Zelman Symphony capacity audiences of Mahler's epic Eighth Symphony - the "Symphony of a Thousand" - at the Melbourne Town Hall. In what was believed to be "a first" for an Australian Community Orchestra, the performances involved over 580 performers including an augmented Zelman Symphony of some 125 players led by Guest Concertmaster, Wilma Smith, Concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), and featuring many guest principal players from the MSO and other top orchestras and music institutions. David Macfarlane played the magnificent organ, a 370 voice choir was formed from nine community choirs, and an 80 voice children's choir involved students
Symphony No. 79 (Haydn) Symphony No. 79 (Haydn) The Symphony No. 79 in F major, Hoboken 1/79, is a symphony by Joseph Haydn. It was composed in 1784. The 79th Symphony is characterized by a strong and joyful opening theme as well as varied rhythms throughout all four movements, especially in the minuet. The wind section alternated throughout the symphony either doubling the string section, enriching the tempo and solos void of virtuosity. Of note are long rests which were uncommon in early classical symphonies. Symphony No. 79 was composed as part of a trio of symphonies that also included symphonies 80 and 81.