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Nigel Kennedy plays for 3MBS

On Friday night British virtuoso Nigel Kennedy took time out of his busy schedule to perform an exclusive concert for about 350 lucky fans. This impromptu free performance featured some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians jamming with Kennedy until the wee small hours at the Abbotsford Convent. Led by violinist Nigel McLean, the band featured Frank DiSario on double bass, Sam Keevers on keyboard, Phil Collings behind the drum kit and special guest Adam Simmons tearing it up on saxes.

For their second set the band were joined by former Frank Zappa side-man Alan Zavod as the band set sail with extended covers of standards by Coltrane, Miles Davis and Kennedy’s beloved Jimi Hendrix. The affable and eccentric Kennedy seemed to be especially inspired and challenged by the high-octane improvisation of Simmons’ incendiary saxophones.

3MBS were thrilled to be a part of this once in a lifetime event. The concert was put together at short notice thanks to violin player Sarah Curro and tireless instrument maker Paul Davies from Arts Music at the Convent.

Stay tuned to 3MBS 103.5FM for the next time we are able to present our listeners with access to the world’s finest musicians!

David Chishom's Brindabella - Premiere Broadcast on April 1st
3MBS presents the world premiere broadcast of Brindabella – a baroque underworld ballet by Melbourne-based composer David Chisholm. Performed by Lachlan Dent, Nic Synot, Peter Dumsday and Timothy Phillips on instruments by Paul Davies, this unique radio event airs on Contemporary Visions with Tony Thomas, on Tuesday April 1st at 8:00pm sharp!

Meet a 3MBS Maestro-in-the-Making
In the 3MBS Radiothon several fabulous instruments were given away to lucky subscribers, and one of our new Maestro-in-theMaking Subscribers (under 18-years) won a beautiful 1/2 size Franz Joseph violin from Music Link, and we recetly received a lovely letter from him.

Dear Lynne and 3MBS
We were really happy to win the violin in the subscriber drawer.  I play the violin and will get lots of use from it.  Thank you very much.  I always listen to 3MBS when I go to bed every night.  Mum also plays it in the car.  I really like 3MBS.
From
Joel Robinson
Aged 6 1/2

Thank you for the letter Joel and best wishes from 3MBS in all your musical endeavours!

Alarming Stephen Ma wins National MBS Radio Award
Melbourne pianist, Stephen Ma, took out the $10,000 first prize in the National MBS radio station’s Young Performer Award held on Sunday November 25th. Ma had to overcome interruption during his recital by a fire alarm and building evacuation of Melba Hall in Parkville.

“The Melba Hall fire alarms were not set high enough to cope with Stephen’s hot playing”, 3MBS Station Manager, David Melzer said. A caterer’s oven set off the alarm and the entire audience and all performers had to wait on the street for half an hour until siren-blaring fire trucks arrived to re-set the alarm. A slightly unnerved Ma re-commenced his recital and was then judged the winner ahead of 3 competitors from interstate. The MBS fine music radio network organise the national young performers award as well as national young composer’s award annually. 3MBS congratulates Stephen for his win under such unnerving circumstances!

3MBS on Wikipedia!
3MBS has got a Wikipedia entry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3MBS
'What is Wikipediea?', you may ask, well, here is their definition: "Wikipedia  is a multilingual, web-based, free content encyclopedia project. The name Wikipedia is a portmanteau of the words wiki (a type of collaborative website) and encyclopedia. Wikipedia's articles provide links to guide the user to related pages with additional information. Wikipedia is written collaboratively by volunteers from all around the world. Since its creation in 2001, Wikipedia has grown rapidly into one of the largest reference Web sites. There are more than 75,000 active contributors working on some 9,000,000 articles in more than 250 languages. Every day hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world make tens of thousands of edits and create thousands of new articles to enhance the knowledge held by the Wikipedia encyclopedia."

3MBS Salon Series

The launch of our Salon Series was held on Thursday 21 February and it was a sell-out success. The Abbotsford Convent library was turned into a stylish salon for an hour of music by the Freshwater Trio, and the event was broadcast live on 3MBS. The audience sipped wine and nibbled on food as the piano trio performed pieces by Haydn and Mendelssohn. It was a perfect chamber music evening and we are grateful to Bernies’ Music, the Convent Bakery and of course, Freshwater Trio, for making this such a special event.

The Salon Series will continue in 2008, with the next concert on April 17, with the Silo String Quartet. This quartet was founded in 1998 by cellist and composer Caerwen Martin to workshop, record and perform new and contemporary works by Australian composers. They have since grown to become Australia’s premier contemporary string quartet, and it promises to be an evening not to be missed.

You can book tickets for this wonderful event on book online at www.3mbsboffice.com or call 1300 884 654. Tickets are $25 or $15 for 3MBS subscribers.

