Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs at Sydney Cricket Ground

The Sydney Cricket Ground hosted a unique concert on Tuesday night, as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's Vanguard program showcased classical music. Instead of the usual cricket sounds, the audience enjoyed pieces by Mozart and Gershwin, along with songs inspired by famous cricketer Don Bradman. The event featured six musicians performing in the Members Pavilion. This concert aimed to attract a younger audience by moving music out of traditional venues like the Opera House. The concert also displayed cricket memorabilia from the SCG Museum, including Bradman's famous cap and shoes from AFL star Buddy Franklin. Seventeen-year-old Gabriel Mather attended with his mother, Emma McDonald. He found the venue exciting but felt slightly underdressed in casual shorts. “Mum told me it wasn’t formal,” he said. Victoria Fox-Smith, a board member of the Melba Opera Trust, noted that making classical music accessible to young people is important. She expressed concern that many young people prefer modern music over concerts. Kate Shaw, chair of the Vanguard program, explained that the goal is to create a more relaxed environment for enjoying live music. The Vanguard program has previously taken performances to various unconventional locations, aiming to introduce a broader audience to orchestral music. The evening concluded with a rendition of "Our Don Bradman," merging the worlds of music and cricket. After the concert, musicians and patrons mingled, fostering connections between the two communities.