Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: PAUL DYER AO
2026 Concert Season
A year of brilliance, imagination, and Baroque without boundaries.
The Brandenburg has always stood for more than music. Since our very first concert, we’ve been driven by a belief in the power of live performance to move, uplift, and connect. It is a celebration of creativity, shared experience, and the moments that linger long after the final note.
In 2026, we invite you to return for a season that brings this vision to life with fresh energy and unforgettable artistry. Explore the season below and join us at City Recital Hall for a spectacular year of music in 2026.
— Paul Dyer, Artistic Director
Baroque Masters
Wed 18 February - Tue 24 February
The icons. The energy. The essence of the Brandenburg.
Baroque Masters brings together the greats in one uplifting program. Enjoy the grandeur of Handel’s Concerto Grosso in G major, Op. 6 No. 1, the joyful inventiveness of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, the timeless elegance of Pachelbel’s Canon, and the fiery brilliance of Vivaldi.
Choral Splendour
Fri 10 April - Wed 15 April
Bach. Telemann. Handel. Majesty.
This is Baroque at its most jubilant. Join the full force of the Brandenburg Choir and Orchestra for a blockbuster celebration of musical brilliance, beauty, and sheer joy. At the heart of the program are three of Bach’s most iconic cantatas, alongside the beloved Double Violin Concerto — a showcase of dazzling interplay and expressive depth.
Italian Serenatas
Wed 24 June - Tue 30 June
Four cities. One voice. Endless drama.
Step into the world of high style and high emotion as Italian baritone Renato Dolcini returns to the Brandenburg stage for a journey through the heart of Baroque Italy. Expect a vibrant musical experience that captures the spirit of this lavish era.
Vivaldi's Legacy
Wed 12 August - Tue 18 August
The woman behind the music.
In this intimate and poetic program, acclaimed Paris-based violinist Augusta McKay Lodge makes her Australian debut as soloist and Guest Director, shining a light on one of Baroque music’s most fascinating and overlooked figures — Anna Maria della Pietà.
Mozart, Salieri & Pleyel
Wed 21 October - Tue 27 October
A classical powerhouse.
With an expanded orchestral palette including full winds, brass, timpani, and a 19-piece string section, this concert offers a bold and resonant sound that fills the hall with drama, elegance, and power.
Noël! Noël! 2026
Thu 10 December - Sat 12 December
Tradition with a twist.
More than just a Christmas concert, Noël! Noël! is where centuries-old carols and festive gems meet bold new interpretations. This is music that celebrates joy, beauty, and the magic of the unexpected.
2025 Concert Season
In the Brandenburg’s signature fusion of classical and contemporary style, we present a series of thrilling ways to engage with the Baroque in 2025.
From a male Soprano who will dazzle you with energy and colour; to the Brandenburg soloists showcasing their virtuosity; to the raw power of the entire Orchestra; to the interplay between musical and physical storytelling in collaboration with Circa; to the ever-profound depths and heights of the Brandenburg Choir: Season 2025 promises a powerful and moving journey through the Baroque.
As we usher in another exciting new chapter in the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s evolving narrative, our latest season reflects deeply on the theme of ‘Life’ — a concept both vast and intimately personal. In this quickly changing world, we offer moments of reflection as we delve into life’s profound questions, as always in the Brandenburg’s uniquely bold and energised style.
In 2025 be moved by the fearlessness of living out loud; marvel at the capacity of the human body and mind, and celebrate the life-giving essence of water. We invite you to engage with us in this powerful exploration and be uplifted, be moved, and as always, be renewed.
— Paul Dyer, Artistic Director
Baroque Unleashed
Tue 17 June - Sat 21 June
Virtuosic Skill. Raw Talent. Pure Baroque.
Our music may be centuries old, but it's as thrilling as ever. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-charged ride with concertmaster Shaun Lee-Chen's fiery take on Locatelli, Robert Nairn's electrifying Vivaldi, and Paul Dyer's fresh twist on Durante. These homegrown virtuosos pour their passion into every note, delivering performances that will leave you breathless.
Circa & The Art of Fugue
Tue 12 August - Sat 16 September
The power of the mind, the body, and music
Experience the virtuosic genius of Bach's The Art of Fugue uplifted by the breathtaking physicality of contemporary acrobatics as the Brandenburg once again joins forces with Brisbane's premier acrobatic troupe Circa. Witness artistic creation pushing the limits of human potential as Bach’s musical complexity collides with Yaron Lifschitz’ gravity-defying choreography.
Water Music
Tue 14 October - Sat 18 October
The power of the mind, the body, and music
A celebration of water debuting a stirring original composition by contemporary composer Nick Wales, performed by Arnhem Land ocean and waterway custodian Rrawun Maymuru in Yolngu language, followed by and the Brandenburg’s vibrant rendition of Handel’s Water Music. An experiential meditation on water’s spiritual and cultural significance, and our custodial duty to cherish, conserve and protect it.
Noël! Noël!
Thu 11 December - Sat 13 December
Reflect and rejoice with us
Reflect, rejoice and celebrate the spirit of the season at the Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir's annual Noël! Noël! concert. Treat your loved ones, or connect with fellow chamber music enthusiasts for festive pieces, timeless chorales and guest appearances in an uplifting evening of joy and festivity.