Audience's Favorite Classical Tunes Hit the Concert Hall in Australia

The ABC Classic 100 in Concert is a unique Australian celebration of classical music, directly shaped by the nation's listeners. This annual event, presented by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, transforms radio votes into a live, shared experience. It’s a testament to how deeply classical music resonates with Australians, who actively participate in curating the repertoire.

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Seeing the music come alive in the hall with an audience of music lovers who have voted, adds a new, spine-tingling dimension.

For presenters like ABC Classic Breakfast's Megan Burslem, the magic lies in witnessing the entire process unfold: from the initial call for votes on a secret theme to the electrifying moment the audience's favorites fill the concert hall. Co-host Jeremy Fernandez, a former piano student, finds joy in experiencing the music through performance, emphasizing the concert's role in showcasing the diverse emotional landscape of classical music.

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The concert is about celebrating the full spectrum of what classical music is and how we feel.

Behind the scenes, the process is a delicate balancing act. Conductor Benjamin Northey, who has led the concert since its 2023 inception, works closely with Burslem and the ABC Classic team. He monitors vote tallies and analyzes trends to anticipate the top selections, a crucial step as soloists and specific pieces must be booked long before the final countdown results are revealed. Northey admits to having "just enough information to avoid disasters," highlighting the challenge of programming a concert based on audience preference while maintaining logistical feasibility.

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I studied classical piano when I was a child. I wasn't very good at it, so the next best thing is to enjoy someone else doing it.

This concert holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians, offering a chance to connect with music that moves them. It’s more than just a performance; it's a collective expression of musical taste and a vibrant affirmation of classical music's enduring appeal in Australia. The interactive nature of the event, from voting to the live performance, fosters a unique bond between the artists, the broadcasters, and the audience.

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Observing the whole process of launching the ABC Classic 100 on the radio, seeing the votes stream in and then seeing it come to life in the concert is really magical.