Also sprach Zarathustra

What are you doing to celebrate International Women’s Day? We’ll be showcasing the Australian premiere of The Deciding Machine by Melody Eötvös, and you’re invited to join us. Eötvös composed this music in 2020 to mark two important occasions: the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, and Beethoven’s 250th birthday. The title is a nod to the world’s first computer programmer Ada Lovelace, who in the 19th Century wrote an algorithm for the Analytical Engine. We’re pairing the work with Beethoven’s only Violin Concerto, and welcoming Spanish violinist María Dueñas to play it for you. Dueñas recorded this concerto on her debut album with Deutsche Grammophon – but nothing beats hearing it live.

Speaking of music to experience live, if you’ve seen 2001: A Space Odyssey and felt awestruck by those bold horn calls and thunderous timpani, now’s your chance to experience this music resonating through your body. Our performance of Strauss’ heroic Also sprach Zarathustra is brought to life by none other than Chief Conductor Jaime Martín.

Featuring
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Jaime Martín conductor
María Dueñas violin

Program
Melody Eötvös The Deciding Machine*
Beethoven Violin Concerto
R. Strauss Also sprach Zarathustra

*Australian Premiere

Enhance your experience:
Want to learn more about the music being performed? Arrive early for an informative and entertaining pre-concert talk.

12 March at 6:45pm
14 March at 1:15pm
Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer

You may also like the following events from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra:

• Next Saturday, 28th February, 09:30 am, Strauss and Mozart in Melbourne
• Next month, 5th March, 09:30 am, 2026 Season Opening Gala in Melbourne
• Next month, 12th March, 09:30 am, Also sprach Zarathustra in Melbourne

Also check out other Music events in Melbourne, Entertainment events in Melbourne, Concerts in Melbourne.