She wants audiences to applaud, have fun, and celebrate instrumental music with her New Palm Court Orchestra.

Like orchestral performances used to be.

“We want people to know you don’t have to go to a jazz club to enjoy improv,” Ms Turvey said. “We actively encourage people to clap and cheer in the performance, during a piece, if they like it. That’s how it would happen in jazz clubs and that used to happen in classical performances when they were new – it just got a bit tight and strict in modern times.”

Ms Turvey, who grew up in Creswick, will lead the nine-piece orchestra in a special, intimate performance this weekend to support Ballan and District Health Care.

A traditional sloped theatre stage in Ballan Mechanics’ Institute means the orchestra will set up on the floor amid the community crowd.

Complementary interval drinks and post-performance supper for concert-goers adds to the country feel that Ms Turvey loves so much as her orchestra starts to venture into more regional concerts.

Creswick was where Ms Turvey made her start in music, busking with a recorder in the main street before she learned the piano. Her father, who worked at the forestry school, moved the family to Jakarta when Ms Turvey was eight.

A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Ms Turvey trained as a classical pianist and jazz pianist. She loved the freedom of improvisation in pieces.

Palm Court orchestras were popular in the 1920s and 30s for playing instrumental music in an intimate setting. This is what Ms Turvey tries to capture as NPCO artistic director.

Musician improvisations fit quite seamlessly into compositions but can still make an impressive impact – Ms Turvey does not want people to be wary of instrumental pieces, she wants them to celebrate music.

This one-off performance in Ballan will be about 80 per cent Ms Turvey’s composition. Expect some Jobim bossa nova pieces, channelling some Rio Olympics flavour.

Ms Turvey is also considering playing a medley waltz, mixing Waltzing Matilda with Star-Spangled Banner, which she performed for a solo recital in Rhode Island amid the United States’ Independence Day celebrations. Playing in America’s oldest lending library, The Redwood Library, Ms Turvey said the proud, patriotic audience made it extra special.

NPCO will perform at Ballan Mechanics Institute on Saturday night, 7.30pm.

The concert is part of the hospital’s 50th anniversary, with 100 per cent of ticket sales to support Ballan and District Health Care. Ballan Farmers’ Market is offering concert-goers free goodie bags.

Bookings recommended: online, trybooking.com/212028 or phone, 5368 1100.