This concert is now sold out, tickets to our next relaxed performance are available here
Featuring
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Carlo Antonioli conductor
Emma Muir-Smith director
Jess Hitchcock presenter
Program
Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals
About this performance
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Carnival of the Animals, a work to delight and capture the imaginations of both young and old. The humorous depiction of animals in Saint-Saëns’ zoological fantasy are brought to life through music and puppetry live on the Hamer Hall stage; this concert will be quite the menagerie!
This MSO performance includes some unexpected visitors – the addition of extra wildlife commissioned especially for the event, composed by MSO Young Composer in Residence, Alex Turley.
*This is a relaxed performance. A non-relaxed performance is available at 10.30am.
Relaxed concert information
This performance will take place in Hamer Hall, a safe and relaxed environment with elements adapted to reduce anxiety and discomfort. As a concertgoer, you can expect:
- A downloadable visual story emailed to ticket holders ahead of the concert
- A relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the concert
- Lights to stay on during the concert
- Open doors and chill-out break areas
- General admission seating with space for freedom of movement
- Friendly, trained staff

Carlo Antonioli’s position as Cybec Assistant Conductor and Alex Turley’s Cybec Young Composer in Residence fellowship are supported by The Cybec Foundation.
Featured artists
COVIDSafe Information
The MSO and the venues in which we perform will operate under government health and safety guidelines in place at the time of the event. We recommend ticket holders follow the Victorian Government’s “How to stay safe & well” advice:
- Stay home if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
- Wash your hands
- Keep your distance – stay 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with where possible
- Wear a face mask
Learn more about Arts Centre Melbourne's COVIDSafe and Wellbeing plan