Royal Melbourne Philharmonic

31/08/2026

Thank you to Heather Leviston from Classic Melbourne for this in depth review of the 20th RMP Aria and performance of Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ and ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’.

https://classicmelbourne.com.au/royal-melbourne-philharmonic-the-20th-rmp-aria-finalists-concert-2026/

31/08/2026

MESSIAH IS NOW ON SALE and already selling fast! Be a part of a great Melbourne tradition! Bookings:

Presenting fine music in Melbourne since 1853, The RMP is Australia's oldest surviving Not for Profit Performing Arts Organisation

31/08/2026

MESSIAH NOW ON SALE and selling fast! Don't miss your chance to be a part of a great musical tradition. Bookings:

Presenting fine music in Melbourne since 1853, The RMP is Australia's oldest surviving Not for Profit Performing Arts Organisation

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our two concerts on the weekend.

Congratulations to soprano Rachael Joyce who was awarded First Prize by the Judges and named winner of the 20th RMP Aria Final People's Choice Award for her superb performances of Debussy's' L'enfant prodigue' and Handel's aria 'Oh that I on wings could rise' from his oratorio Theodora. Runner-up was mezzo-soprano Naomi Flatman, and Third Prize was awarded to contralto Jasmin Kaye. Lyric Baritone Bailey Montgomerie was the recipient of the Conductor's Encouragement Prize.

Well done to all the other finalists (soprano Jacqueline Ward; tenor Douglas Kelly and baritone Jack Futcher) for an evening of sensational performances across the board. A special shout-out to the brilliant Stefan Cassomenos for his outstanding support as official accompanist, and to the other judges Andrew Bainbridge, Sally-Anne Russell, and RMP Artistic Director Andrew Wailes).

Finally a big round of applause to all the 150 or so members of the RMP Oratorio Festival Choir and RMP Orchestra, soprano soloist Justine Schaefer and baritone soloist Jeremy Kleeman for their two excellent performances on Saturday. Conductor Andrew Wailes directed two polished performances of Faure's beautiful 'Cantique de Jean Racine' and his 'Requiem in D minor' in a magnificent celebration of the oratorio art form, and it was a perfect way to end a wonderful day of high-quality music-making.

Bravi tutti! 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿 👏

📸 Photographs by Paul Dodd and Ruth Woodrow.

Rachael Joyce Soprano
Naomi Flatman - Lyric Mezzo Soprano
Kaye
Bailey Montgomerie Music
Jacqueline Ward - Soprano
Jack Futcher
The Edge, Fed Square

Doug Kelly
Jeremy Kleeman - Bass Baritone
Sally-Anne Russell
Stefan Cassomenos
A Keith Wailes
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic
Melbourne University Choral Society - MUCS
Box Hill Chorale
THE 20th RMP ARIA FINAL AND FAURÉ'S REQUIEM 2026

22/08/2026

Congratulations to the following singers who have been selected from a large and incredibly talented field of singers as finalists for the 2026 RMP Aria.

2026 RMP Aria Finalists:

· Rachael Joyce, soprano, 28, VIC (b. Melbourne, VIC)
· Douglas Kelly, tenor, 33, VIC (b. Penrith, NSW)
· Naomi Flatman, mezzo-sop, 31, QLD (b. Baar, Switzerland)
· Bailey Montgomerie, baritone, 27, VIC (b. Sydney, NSW)
· Jack Futcher, baritone, 21, NSW (b. Sydney, NSW)
· Jasmine Kaye, contralto, 24, QLD (b. Sunnybank, QLD)
· Jacqueline Ward, soprano, 35, TAS (b. Brisbane, QLD)

Reserve Finalist:

· Nicholas Matters, tenor, 29, VIC (b. Daylesford, VIC)

BOOK TOUR TICKETS NOW to hear these brilliant performers, accompanied by outstanding pianist Stefan Cassomenos at The Edge, Fed Square, Saturday 29 August at 7pm

The concert will include a full-scale performance of Faure's 'Requiem' and 'Cantique de Jean Racine', featuring over 150 musicians from the RMP Oratorio Festival Choir and RMP Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Wailes.

BOOKINGS: www.rmp.org.au or https://www.trybooking.com/DNPWM

Presenting fine music in Melbourne since 1853, The RMP is Australia's oldest surviving Not for Profit Performing Arts Organisation

21/08/2026

Hear Faure's sublime "Requiem" as well as the beautiful "Cantique de Jean Racine" and other works at a special 3pm afternoon performance, or at 7pm following the evening final of the 20th RMP Aria Competition featuring six of Australia's best oratorio soloists! The choirs are sounding glorious, and we are looking forward to welcoming back Jeremy Kleeman - Bass Baritone as soloist. Do join us for what will be a fantastic day of music-making.
BOOK NOW: www.rmp.org.au

11/08/2026

Hear Faure's sublime "Requiem" as well as the beautiful "Cantique de Jean Racine" and other works at a special 3pm afternoon performance, or at 7pm following the evening final of the 20th RMP Aria Competition featuring six of Australia's best oratorio soloists!
BOOK NOW: www.rmp.org.au