Australian Chamber Orchestra

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 8pm, Wed 10 Feb 7pm, Fri 12 Feb 7pm, Sat 13 Feb 7pm, Sun 14 Feb 2pm, 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.

BEETHOVEN & BRIDGETOWER

Tue 23 Mar 8pm, Wed 24 Mar 7pm, Fri 26 Mar 1.30pm, Sat 27 Mar 7pm, Sun 28 Mar 2pm, 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’.

SCHUBERT'S QUINTET

Sat 8 May 7pm, Sun 9 May 2pm, Tue 11 May 8pm, Wed 12 May 7pm, 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.

BAROQUE REVELRY

Sat 26 Jun 7pm, Sun 27 Jun 2pm, Tue 29 Jun 8pm, Wed 30 Jun 7pm, 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.

RIVER

Sat 31 Jul 7pm, Sun 1 Aug 2pm, Tue 3 Aug 8pm, Wed 4 Aug 7pm, 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.

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MUSIC FOR HEALING

Sat 28 Aug 7pm, Sun 29 Aug 2pm, Tue 31 Aug 8pm, Wed 1 Sep 7pm, 2021

 From Pink Floyd to Iain Grandage, guitarist Slava Grigoryan joins the ACO for music that will heighten your awareness and invigorate your senses.

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THE FOUR SEASONS

Sat 13 Nov 7pm, Sun 14 Nov 2pm, Tue 16 Nov 8pm, Wed 17 Nov 7pm, 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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