Join me for an evening of live classical music at Hamer Hall as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs Jaime conducts Dvořák, Smetana & Coll. We’ll meet outside Hamer Hall first, say hello, then head in together for the 6:45pm pre-concert talk in the Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer before the 7:30pm concert. The program includes Smetana’s Vltava, Francisco Coll’s Piano Concerto, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. MSO lists Francisco Coll’s Piano Concerto as the Australian premiere of an MSO co-commission. The performance duration is listed as approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. This will be a relaxed, low-pressure meetup for anyone interested in orchestral music, whether you already attend classical concerts or just feel like trying something different. You’re very welcome to come solo. We’ll meet before the talk so people do not have to arrive alone, and after the concert we can optionally grab dinner nearby if anyone is interested. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjaqi6gBm3z7q8ai7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjaqi6gBm3z7q8ai7) Event: [https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-jaime-conducts-dvorak-smetana-coll](https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-jaime-conducts-dvorak-smetana-coll) Please check your eligibility for the promo code here: [https://www.mso.com.au/first-look-seats/first-look-seats-faqs](https://www.mso.com.au/first-look-seats/first-look-seats-faqs) **Rough timeline** 6:20pm — Meet outside Hamer Hall 6:45pm — Attend the pre-concert talk in the Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer 7:30pm — Concert begins Interval — Short break 9:15pm — Concert finishes and meetup wraps up Afterwards — Optional dinner nearby if people are interested **Tickets** You’ll need to purchase your own ticket for the concert. I’ve already bought mine. My seat is Stall R35, and I purchased it for $23 using the FIRSTLOOK promo code, though prices, promo eligibility, and availability may vary depending on what is still available. Please check your own eligibility before using the promo code. MSO’s First Look Seats page says these tickets are for first-time MSO attendees, with limited allocations and conditions. **What to bring** * Your concert ticket * Anything you need for the evening * Optional: money/card for dinner afterwards **Important notes** Please arrive on time if you want to join the pre-concert talk with the group. If you are running late, you can still attend the concert independently, but it may be harder to meet once we have gone inside. Everyone is responsible for buying their own ticket. Seating may be separate depending on what tickets are still available. You’re welcome to leave straight after the concert. Dinner afterwards is optional and will depend on who is interested on the night. **Other info** This is a social meetup, not a formal music lecture or guided event. The main idea is to enjoy the concert together in a relaxed way and make it easier for people to attend live classical music without feeling like they have to go alone.