Philharmonic Concert, Semester 1 2025

In our first Philharmonic concert of 2025 we will perform two of Schubert’s symphonies. Only two movements of his Unfinished Symphony (from 1822) were fully completed…although there are a few pages of the following scherzo. There is disagreement as to why he never completed it – after all he lived for another 6 years, writing many works including his mighty C major symphony. We will also perform his 5th Symphony (written in 1816, at only 19 years old). This is an absolute musical gem with perfect structure, delightful harmonies and divine melodies. Even so the orchestra that commissioned it completely rejected the work during the 1st rehearsal and refused to perform it. Interestingly, none of Schubert’s symphonies were ever performed in his lifetime and when they were eventually deemed worthy of performing (and publishing) all had been heavily edited by Brahms. Those are the versions that were performed until very recently. The University of Melbourne has just purchased the new Urtext edition of these symphonies and these will be used for this concert.

PROGRAM

FRANZ SCHUBERT
Symphony No. 5

FRANZ SCHUBERT
Unfinished Symphony

CREDITS

Conductor: Richard Davis

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit:  https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  
• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour. 
  

Image by Gregory Lorenzutti