Australian Chamber Orchestra
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: RICHARD TOGNETTI AO
An ensemble of passion and virtuosity
“One of the greatest chamber orchestras in the world.” The Guardian, UK
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is renowned for inspired programming and unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Its unique programming spans six centuries, spanning popular masterworks, adventurous cross-artform projects and specially commissioned pieces.
Founded in 1975, the string ensemble comprises leading Australian and international musicians and a growing company of dedicated young players. Outstanding Australian violinist Richard Tognetti has been at the helm since 1989, expanding the Orchestra’s national program, spearheading regular international tours and transforming the ACO into a vibrant ensemble that has become famous around the world.
TABULA RASA
Tue 9 Feb 8.00pm, Wed 10 Feb 7.00pm, Fri 12 Feb 7.00pm, Sat 13 Feb 7.00pm, Sun 14 Feb 2.00pm, 2021
ACO open their 2021 Season with a reconnection to the first program cancelled in the sudden 2020 shutdown. With Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa and Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony in C minor, the spirit soars and music prevails.
Book NowBEETHOVEN & BRIDGETOWER
Tue 23 Mar 8.00pm, Wed 24 Mar 7.00pm, Fri 26 Mar 1.30pm, Sat 27 Mar 7.00pm, Sun 28 Mar 2.00pm, 2021
With a script by Shakthidharan and Anna Goldsworthy, ACO explore two musical soulmates and the reclaiming of a masterpiece. Featuring Beethoven’s ‘Kreutzer’ Violin Sonata, arranged and performed by Richard Tognetti, and Janacek’s String Quartet No.1, the ‘Kreutzer Sonata’.
Book NowSCHUBERT'S QUINTET
Sat 8 May 7.00pm, Sun 9 May 2.00pm, Tue 11 May 8.00pm, Wed 12 May 7.00pm, 2021
Awe and wonder. Schubert’s String Quintet never fails to elicit such a reaction. Featuring a star-studded ACO ensemble, this soulful journey through sadness, fear, contemplation and joy is the intimate and the grand brilliantly merged.
Book NowBAROQUE REVELRY
Sat 26 Jun 7.00pm, Sun 27 Jun 2.00pm, Tue 29 Jun 8.00pm, Wed 30 Jun 7.00pm, 2021
Nothing was modest about the Baroque period. This wasn’t a neat and pretty world; it was ultra-vibrant. In this exciting collaboration with Belvoir Theatre, Richard and the Orchestra take you on a sordid musical romp through Europe with Biber, Strozzi, CPE Bach, Caccini and Tartini.
Book NowRIVER
Sat 31 Jul 7.00pm, Sun 1 Aug 2.00pm, Tue 3 Aug 8.00pm, Wed 4 Aug 7.00pm, Fri 6 Aug 1.30pm, 2021
Immersing yourself in a river is the simplest way to feel its life force and to understand our instinctive connection to it. From director Jennifer Peedom comes this powerful musical and cinematic odyssey created as a companion film to our record-breaking production, Mountain.
Book NowMUSIC FOR HEALING
Sat 28 Aug 7.00pm, Sun 29 Aug 2.00pm, Tue 31 Aug 8.00pm, Wed 1 Sep 7.00pm, 2021
From Pink Floyd to Iain Grandage, guitarist Slava Grigoryan joins the ACO for music that will heighten your awareness and invigorate your senses.
Book NowTHE FOUR SEASONS
Sat 13 Nov 7.00pm, Sun 14 Nov 2.00pm, Tue 16 Nov 8.00pm, Wed 17 Nov 7.00pm, 2021
After sell-out performances in 2015, we’re closing our live season with Vivaldi’s masterpiece interspersed with the masters of the oud and riq, Joseph and James Tawadros. An illuminating fusion of East and West.
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