MSO releases fourth album in partnership with LSO Live – Dvořák: Symphonies 2 and 8

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor Jaime Martín present the next chapter in their acclaimed Dvořák cycle with the release of Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 8 — the Orchestra’s fourth album in partnership with LSO Live. This follows the 2024 release of Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6, critically praised for Martín’s fresh and insightful approach to Dvořák’s often-overlooked symphonic works.

The musical exploration of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s many works has been an ongoing passion of Martín’s since he took the helm of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in 2022. The MSO’s Dvořák cycle will be the first by any Australian orchestra, honouring the rich musical traditions and nationalism embodied by the Czech composer’s music.

“The music of Antonín Dvořák has been close to my heart since I first heard my father’s LP of the New World Symphony when I was ten years old,” says Martín. “Undertaking a Dvořák recording project with the world-class musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has been my great honour and I’m thrilled that we are now releasing the second in this wonderful series of classics.”

This cycle also pays tribute to the MSO’s hometown of Melbourne, Australia with the artwork featuring picturesque landmarks from across the state of Victoria. This release shows the beloved Melbourne skyline bathed in a pink sunrise.

The album will be available to pre-order from Friday 24 October 2025, and a track from the album (Symphony No. 8: III. Allegretto grazioso – Molto vivace) will be released as a single to coincide.