Blab Music
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to Stage Four Tribute Concerts Celebrating 40th Anniversary of 1986 Tour De Force with Elton John
In October, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will bring back a defining moment of Australian music history. Four tribute concerts at Hamer Hall—scheduled for 12, 19, 26 September and 3 October—will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 “Tour De Force,” the first major collaboration between a full‑size classical orchestra and a pop superstar.
The new shows will feature Australian singer‑pianist Jason Dean and his band Superband, with musical director Chong Lim at the helm. Though Elton John will not attend, the concerts aim to honor the original partnership’s lasting influence.
The 1986 tour was a milestone. Over 26 dates across the country, each performance ran roughly three and a half hours and was split into two halves: John opened with his 14‑piece band, then joined the 88‑piece MSO for a full orchestral set. During the orchestral portion, John donned a Mozart‑style wig and 18th‑century formal attire, a visual signature that became iconic.
MSO principal flutist Prudence Davis, who joined the orchestra in 1980, described the tour as “probably the best tour that we’ve been on.” She recalled how John greeted each musician on the flight to Brisbane for the opening shows and later presented them with champagne and handwritten cards.
A recording of the Sydney Entertainment Centre concert on 14 December 1986 was released as a live album and concert film in 1987. The setlist blended John’s recent studio tracks with fan favorites such as “Your Song” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”
Tickets for the tribute concerts are being sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis through the MSO’s official website. The MSO, resident at Hamer Hall, has long been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural scene, supported by state and federal funding and private donors. Its history of collaborating with popular artists has broadened its audience and showcased the versatility of classical ensembles.
Chong Lim told Rolling Stone Australia that “It’s an enormous honour to revisit that historic and exciting moment in music history.” He will arrange the orchestral parts to reflect the original 1986 arrangements while accommodating Dean’s contemporary style.
The tribute series offers Melbourne audiences a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in music history. While Elton John will not be present, the concerts aim to honor the original collaboration’s impact on both classical and pop music communities. The MSO’s decision to revisit the 1986 tour underscores the enduring appeal of cross‑genre partnerships and the lasting influence of the “Tour De Force” on Australian music culture.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the MSO website. No additional dates or releases have been announced beyond the four scheduled concerts.
The new shows will feature Australian singer‑pianist Jason Dean and his band Superband, with musical director Chong Lim at the helm. Though Elton John will not attend, the concerts aim to honor the original partnership’s lasting influence.
The 1986 tour was a milestone. Over 26 dates across the country, each performance ran roughly three and a half hours and was split into two halves: John opened with his 14‑piece band, then joined the 88‑piece MSO for a full orchestral set. During the orchestral portion, John donned a Mozart‑style wig and 18th‑century formal attire, a visual signature that became iconic.
MSO principal flutist Prudence Davis, who joined the orchestra in 1980, described the tour as “probably the best tour that we’ve been on.” She recalled how John greeted each musician on the flight to Brisbane for the opening shows and later presented them with champagne and handwritten cards.
A recording of the Sydney Entertainment Centre concert on 14 December 1986 was released as a live album and concert film in 1987. The setlist blended John’s recent studio tracks with fan favorites such as “Your Song” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”
Tickets for the tribute concerts are being sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis through the MSO’s official website. The MSO, resident at Hamer Hall, has long been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural scene, supported by state and federal funding and private donors. Its history of collaborating with popular artists has broadened its audience and showcased the versatility of classical ensembles.
Chong Lim told Rolling Stone Australia that “It’s an enormous honour to revisit that historic and exciting moment in music history.” He will arrange the orchestral parts to reflect the original 1986 arrangements while accommodating Dean’s contemporary style.
The tribute series offers Melbourne audiences a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in music history. While Elton John will not be present, the concerts aim to honor the original collaboration’s impact on both classical and pop music communities. The MSO’s decision to revisit the 1986 tour underscores the enduring appeal of cross‑genre partnerships and the lasting influence of the “Tour De Force” on Australian music culture.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the MSO website. No additional dates or releases have been announced beyond the four scheduled concerts.
