It’s 19th-century parlour music, for the 21st century​.


Following three years of regular events in Sydney, Resonance will welcome music lovers in Melbourne this week with a launch in one of the city’s most historic venues. The beautiful Yarra Room at Melbourne Town Hall will provide an elegant Victorian backdrop for an evening which encapsulates the concept of the Resonance brand: outstanding musical performances in beautiful surroundings, and with an air of informality and a focus on socialising.

Since 2013 Resonance has presented over 30 programmes with music ranging from Purcell to the works of contemporary Australian composers. The series has seen leading opera singers and instrumental soloists, chamber groups and even an award-winning youth choir take to the stage, and during that time the model has remained largely unchanged. The concerts themselves run for one hour without interval, and are followed by complimentary drinks parties aimed to bring audiences and artists together in a way which never quite happens with regular concertgoing. 

My name is Chris Cartner and I’m the founder and pianist for the series, and this social aspect is a key ingredient of the Resonance ‘experience’. The approach was not to try to recreate ‘parlour music’ evenings of the 19th century, but to remove a little of the formality sometimes to be found attending ‘fine music’ events. As the series has developed, I’ve been constantly delighted by the reactions of audiences to the concept and I’m especially proud of the new friendships and networking opportunities which have sprung up and thrived as a result of evenings with Resonance.

For the occasion of the Melbourne launch, I will be joined on stage by Sydney soprano Emilie Lemasson, who will present an exquisite selection of arias and songs with a couple of surprises. Born in France, she is an artist of enormous musical personality and the ability to offer a programme containing breathtaking moments from La Bohème next to the sultriness of Carmen and the tender magic of the Gershwin brothers. Guests will also enjoy some sublime piano music by Chopin and Debussy.

Opened in 1870, the grand Melbourne Town Hall is, by its nature, a venue for the Melbourne community. It is therefore a fitting locale for an experience which creates genuine social warmth alongside some of the world’s most beloved and timeless music. 


Resonance’s first Melbourne concert is on June 24 at Melbourne Town Hall

Tickets