Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra

The Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra (Zelman Symphony) was formed in 1933 in memory of Alberto Zelman Jnr (1874–1927), one of Australia’s most influential early musicians and the founder of the original Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1906. A highly gifted violinist, conductor, teacher and musical leader, Zelman was widely respected and deeply admired before his untimely death at the age of 52.

Following the professionalisation of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1932, the remaining amateur players established the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra to honour Zelman’s legacy, with renowned pedagogue Bertha Jorgensen as its first concertmaster. The orchestra has maintained an unbroken tradition of regular performance since its founding, presenting at least three concerts annually.

Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Rick Prakhoff and Concertmaster Susan Pierotti, the Zelman Symphony is a large community-based symphonic orchestra of 60–80 musicians. It presents four concerts each year in Melbourne, along with regional performances, showcasing major classical, romantic and twentieth-century repertoire and collaborating with distinguished guest soloists.

Website: zelmansymphony.org.au

State: VIC