February “Open Season” on Live at the Convent
In February emerging Melbourne musicians – many of them recent graduates from Melbourne’s tertiary institutions – provide a varied programme that demonstrates the diversity that exists in our thriving classical music community.  Our normal programme featuring current students from Melbourne’s tertiary institutions returns in March.

The 3MBS Salon Series

3MBS are thrilled to launch the 2008 Salon Series with The Freshwater Trio
3MBS presents a new series of live twilight performances and broadcasts from the grand library space at the Abbotsford Convent arts precinct. The first concert will feature renowned chamber ensemble The Freshwater Trio at 6pm sharp on Thursday February 21.
Acclaimed by audiences and peers alike, Freshwater Trio comprises three professional musicians of stunning musical pedigree, linked by their passion for performing and their innovative approach to music-making. 
This performance will be broadcast live on 3MBS 103.5FM.  All proceeds raised from the concert support 3MBS FM – a community radio station dedicated to supporting the fine music community in Melbourne.
Please join the Freshwater Trio and share a glass of wine with 3MBS at the Abbotsford Convent on Thursday February 21.  Doors open from 5:30pm for a 6:00pm performance.
Tickets are just $15 for 3MBS subscribers/concession or $25 for non-subscribers. 
Tickets can be purchased through 3MBS Box Office or by calling the station on 1300 884 654 during office hours.
Mark this exciting inaugural event in your diary and join us:
The Freshwater Trio for The 3MBS Salon Series
Thursday February 21st at 6:00 pm
The Grand Library at the Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers St Abbotsford
Call 1300 884 654 or visit 3MBS Box Office to secure your tickets NOW!

Cry Baby Concerts return to Fitzroy and Richmond in February
3MBS and the City of Yarra and the Richmond Uniting Church present concerts for the entire family, from newborns to great-grandparents. Be entertained by the cream of Melbourne's classical musicians, and you won't be asked to leave when you cry or need to eat!
Returning to Fitzroy on February 6th and Richmond on February 21st.

The November Nag Subscriber Drive
3MBS's November Nag has been a great success, so thank you to everyone who took out a new subscription or renewed a lapsed one. The winner of the deluxe 29-CD Box Set celebrating Harmonia Mundi’s 50th Anniversary will be drawn and announced on Wednesday December 5th between 5 and 6pm! Winner will be notified.

Winner of the John Tallis 3MBS Victorian Young Performer Award
The John Tallis 3MBS Victorian Young Performer Award was held on Sunday October 28th at 2.30pm in Melba Hall, presented by The Musical Society of Victoria and 3MBS FM. Congratulations to the winner of the Victorian Young Performer of the Year Award winner for 2007 Stephen Ma. Congratulations also to the 3MBS Encouragement Award winner Jessica Jiang. 3MBS will present the national final of the 2007 Young Performer Award at Melba Hall on Sunday November 25 at 2:30pm.  Tune in for an exclusive delayed broadcast during Melbourne in Concert at 8:30pm later that evening, on 3MBS FM – 103.5FM or via www.3mbs.org.au/listen

Three Different Violins - a new 3MBS Podcast
When luthier Paul Davies and violinist Lizzie Welsh joined Craig Buddle on the Score on Friday October 12th to talk about the differences between three violins of varying age and style, it was so fascinating, we've turned it into a podcast you can enjoy whenever you like.

3MBS and State Library Rare Australian Chamber Music Podcast
The first of a concert series called Musical Treasures at the State Library of Victoria, which was recorded by Hermione Gilchrist for 3MBS, has been turned into a podcast which is available on the State Library of Victoria's website. The podcast features movements from works by Charles Edward Horsley and Alberto Zelman Snr, performed by The Seraphim Trio. Musical Treasures is an exciting project which showcases the work done by 3MBS's patron and noted conductor Richard Divall OAM and celebrated harpist Marshall McGuire. During their State Library of Victoria Creative Fellowships, each produced new editions of the manuscripts they worked on, enabling this rare, original music to be performed and distributed.

Get on the November Nag! Subscribe to 3MBS
Are you a listener to 3MBS but haven't yet made the rewarding shift to being a subscriber? Or perhaps you were a subscriber in the past but have lapsed. The November Nag is the perfect time to show your support for 3MBS and be in with a chance to win a deluxe 29-CD Box Set celebrating Harmonia Mundi’s 50th Anniversary?

3MBS Performance and Recording Studio
The 3MBS Performance and Recording Studio is a high-end profesisonal recording facility in our state-of-the-art premises at Abbotsford. The studio is available for use and hire.

What's on 3MBS FM ‘Live at the Convent'
‘Live at the Convent’ presents the next generation of Australia’s musical talent in a series of intimate live-to-air radio recitals every Tuesday at 1:30pm.
The only way you can hear these exclusive performances is by tuning in to 3MBS on 103.5MHz in Victoria or anywhere else via our web stream at www.3mbs.org.au.

