Audiences enjoy a unique up-close performance experience with Darwin Symphony Orchestra at Palmerston Classics 2025, held at the Palmerston Recreation Centre. Photo: Paz Tassone.

Escape the build-up and experience two days of orchestral magic with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra at the Palmerston Recreation Centre, in the heart of Palmerston, on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October. Presented in partnership with the City of Palmerston, this weekend of music offers something for everyone to explore, experience and enjoy, from newcomers to seasoned classical music lovers. 

City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell welcomed the return of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra for another weekend of music and celebration in Palmerston. 

“We’re excited to welcome the Darwin Symphony Orchestra back to Palmerston for another fantastic weekend of live music.” 

“Palmerston is a place for people, and events like Palmerston Classics and Family Proms give our community the opportunity to come together, experience something new and provides aspiring young musicians the opportunity to get up close to a live orchestra.” 

“We’re proud to partner with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to bring these performances to Palmerston and look forward to welcoming audiences from across our city and the wider Darwin region.” 

Darwin Symphony Orchestra performs at Palmerston Classics 2025 in the Palmerston Recreation Centre, transforming the venue’s basketball court into a unique concert setting. Photo: Paz Tassone.

On Friday evening, make it a night out with your partner or friends. Enjoy a meal at one of Palmerston’s local venues before heading to the Recreation Centre for Palmerston Classics. 
 
Audiences will hear a selection of celebrated classical favourites from composers who have stood the test of time, including Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Albéniz, Elgar and Rimsky-Korsakov. The concert will also feature acclaimed Ukrainian-Australian guest concertmaster and soloist, Markiyan Melnychenko, described by Stringendo as “…a master violinist… combining his extraordinary bravura technique with elegance“. 
 
Joining him on stage will be DSO musicians Stephen Pevely (clarinet), Rob Llewellyn (bassoon) and Heath Parkinson (French horn), who will step into the spotlight as soloists in Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, showcasing the exceptional talent within the orchestra. 
 
DSO Artistic Director Richard Mills AO shares what makes the Palmerston Classics experience unique for audiences: 
 
“The DSO looks forward to working in Palmerston each year. The basketball court we play in is really a wonderful concert venue. The sound of the orchestra in this venue is quite special, and the relationship with our audience is quite intimate.” 

“The DSO belongs to the Northern Territory, and the music we play is for everybody to enjoy. The program offers great variety and features many orchestra players in solo roles, as well as our fantastic guest concertmaster and soloist, Markiyan Melnychenko, a true virtuoso, in the sparkling Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, a real showpiece for violin and orchestra.” 
 
“We will also play some very old music for brass, originally written for the Basilica di San Marco in Venice by Gabrieli, and finish with one of the great orchestral classics, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol.” 
 
“All the pieces we are going to play are classics. They are loved by both musicians and audiences from generation to generation because they contain something of enduring value that is rediscovered afresh by each succeeding generation. That is why they endure through time.” 
 
“The DSO is excited to make music for the families of Palmerston. Our visit is a signature event in our calendar. See you soon.”

Children enjoy a hands-on introduction to the harp with Darwin Symphony Orchestra musician Erna Jarvis at Palmerston Family Proms 2025. Photo: Paz Tassone.

Then on Saturday morning, bring the whole family along to Palmerston Family Proms for a magical morning of music. 
 
This concert promises to be a joyful and engaging experience, giving families the opportunity to discover the instruments and sounds that make up the orchestra. Hosted by Stephanie Arnold, DSO Community Engagement Officer and Principal Cellist, the concert will also feature guest conductor and DSO General Manager Paul Christ, alongside some instrument demonstrations performed by young musicians from the DSO Young Artists Program. 
 
Stephanie Arnold shares what makes Palmerston Family Proms so special for families: 
 
“This is a fantastic concert for the whole family, allowing young people to experience the orchestra up close in a relaxed setting. It’s an interactive show full of energy and colour, and the perfect way to introduce children to the wonderfully broad world of classical music.” 
 
Palmerston Classics and Palmerston Family Proms invite audiences from across Darwin and beyond the Berrimah Line to come to Palmerston and experience orchestral music in an intimate concert setting. It’s an opportunity to discover orchestral classics, explore the sounds of the orchestra, and experience live music up close. 
 
Tickets are now on sale. Weekend packages are available. 

Event Details 
 
Palmerston Classics 
Date: Friday 9 October 
Time: 7:30pm 
Venue: Palmerston Recreation Centre 
Price: From $15 (Weekend packages available) 
 
Palmerston Family Proms 
Date: Saturday 10 October 
Time: 10:00am 
Venue: Palmerston Recreation Centre 
Price: $15 (free admission for children under 2 years) 
 
Event Link: https://dso.org.au/palmerston-dso/