Zurich’s loss was Melbourne’s gain in 2015 when Eoin Andersen became Concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Having begun violin lessons at the age of five, Eoin Andersen didn’t follow a straight line to his present position. In 2000 he graduated from NYU in film production and arts management. Nevertheless he became a member of the music ensemble of the Mark Morris Dance Group, then chamber music performances took him to Europe where he attracted invitations to perform as guest concertmaster of several major orchestras; even a stint as Guest Principal of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He joined the Zurich Opera Orchestra in 2011 before accepting Melbourne’s invitation last year.

From 9 June, Eoin Andersen will be soloist with the MSO in three performances of Mendelssohn’s irresistible Violin Concerto in an attractive program he’s directing in the Recital Centre and the Robert Blackwood Hall. At the same time, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is presenting one of their special events at the Opera House. On 8 June, Chinese piano superstar Lang Lang is returning in a recital program of Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Bach’s Italian concerto-for-one. Two nights later, Lang Lang joins the SSO for a romantic program featuring the Grieg Concerto in A minor on June 10 & 11. Hugely popular on his 2011 visit to Australia, Lang Lang became known to the whole world when he performed in the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.