3MBS Cry Baby Classical Concerts - Music for children of all ages!
The City of Yarra and 3MBS proudly present a series of Cry Baby Classical Concerts for babies, children and adults. Music for children will be performed live and concerts are specifically designed for parents with babies and young children.

3MBS Music and Culture Tours
The 2007 3MBS annual Music and Culture Tour of Central Europe is a 20-day music, wine and cultural journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria, including travel and accommodation, most meals and six musical performances. 
Places are still available, so if you'd like to join the tour, contact Fiv Antoniou on 9416 1035 or email sponsorship@3mbs.org.au

Get to know ‘The Score’ 9:00am – 10:00am Weekdays
3MBS FM is launching a new flagship morning program on August 1st. As many listeners may be aware, Adventures in Good Music with Karl Haas will no longer be available to Australian audiences after July 31. This gives 3MBS the chance to create something special, and something unique to fine music in Melbourne – a brand new program called The Score.

Theatretrack Soirée Thursday October 18th
Tune in to Henry Sachwald's Theatretrack show from 10pm this Thursday 18 October to hear some of Melbourne's most exciting musical theatre talents perform live at The Convent. Ranging from new talent Julie Goodwin to maestro Vanessa Scammell, the show will include live performances and interviews with each artist about their upcoming musical theatre shows and their careers to date. Proudly supported by Entertainment Store.

Classically Melbourne 2007 - A Great Success
Wednesday 8th of August was the 8th Classically Melbourne Concert, held at Hamer Hall and it was a grand evening of fine music. Maestro Marco Zuccarini led Orchestra Victoria in a night of Spanish themes, with soloist pianist Caroline Almonte. The event was attended by the Spanish Consular General, among other special guests and 3MBS supporters. Betty Amsden presented the $6000 award to Peter McNamara for his winning piece, Auftauchen der Nacht , and Tim McKenry won the APRA encouragement award. Thanks to Betty Amsden, Orchestra Victoria, The Arts Centre, The Robert Salzer Foundation, APRA, and especially to Robert Divall and the other judges of the 3MBS National Composer Awards.

20:20@3MBS
20 performances in 20 days by secondary music students.
3MBS FM is launching an exciting new radio project this year, broadcasting 20 of Victoria’s best senior secondary school music performers over 20 days in September 2007.

St Ignatius Church 140th Anniversary Concert
To celebrate the 140 years since St Ignatius was first established in Richmond, the church is holding a free concert, bringing together an eclectic collection of performers, all leaders in their genre: David Bridie, The Benaud Trio, Hilary Henshaw and The Melba Singers.

St Ignatius Church 140th Anniversary Concert
Sunday September 16th at 3:00pm
St Ignatius Church
326 Church St, Richmond
www.ignatius.org.au

Venice: Its Music and Other Miracles 
Join Ola Tasker for a fascinating exploration of the glorious musical heritage of Venice.  The series can be heard on 3MBS in Concert Hall on Thursdays during July and August, beginning on 5 July at 1.30pm.

Brief interruption to broadcast at midnight on August 16th
At midnight on Thursday August 16th 3MBS FM will briefly cease transmission for minor repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and will return to normal programming as soon as is possible.

8th 3MBS Classically Melbourne Free Family Concert
With Orchestra Victoria featuring the performance from the Winner of the 2007 3MBS National Composer Awards, Conducted by Marco Zuccarini (pictured).
Wednesday August 8th at 8:00pm in Hamer Hall, Victorian Arts Centre
An all-Spanish theme featuring the music of Manuel De Falla, Isaac Albeniz, Maurice Ravel and Emmauel Chabrier. Tickets will be available from July 2nd and are strictly limited, so contact 3MBS Reception on (03) 9416 1035 for tickets, and tune in to Kingfisher Bay Afternoon Concert for the delayed broadcast of this concert on Saturday September 8th at 3:00pm on 3MBS 103.5FM.

3MBS Free Musical Showcase at BMW Edge!!
Join us live or listen to our live-to-air broadcast of this 3MBS musical showcase at BMW Edge in Federation Square. From 12 noon to 4.30pm on Friday July 20th.

3MBS Debut Podcast
3MBS FM’s Tim Dehn interviewed Kronos Quartet founding member David Harrington about the ensemble’s history and their unique approach to making music.

Radiothon - 'Your Classical Habit' - Thank you!
Pay your radiothon subscription by Friday June 8th and you will be in the draw for the Piano from Bernie’s  Music Land, the year’s double pass top the Nova Cinema, Live performances by Flinders Quartet and Benaud Trio and render from Ability Chemicals.  The draw is on June 12th – please post your subscription to 3MBS at 1 St Helier Street Abbostford.

