By Tyler Wright
The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra is preparing to bring a slice to international culture to Mooroolbark this week.
The orchestra’s final concert for 2023, ’More Than Music,’ will feature a selection of the world’s favourite ’unofficial anthems’ – including songs Finlandia, Londonderry Air and Pomp and Circumstance.
Orchestra manager Anne Elizabeth said the concert, set to be held at the Mooroolbark Community Centre on Sunday 3 December, will take attendees on a “journey around the world”.
“We’ve got music from Finland, Ireland, the UK, even Australia,” Elizabeth said.
“We’re playing music that is readily identified with those particular countries, and they can even be said to be their unofficial national anthems like Waltzing Matilda is for Australia.
“It means more than music; they are music pieces, but [they help] people identify with their country.“
The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra – a full ensemble – has been going for 40 years, and is based out of Upwey High School.
Elizabeth said it gives the opportunity for locals to play music without having to travel to the city.
“Music is very unifying – and that’s the other thing about the pieces we’re playing [at this concert]- they express the identity of a country coming from the grassroots as opposed to the official national anthem which is usually chosen by the government.
“These songs like [Ireland’s] Danny Boy and [Australia’s] Waltzing Matilda, they’re chosen by the people because it binds you to your culture; It also helps you express your culture to another culture.“
The concert will start at 2pm, with tickets available online at dro.org.au and at the door.
Tickets for adults are priced at $25, with a $20 for a concession ticket.
Under 12s go free.
The Mooroolbark Community Centre is located at 125 Brice Avenue Mooroolbark.
For more information, email musicofthedro@gmail.com
The event is supported by Yarra Ranges Council.
