Melbourne Symphony Orchestra releases first Disability Inclusion Action Plan with thought-provoking panel discussion:
Music and Ideas: Creating an Inclusive Future
Nicholas McCarthy (UK). Nat Bartsch. Morwenna Collett.
Respected access, equity and inclusion consultant and leader Morwenna Collett will host an important conversation titled Creating an Inclusive Future with twice ARIA-nominated pianist and composer Nat Bartsch and internationally acclaimed left-handed pianist and speaker Nicholas McCarthy (UK) on Wednesday 22 October 2025 at Iwaki Auditorium.
Born without his right hand, Nicholas McCarthy has become an acclaimed master of the left-handed repertoire, hailed by Pianist Magazine as the “left-handed virtuoso of our time.” He will perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto for Left Hand with the MSO in the Impressions of Paris concerts at Hamer Hall on Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 October 2025. Beyond the concert stage, Nicholas is also a sought-after speaker, delivering keynote addresses and TEDx talks around the world.
The Music and Ideas panel discussion on disability in classical music will follow the release of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).
“As an organisation, we recognise the responsibility and opportunity in improving access across the MSO, and within our performances and programs,” CEO Richard Wigley said.
“I am proud to share MSO’s inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which will deliver on our commitment to increasing disability confidence and competence within our organisation and our sector. We seek to remove or reduce the social, economic, physical, behavioural, communication and attitudinal barriers that can prevent people with disability fully engaging with the MSO.”
The DIAP identifies three focus areas for the next three years:
- Reviewing and addressing inclusivity and diversity within internal culture and employment;
- Creating experiences through learning and engagement programs to build future partnerships;
- Delivering MSO programs that meet the needs of all audiences and the broader community.
“Through inclusive design and accessibility programs we will provide opportunities for innovation, new ways of engaging audiences and supporting our artists and our employees - all so we can share more widely the enduring value of music in people’s lives,” Mr Wigley said. “This includes working to create both online and in-person environments where everyone can engage with and participate in our activities.”
The DIAP builds on the learnings and work already undertaken with dedicated projects over the past five years including the MSO’s Auslan Choir (Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, pictured), Relaxed family and mainstage performances, accessibility improvements to Box Office processes, and collaborations with organisations such as e.motion21, a not for profit dedicated to empowering people with Down syndrome.
On releasing the DIAP, Mr Wigley praised the consultative approach that informed the Plan’s implementation.
“We understand the principles of Universal Design, that one size does not fit all and recognise that a thoughtful, responsive and inclusive accessibility strategy can support and improve everyone’s experiences of the MSO, not just those living with disability who can face barriers to participation and discussion,” Mr Wigley said.
He noted that the Plan has been informed by data and deep research, the perspectives of people living with disability, internal evaluation and external consultation with nearly 2,000 people from the broader community.
“On behalf of the MSO, I thank all those who have contributed to and supported this work including Morwenna Collett and a diversity of stakeholders. Your insights, expertise and guidance have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this work and engagement over the course of this Plan and beyond.”