Everyone at 3MBS thanks our generous sponsors who contributed prizes during the Radiothon.  This enabled us to pass last year’s total. Thanks to Bernies’ Music Land, Tivoli Hi-Fi, the Nova Cinema, Mr Moto, Victorian Opera, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Kingfisher Bay Resort, Australia Pro Arte and Amber Blue.

Your Classical Habit... our Radiothon!
The 2007 Radiothon runs from May 11 to May 20. Every person that calls to subscribe receives a free CD and is entered into the Daily Draw.
Each day over 22 prizes will be given away, including musical instruments, dinners for two, tickets to performances by the Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Victorian Opera and Fraser Island holiday packages. At the end of the Radiothon, every person who subscribed will be entered in the Major Draw...

3MBS Book and Record Fair is Expanding
Yes, time to get moving & sort through all your old, unloved or unwanted items.
We are moving to regular sales throughout the year and are travelling North, South, East & West in search of quality books, records, cd's, sheet music, postcards, car manuals...even old instruction booklets & pamphlets!
Call our pick up line during normal business hours & our friendly volunteers will come to you to pack & move the items for you. Call 9539 2199 and leave your details on our hotline and we'll get out to you as soon as possible.

Entries are now open for the 2007 National Composer Awards.
Open to all Australian residents, 3MBS is looking for original scores not previously performed in public.
This unique award has been developed by 3MBS in association with Orchestra Victoria, Betty Amsden OAM, APRA, the Arts Centre & the Robert Salzer Foundation to promote and develop Australian composers and showcase their orchestral works.

We’re Official! 3MBS Station Launch
March 1st Opening
On a beautiful day at the Abbotsford Convent, Professor David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria and a decade long subscriber to 3MBS, officially opened the station's new premises. In a gala event, the Governor was joined by his wife, Mrs Jan de Kretser and other distinguished guests to usher in a new era for the station. The bellbirds were in full song and Professor de Kretser commented that the birdsong would be an ideal signature tune for the station.

3MBS Media Partners on the Melba Festival 2007
A wonderful musical opportunity to visit the beautiful Yarra Valley
Inspired by the magic that made Dame Nellie Melba an international star in the early 1900s, the Festival will celebrate fine music and art, together with the great food and wines which have made the Yarra Valley internationally famous.
The Yarra Valley is renowned for its beauty, wineries, local produce, national parks, art and culture. Situated an hour from both the CBD and Melbourne International Airport the region produces some of the world's best wines - and also was the home of Australia's most famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba.

3MBS FM ‘Live at the Convent’ starts Tuesday March 6th
Beginning on March 6, 2007 ‘Live at the Convent’ presents the next generation of Australia’s musical talent in a series of intimate live-to-air radio recitals every Tuesday at 1:30pm.
The first performance in the ‘Live at the Convent’ series will feature flautist Karen Schofield, from the Victorian College of the Arts performing works for flute and accompanist, including a brand new work from Australian composer Mark Viggiani.

We've moved!
3MBS is now installed in our beautiful new premises in the St Euphrasia Building at the Abbotsford Convent.
While we unpack and get settled, please bear with us. Do please also note our new contact telephone and fax numbers as well as the new physical and postal address:
St Euphrasia, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
Telephone: (03) 9416 1035
Facsimile: (03) 9416 1036
Email: info@3mbs.org.au
Website: http://www.3mbs.org.au

3MBS Open Day
On Saturday March 3rd from 10am to 2pm Melbourne's only locally-based classical music radio station is having an Open Day. This is a great opportunity to visit us in our new premises in the St Euphrasia Building at the Abbotsford Convent and enjoy the beauty and community atmosphere of the Convent.

Special attractions include station tours and live music by the Benaud Trio (3MBS's brand new Musicians-in-Residence), pianist Rowan Vince, Singer Kavisha Mazzella from 'La Voce della Luna' and more to be announced.

There will be tables and chairs set up in the courtyard to the west of our staff amenities block. Please enter through the main convent gates and congregate here, have a cup of coffee or tea and meet other 3MBS supporters. All tours will leave from this point.

To partake of one of our Station Tours please book your place with 3MBS Administrator Damian O'Keefe on subs@3mbs.org.au or by phoning 9416 1035.

3MBS Broadens links with Melbourne’s Asian community
3MBS supports the 2007 Victoria Street Lunar New Year Festival.
As part of its cultural program designed to promote classical music from around the world, 3MBS is proud to be one of the sponsors of the 2007 Victoria Street Lunar New Year Festival in Richmond.  The cultural program’s primary focus is to foster ties with multicultural musical groups to promote the awareness and appreciation of music from around the world while further inspiring and educating listeners about diverse classical music styles.