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The Academy of Performing Arts at Monash University will be officially launched later this month within a celebratory atmosphere of Music and Theatre performances.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins, a strong backer of the Academy said
“We are fortunate to have been able to engage Jeffrey Crellin (Music) and Peter Oyston (Theatre), both of whom have outstanding careers in their respective fields, as the foundation Artistic Directors.”

Drawing on students from the School of Music – Conservatorium and the Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies, the Academy provides a cultural context of highly professional theatre and music productions underscored by artistic and academic discipline.

“Teaching through performance continues the students’ academic work towards a deeper and more sophisticated professional understanding”, Peter Oyston said.

A Music performance to launch the Academy will feature a solo performance by Ian Munro and the program will showcase three significant pieces; Glinka’s Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, k491 and Brahms’ Symphony No.1 in C minor, Opus 68.

Ian Munro has emerged over recent years as one of Australia’s most distinguished and awarded musicians, with a career that has taken him to thirty countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Australasia.

Ian has recorded CDs for a number of labels, including ABC Classics and his commitment to the professional development of younger players is well known around the world.

“The experience and brilliance of Ian Munro combined with the burgeoning talent of the Monash orchestral players will showcase our achievements at Monash. We have thoroughly embraced the wonderful opportunity to host Ian Munro. It will be a great experience for our students to accompany such a wonderful artist”, Jeffrey Crellin said.

The Bacchae, by Euripides opens at Chapel Off Chapel Thursday 16 August. It is the next major Theatre project for the Academy’s Graduate Ensemble. This will be an exciting new interpretation of this remarkable play, which is adapted and directed by Peter Oyston.

Director of the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts, Ms Jan Clancy says, “The Academy initiative provides a completely new direction for the creation of Theatre and Music at Monash. This is achieved through the work of the Artistic Directors developing performance with our students.”

Monash University Academy of Performing Arts Launch: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 7pm.
Monash Academy Orchestra featuring Ian Munro: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 8pm

Robert Blackwood Concert Hall, Monash University, Clayton Campus.

For further information: www.monash.edu.au/monart