A hidden space above Melbourne Recital Centre has been transformed into a striking new performance venue, with The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon set to open to the public in September.
The new cabaret-style venue will bring audiences closer to performers, with its program spanning cabaret, contemporary music, jazz, musical theatre and First Nations performances.
Located at the top of the Centre’s Southbank building, the Beacon has been designed by the same architects behind the original Melbourne Recital Centre and is intended to offer a more intimate setting for live performance.
The project received $1 million in funding from the Victorian Government, matched by a $1 million philanthropic donation from Peter and Ruth McMullin.
The venue will officially open on Thursday, 17 September with its inaugural program, with tickets going on sale at 11am today.
The Beacon also features a new artwork by First Nations artist and musician Dr Lou Bennett AM, inspired by and bringing her music ‘Look Above’ to life.
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said the new venue would create opportunities for both artists and audiences.
“This transformational project opens up new opportunities for artists and audiences to have an experience you can’t get anywhere else. A shared experience that tells you are in Melbourne, in our iconic Arts Precinct, and Australia’s cultural capital.”
“I thank Peter and Ruth McMullin for their generosity which has helped create this stunning venue”
Melbourne Recital Centre CEO Sandra Willis said the venue would offer a new way to experience live music.
“The Beacon brings people even closer to exceptional music and extraordinary artists, in an entirely new setting.”
For Peter McMullin, the project reflects a long-standing connection with live music.
“Live music has been a source of connection and inspiration throughout Ruth and I’s lives.”
“We wanted to help Melbourne Recital Centre create more opportunities for artists and reach audiences in new ways and continue the vital role it plays within Melbourne’s musical ecology.”
Tickets for The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon go on sale at 11am today via melbournerecital.com.au/beacon
