Under the direction of pianist and ANAM alum Stefan Cassomenos and the baton of Philip Arkinstall (Associate Principal Clarinet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra), musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) present the final Mostly Mozart of 2026, centred on Mozart’s much loved Piano Concerto No. 21.
The ANAM percussionists take centre stage for Nigel Westlake's enchantingly joyful quartet Omphalo Centric Lecture. Opening the morning of music-making, this marimba quartet incorporates the wit and depth of one of Australia’s most prolific contemporary composers, which took inspiration from Paul Klee’s painting of the same name. Westlake notes ‘the direct and centred simplicity ... was an inspiration to me.’
Up next in the program is Stravinsky’s strikingly original Symphonies of Wind Instruments, first composed in memory of Claude Debussy. Described as ‘an austere ritual,’ the Symphonies now stands as one of the Russian composer’s most affecting works with ‘solemn observance and splendid colours’ (The Guardian). Scored for an orchestral Wind and Brass section, this piece showcases their full prowess from rhythmic ingenuity to crystalline chorales.
Known for its achingly beautiful Andante, Mozart’s famous Piano Concerto No.21 sparkles with orchestral brilliance. From the gentle, march-like opening moments through to the playful final bars, Mozart’s genius shines throughout this work. Experience ANAM musicians as they navigate three centuries of musical thinking with ease.
Join us for coffee plus sweet and savoury treats from 10am in the ground floor foyer.
Nigel WESTLAKE Omphalo Centric Lecture
Igor STRAVINSKY Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467
Stefan Cassomenos (alum 2010) director / piano
Philip Arkinstall (alum 1998) conductor
ANAM Orchestra
Presented in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre
10% ANAMates applies to Standard, Concession, Student and U40s (single tickets only, not packages)
Packages on sale 12pm Wednesday 12 November
Single tickets on sale 11am (subject to change) Monday 15 December
Image credit: Pia Johnson