One of Melbourne’s most vibrant and inclusive community orchestras, Squawkestra, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a spectacular concert and CD launch at Melbourne Town Hall at 2.30pm on Sunday June 14, 2026.
This landmark event will showcase the bold, joyful spirit that has defined Squawkestra for two decades – bringing together a 70-piece intergenerational ensemble of musicians ranging from emerging artists and seasoned professionals to passionate amateurs and self-taught players.
Known for its welcoming, non-auditioned approach, Squawkestra embraces players of all backgrounds, abilities and experience levels, proving that community music- making can be both artistically adventurous and deeply inclusive.
Thanks to a generous grant by the City of Melbourne, the anniversary concert will feature an eclectic, genre-crossing program of classical favourites, contemporary popular works, original arrangements, and special guest performances, including acclaimed tenor soloist Zed Difaee, and Squawkestra’s very own 1st violinist Huso Balance as featured soloist.
Performing at Melbourne Town Hall marks a major milestone for the orchestra, bringing community-led creativity to one of the city’s most iconic civic stages.
Squawkestra’s Conductor and renowned instrumentalist, Carl Polke, notes that this concert is a celebration of what happens when people come together through music without barriers.
“For 20 years, Squawkestra has created a space where professional musicians sit beside first-time players, where classical tradition meets improvisation, and where joyful risk-taking is part of the performance. That spirit is what makes this orchestra so special,” said Polke.
The concert will also launch a commemorative anniversary CD, capturing the ensemble’s unique sound and preserving this milestone for future generations. The recording project was made possible through a philanthropic gift from two members of the orchestra.
Squawkestra’s own Huso Balance will take centre stage with a featured solo performance in the concert, joined by guest tenor soloist Difaee. Difaee said the collaboration highlights the strength and spirit of Melbourne’s creative community.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about an orchestra that welcomes everyone and genuinely reflects the diversity of the city around it,” said Difaee. “Squawkestra brings people together across generations, cultures and lived experiences, and the result is something vibrant, surprising and full of heart. It’s a privilege to be part of this celebration.”
With musicians ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s and from a multitude of diverse backgrounds, Squawkestra represents a truly modern vision of how an orchestra can be.
Low-cost $20 tickets ensure broad community access, inviting audiences from across Melbourne to experience an unforgettable afternoon of music, creativity and connection. Children under 5 free!
At Squawkestra, it’s all about the joy of making music together and sharing it with others. For one afternoon only, at a truly iconic venue, audiences have the chance to be part of that joy and experience the energy, passion and community that make this orchestra so special.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: Squawkestra 20th Anniversary Concert + CD Launch
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Time: 2:30pm
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall
Tickets: $20, children under 5 free.
Featuring: 70-piece Squawkestra ensemble + guest tenor soloist Zed Difaee
Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/DLIUM
MEDIA CONTACT
Carl Polke
Musical Director/Conductor
Squawkestra!
Mob: 0431 981 436
polkecarl@gmail.com
For interviews, media passes, or further information, please contact the above.
https://www.trybooking.com/DLIUM