The Sidney Myer Free Concerts are the perfect soundtrack to summer in the city at one of Melbourne’s most iconic outdoor venues. Admission is FREE and gates open at 4.30pm, entry is on a first in, best dressed basis.
Wednesday, 8 February at 7.30pm
MSO Plays The Russians
Saturday, 11 February at 7.30pm
MSO Plays Romeo & Juliet
Wednesday, 15 February at 7.30pm
MSO Plays La Valse
Hope you can help. How is the arrangement generally? Just guessing from what you say - "still seats at the front" - are some seats provided at the front? Do people who wish to have a picnic setup go to the back?
Also, is bringing foldable chairs practical? Will it block people at the back, who wish to sit on the ground in picnic style?
Many thanks in advance.
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl as rows of plastic chairs at the front and then a grass hill behind that.
I've done both and must say I prefer the picnic rug on the grass, it feels less claustrophobic.
If you want to sit on the grass on a picnic rug, you cannot bring camp chairs - you will block people.
If you want a chair on the grass, the most you could do would be those chairs with no legs - ie http://newimg.globalmarket.com/PicLib/751/2704751/prod/0_136…
At the front of the stage, mostly covered by the roof, is the stalls section with built in seats. Refer to Seating Plans You can eat food in the seating area.
Some rows at the front and back of the stalls will be reserved for media or VIPs. I always manage to get a seat within the M-Y section, even when coming 30 minutes. The side boxes are reserved for VIP (sponsors' guests).
If you want to picnic, you'll have to go up on the lawn. Around the Terrace 1 and Terrace 2 section there is also small patches of lawn, which I think might be prime real estate as they're the closest lawn to the stage.
I think I've seen people bringing in chairs, which would block people. But if you're up on the lawn, you won't be able to see much anyway… It's all about the music :)
"I think I've seen people bringing in chairs, which would block people."
You're allowed to bring in seating that's no more than about half a foot off the ground. Any higher you have to check it in at the cloak room.
How much are these free concerts normally ?
Look at it this way JV.
MSO almost certainly get government funding from tax dollars one way or another.
If this deal isnt on ozbargain, you wouldn't know about it and wouldn't attend.
Therefore you gave your tax dollars for no direct benefit.
Now it is on ozbargain, so you can get your tax dollars worth if you'd like.
So yeah it's a bargain, because instead of it costing you money for no benefit, it can cost you money for some benefit.
Plus, i think you need to get out of the house more JV.
It's "government funded" in the sense that ACM is obligated to perform a certain amount of free shows per year, as part of agreement for acquiring the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Actually it's waaaaay more direct than that.
The MSO wouldn't exist without federal and state government money.
http://www.mso.com.au/about-us/governance/
"The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Ltd is funded principally by the Australia Council, the Commonwealth Government’s arts funding and advisory body and is generously supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is also funded by the City of Melbourne, its Principal Partner, Emirates, and individual and corporate sponsors and donors."
Well, you can go for a concert at Hammer Hall or Melbourne Town Hall by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for $25-$140. It's a great opportunity to listen to live music by an Orchestra and have picnic with friends & family. It's the experience that count.
For any tickets that arn't already dirt cheap, you can get them discounted via the Tix at Six initiative, if you're quick enough: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/discover/tixatsix
Get there at 5.15pm for popular shows.
Is it a family friendly environment? I have a newborn that may from time to time make some noise. AM thinking if i sit near the back, it shouldnt upset too many people / and / or move away if required.
If you're sitting back on the grass you'll be fine.
If you sit on the side that'll be even better!
D'oh… I initially misread it as Myer department stores running free concerts in Sydney.
We got there at 7pm, lines were never-ending. Waited in the shade till they died at 8pm. Picnic areas on the side. Though a friend got there at 5pm and got seats on the lawn - but there was no shade there for hours.
![[VIC] Sidney Myer Free Concerts Wed 8, Sat 11, Wed 15 Feb 2017](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/92/290192.jpg?h=941ee5e0)
I went to a couple of these last year and they were great! If you come after 6/6:30 there are usually still seats at the front available.