QVB and Concerts for All Officially Partner to Bring Classical Music Into Everyday Life
- Concerts for All
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
21 November 2025, Sydney — The historic Queen Victoria Building (QVB) resonated with the music of Mozart, Brahms and Massenet, as Concerts for All (CFA) and the Queen Victoria Building announced their musical partnership. This special one-hour concert inaugurated the collaboration, following the delivery of the grand piano donation from Concerts for All to the venue four weeks prior.
The event featured performances by Concerts for All board members, who are also internationally acclaimed musicians: pianist Christopher Malek, pianist Elen Rapoport and violinist Marija Stojakovic.
Pianist Christopher Malek opened the concert with a melody that all would recognise: Mozart’s 12 Variations on Ah vous dirai-je, Maman. The theme, instantly recognised by the audience as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, drew smiles of recognition from young and old alike. The piece’s deceptive simplicity quickly evolved into a dazzling showcase of technical mastery.
The Legacy and a Shared Vision
Following the applause, Jared Byrne, Guest Experience Manager of the QVB, warmly welcomed the growing crowd. He highlighted the significance of the instrument in restoring a musical tradition to the building.
"The piano has been a core part of the QVB's identity for over 40 years. Thanks to the donation of this new piano from Concerts for All, we're able to continue that legacy and bring music to the QVB." —Jared Byrne, QVB Guest Experience Manager
Yichao Ma, Director of Concerts for All, expressed her gratitude to everyone present and shared the philosophy driving this initiative:
We donated this grand piano to the QVB because it's a cultural landmark...a place where music can genuinely belong to everyone. Our hope is that this piano becomes a spark of courage for young performers and a simple reminder that art can live right in the middle of everyday life. —Yichao Ma, Concerts for All Director
The event was also honoured by the presence of QVB Centre Manager Melanie Vale. As the initiator of the collaboration, her shared vision with Concerts for All was instrumental in bringing the partnership to life.
World-Class Performances Outside the Concert Hall
With the introductions complete, Vice President and violinist Marija Stojakovic took the stage to highlight Concerts for All's ongoing initiatives and upcoming events. She was then joined by pianist Elen Rapoport for a spirited performance of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, and the duo continued with Massenet’s poignant Méditation from Thaïs.
Elen Rapoport continued to captivate the audience with the poetry of select Chopin pieces, before Christopher Malek returned to close the program with the majestic authority of Chopin’s "Heroic" Polonaise.
Audience Response
The immediate response from the audience affirmed the organisation's mission. For many shoppers and passersby, the concert was an unexpected encounter with the beauty of live classical performance. Listeners expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy high-quality classical music in the midst of their day, bringing an experience usually reserved for the concert hall into everyday life.
One attendee shared a sentiment that touched the entire Concerts for All team:
"Thank you so much for bringing this concert to the QVB. It brings such an opportunity for people who have never experienced live performances, and it's just so enriching and so beautiful, encompassing music. It brings music into people's lives. Thank you so much."
What's Next: Monthly Concerts at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
This launch is just the beginning. Concerts for All is delighted to announce a new series of monthly classical concerts at the QVB. Two events have been confirmed for December 2025, including a special Christmas celebration.
Concerts for All warmly invites musicians who wish to be part of this unique initiative to register here.
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