About Monash University Academy of Performing Arts

On behalf of all the staff of Monash University Academy of Performing Arts [MAPA], it is my pleasure to introduce our season of major public events for the first half of 2012.

Our programme offers a broad mix of contemporary and traditional music and theatre across our three venues inspired by the teaching and research interests of the University's School of Music - Conservatorium and Centre for Theatre and Performance. A particular highlight is the visit of I Musici to the Robert Blackwood Hall on 22 February. They will be performing their signature work, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, alongside other gems of the string repertoire in the glorious acoustics of the Robert Blackwood Hall.

This year we also welcome one of Australia's finest conductors, Fabian Russell, to the post of Principal Conductor of the Monash Academy Orchestra [MAO]. Two grand orchestral concerts are scheduled for Seasons 1/2012, including a special event at the Melbourne Town Hall to mark the beginning of ‘National Reconciliation Week 2012' on 27 May.

Our ever-popular series of Children's Theatre in the Alexander Theatre continues with James and the Giant Peach, and The Gruffalo's Child. The Academy is also delighted once again to be supporting the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, which provides opportunities for students at the School of Music to work and perform alongside some of jazz music's finest talent from around the world.

You will notice some welcome physical improvements across our venues, such as new house lights at the George Jenkins Theatre, a renovated Arthur Brown Bar at the Alexander Theatre, and a brand new Steinway model ‘D' concert grand piano specially selected from their factory in Hamburg for the Robert Blackwood Hall. As you will see from the brochure cover, we are also continuing to mark the Hall's 40th Anniversary and if you have not yet done so, we invite you to view the exhibit in the foyer detailing the hall's history.

I encourage you to explore what's on offer from the Academy across all three venues and across Melbourne. Do also regularly visit the MAPA website www.monash.edu/mapa for up-to-date details and announcements of new events. Above all, I look forward to welcoming you in 2012!

Dr Peter Tregear

Executive Director

Monash University Academy of Performing Arts