Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema

Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema celebrates contemporary composition and the craft of music and sound for film. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra explores Foley—the live creation of cinematic sound effects—in the world premiere of Thomas Meadowcroft’s Hollywood Parsifals, a concerto for Foley artists and orchestra and an MSO co-commission. The program also features Bryony Marks’ Their World from Noise and David Hirschfelder suites from The Dressmaker, Legend of the Guardians and Strictly Ballroom, arranged by Jessica Wells. Conversation with the composers and conductor is included. Principal Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey leads the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Foley artists John Simpson and Tracy Parton, percussionist Eugene Ughetti, pianist and composer David Hirschfelder, and guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan. The performance will appeal to film-music fans, contemporary-music audiences, students and anyone curious about how sound effects and orchestral scores shape cinema. Schools may also access the performance through the MSO Meet the Music series. The concert is on Friday 21 August 2026 at 7:30pm at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank VIC 3006. It runs for approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Tickets: Standard $59–$99; Concession $54–$94; Child under 18 $20; Mob Tix $25. An $8 transaction fee applies per order. Book through the official MSO ticket page. Hamer Hall is wheelchair, walker and mobility-scooter accessible. Assistive listening devices are available and service animals are welcome. Contact the MSO or Arts Centre Melbourne before booking if you require a wheelchair space or other access assistance.