A thrilling contemporary counterpoint is introduced by John Psathas’s Djinn, a concerto for marimba that draws on myth, jazz and global traditions to create a work of great excitement and imagination. Orchestra Victoria’s Mathew Levy, Section Principal Percussion, steps forward as soloist in this dazzling display of virtuosity.

SOUTHBANK SERIES | CONCERT 1 | SATURDAY 11 APRIL, 7:30PM

Celestial Threads

Alice Farnham Conductor

Imogen Holst Suite for String Orchestra
John Psathas Djinn: Marimba Concerto
Mathew Levy, Section Principal Percussion
Gustav Holst arr. George Morton The Planets

Ticket Prices:

Listed prices are exclusive of booking fees.
Adult: $69
Concession: $59
Under 35: $35
Under 18: $19

3-Concert Season Pass: $169

Box Office/Front of House opening hours:

The Foyer and Box Office will be open from one hour prior to each performance.

Accessibility information:

Please don't hesitate to contact Orchestra Victoria directly on (03) 9694 3600 or info@orchestravictoria.com.au if you have any questions regarding venue accessibility. 

For further information please click the accessibility button at the top of this page for detailed information on accessibility in the venue, and accessible transport options, including parking information. Please note any requirements that you and your guests may have when prompted and checkout.

About the venue:

Hanson Dyer Hall is a concert space located on Level 3 of The University of Melbourne's Ian Potter Southbank Centre, on 43 Sturt Street Southbank. Ushers will be stationed on both the ground floor and level 3 to assist with way-finding to the hall.

Hanson Dyer Hall

FAQ:

Am I eligible for a concession ticket?

Concession tickets are available to holders of the following proof-of-concession cards provided that the card is valid at the time of purchase: Australian Government issued Seniors Card, Pension Card or Healthcare Card, State Government issued Seniors Card, or Public Transport Victoria Concession Card.

You may be asked to provide proof of concession to venue staff when attending performances.

Does Orchestra Victoria support the National Companion Card Scheme?

Yes, Orchestra Victoria supports the National Companion Card scheme. For more information about the Companion Card, visit www.companioncard.gov.au. To book tickets using your Companion Card, please phone Orchestra Victoria on (03) 9694 3600.

Is there someone I can speak to about my or a family member's specific access requirements?

Yes, please phone Orchestra Victoria reception on (03) 9694 3600 or email us at info@orchestravictoria.com.au to discuss your access needs.

What are the seating arrangements at the performance?

Audience seating for this performance is general admission.

Can my child attend this performance?

Orchestra Victoria are delighted when young people attend our performances. In order to ensure the safety and supervision of children in compliance with government child safety regulations, children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Children aged 3 to 18 years are entitled to our Child price type.