We’re celebrating 40 years of remarkable experiences and treasured memories at Hamer Hall.
Hamer Hall is celebrating its 40th year in 2023! In November 1982, Hamer Hall – previously known as the Melbourne Concert Hall – opened its doors for the first time. It quickly became the premier venue for orchestral performance in Victoria and has continued to provide cultural and memorable experiences for the community.
To mark this milestone, we want to unearth and spotlight stories of Hamer Hall from those that built its memorable walls to performers on its stage. And to its audiences – to you.
Everyone’s story of Hamer Hall is unique – and we want to hear yours.
We welcome you to share your memories of Hamer Hall with us in celebration of four decades of live performance.
In this episode of the Hamer Hall | 40 Years series, father and son Ray and Jake Rogers share the ups and downs of working in the same venue and celebrate their friendship that has solidified over the decades backstage.
Meet Deline Briscoe, Yalanji woman of song, owner of Gaba Musik, and Artistic Director, BLAKTIVISM. After watching her idols on stage at Hamer Hall in the early years of her career, Deline returns to celebrate Blak Cultures and Blak Artivism, reconnecting ancient songs across the region in a powerful one-night only special event.
The Queen of Cabaret, Dolly Diamond, is featured in episode three of the Hamer Hall | 40 Years series. Dolly shares her great love for Hamer Hall through her memories of performing on stage to an adoring crowd.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Hamer Hall, Jane Gazzo shares her favourite memory of meeting the legendary Pattie Smith backstage, and how important it is for young people to experience the performing arts.
In episode one of the Hamer Hall | 40 Years series, Vicki Fairfax (Author of A Place Across The River and wife of the late George Fairfax AM) recounts her special connections to Arts Centre Melbourne, what the venue means to those who engage with it and an extraordinary performance moment featuring the late Archie Roach AM.
Everyone's story of Hamer Hall is unique and reflects something beyond just the bricks and mortar. Coming to see incredible performances in the space over the past 40 years, many of us have had something that has caught our eye, made our heart sing, and kept us smiling. We asked you to share your special moments with us, and you have shared some incredible memories. We’re thrilled to be able to share just some of these, in your own words here.
