A spring afternoon of live orchestral music, picnic treats and heritage garden views is coming to Abbotsford Convent, with Convent Sounds offering an affordable outdoor concert for Melbourne music lovers on Sunday 25 October.
Presented by MSO+ and Abbotsford Convent, the event will feature an 11-piece brass ensemble of musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Australian National Academy of Music.
Set in the Convent’s Heritage Garden, the relaxed concert invites visitors to spread out a picnic rug and enjoy live music in the open air, without the formality of a traditional concert hall.
The program spans centuries of music, from Baroque masterpieces to iconic film scores by John Williams, including music from Star Wars, Superman and Jurassic Park. Audiences can also hear Prokofiev’s dramatic Romeo and Juliet.
With the concert running from 3.30pm to 5pm, it offers an easy way to spend a spring Sunday afternoon with friends or family at one of Melbourne’s best-known cultural destinations. Gates open at 3pm.
Adults can attend for $20, while tickets are free for anyone aged 17 and under, making it an accessible option for families looking to introduce younger music fans to a live performance.
Visitors can bring their own picnic and rug or book a picnic package in advance. Food and drinks will also be available to purchase on the day.
Convent Sounds takes place on Sunday 25 October 2026 in the Heritage Garden at Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford.Book tickets and find picnic package details at https://abbotsfordconvent.com.au/event/convent-sounds/.
