PRESENTER INFORMATION

The Melbourne Recital Centre prides itself on its exceptional service to presenters and event organisers. The following information may help you with your initial event planning.

Booking a concert/event date

Please complete the Venue Hire Enquiry Form and email it to us at venuehire@melbournerecital.com.au or call us on (03) 9699 2228. If completing the Venue Hire Enquiry Form we would recommend that you include a number of possible dates, as your first choice may not be available.

Once your enquiry has been submitted you will be contacted and advised of available dates and the venue hire charge.

Once a date or dates have been agreed upon a pencil booking can be held, with no obligation to the presenter/event organiser or the MRC, up until 6 months prior to the first concert/event date, provided a subsequent presenter/event organiser does not request the date.  In this situation the presenter/event organiser holding first pencil will be given 48 hours notice to release the date or contract and pay the deposit.

Following verbal or written confirmation of your intention to secure the venue hire you will be forwarded the hiring contract. To ensure that your booking is secured we must receive the signed contract, together with your deposit, being 50% of the hiring fee, within 14 days of issue, otherwise your date/s will be released. 

Please note:

• The box office cannot be set-up and tickets cannot go on sale until a contract has been signed and a deposit received.
• Deposits can only be made by cheque or direct deposit.
• Deposits are non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

Concert start times and length

For evening concerts we recommend a start time of either 6pm, 7pm or 7.30pm and a finish time of no later than 10pm. If your concert is likely to last longer than 2½ hours then we suggest an earlier start time. If your concert finishes after 10.30pm you will be charged an overtime fee.

For weekday daytime concerts we recommend a start time of 1pm and a finish time of no later that 2pm. For weekend daytime concerts we recommend a start time of 11am and a finish time of no later than 1pm.

Intervals

The recommended interval length is 20 minutes; if your concert is particularly long you should consider having another short break, or having a longer 'supper' interval. If there is no interval please let us know.

Cancellation

Should you need to cancel your booking after the signed contract and deposit have been received, your deposit will be retained by the MRC. If the date/s in question can be subsequently re-let, your deposit will be re-credited for a future potential booking.

Technical requirements

The MRC offers a full range of technical services, such as lighting and sound design, amplification, recording, and video projection. You should discuss your requirements first with the Manager Presenter Services at the booking stage, to ascertain any possible impact on your concert/event schedule. All technical services and equipment not listed in your venue hiring contract are an additional charge. We will be able to obtain an estimate for technical services prior to your concert.

If your event involves the use of a mixing desk or other hardware located in the auditorium (eg TV cameras), let us know as early as possible, as the seats required must be withdrawn from sale before booking opens.

Keyboard instruments

The MRC houses the following fine instruments for use on stage, use of these instruments is provided at the MRC's discretion and with tuning provided by the MRC's approved tuners:

• 2 x Steinway & Sons (Hamburg) Model D Pianos (tuned to A441)
• 1 x Two Manual Flemish style Harpsichord (after Ruckers)
• 1 x Klop Chamber Organ (4 stop) (transposable A415 to A440)
• 1 x Walter & Sohn Fortepiano (tuned to A430)

Use of the MRC's keyboard instruments attracts an additional charge.

Timeline

6-18 months to go

• Return contract to Manager Presenter Services and pay deposit.
• Confirm on-sale date with Manager Presenter Services.
• Begin any production related discussions with Manager Presenter Services.

5-14 months to go

• Complete the Marketing Information Form and return to Manager Presenter Services.
• Complete the Box Office set-up form and return to Manager Presenter Services.
• Liaise with Manager Visitor Services as needed regarding specific ticketing requirements.
• Contact Manager Marketing and Communications to discuss publicity, direct mail and advertising plans. (Please ask the Manager Presenter Services for the deadline for copy for inclusion in MRC's generic marketing materials).

2-6 months to go

• Discuss detailed production requirements and schedule with Manager Presenter Services or your nominated MRC Concert Manager.
• Complete the Concert Requirements form if required by MRC.
• Arrange reception/catering and merchandising (if required) with Manager Presenter Services or your nominated MRC Concert Manager.
• Ensure all publicity, posters, leaflets and programs contain MRC logo and are proofed by Manager Marketing and Communications.

1 month or less

• Deliver leaflets for venue display to the Stage Door.
• Ensure programs delivered no more than 1 week and no less than 3 days prior to your concert date to the Stage Door.

Location

Conveniently located in Melbourne's Southbank Cultural Precinct, Melbourne Recital Centre is located on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street.

Click here for a location map and public transport information.

Further information

Further information on presenting at the MRC, including information on the MRC's box office service, will be available upon completion of the Venue Hire Enquiry Form and confirmation of date/s available.