Zelman Symphony
The Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra - the Zelman Symphony - is the longest-running amateur orchestra in Melbourne, Australia.
Founded by the amateur players of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in 1933, the orchestra remembers the contribution to Australian music of the former conductor and leader, Alberto Zelman (Junior). It has given at least three concerts each year since that time.
Herbert Davis was the founding conductor (1933-59). He was followed by Paul McDermott (1960-73), then Leon La Gruta (1974-77). Short-term guest conductors covered the next two years until Philip Carrington was appointed in 1980. He served as conductor of the orchestra from 1980 until 1999. Since 2000, the orchestra has worked under a number of conductors well known in Melbourne's amateur and professional music circles, including Philip Carrington, Phillip Green, Peter Handsworth, Gerald Keuneman, Janis Laurs, Rick Prakhoff, Tom Pugh, Joannes Roose and Mark Shiell. Mark Shiell was appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the orchestra in 2010.
There have been only five appointed concertmasters of the orchestra: Bertha Jorgensen (1933-45), Connie Ziebell (1946-82), Donald Hancock (1982-2001), Yik Ming Chim (2001-2004), and Mary Johnston (2009- )
Today the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra comprises some 70 players in a full symphonic ensemble, performing classical, romantic and twentieth century symphonies and concertos with fine guest soloists. The orchestra performs four concerts a year in Melbourne and one in Yea, Victoria in association with 100kNorth Arts.