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.
2019 Season
Moving seamlessly through experimental collaborations, celebrated classics and music by some of the most revered and innovative composers of today, ACO 2019 is a multi-sensory journey that pushes the very concept of a ‘chamber orchestra’ to new heights.
Brahms & Dvořák
Sat 16 November 7pm, Tue 19 November 8pm, Wed 20 November 7pm, Fri 22 November 1.30pm, 2019
An exuberant end to ACO’s 2019 concert season, featuring Brahms’s Double Concerto, performed by Richard Tognetti and ACO Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve, and Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony.
Book Now2020 Season
In celebration of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary and 30 years of Richard Tognetti as Artistic Director, the Orchestra will present nearly a millennium of music from Hildegard von Bingen to the masters of Baroque.
Beethoven 1, 2, 3
Tue 11 February 8pm, Wed 12 February 7pm, Fri 14 February 1.30pm, Sat 15 February 7pm, Sun 16 February 2pm, 2020
The ACO presents an electrifying season opener, featuring added forces from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), to perform Beethoven’s first three symphonies together.
Book NowARVO PÄRT & SHOSTAKOVICH
Tue 24 March 8pm, Wed 25 March 7pm, Sat 28 March 7pm, Sun 29 March 2pm, 2020
Arvo Pärt’s mesmerising Tabula Rasa is performed alongside Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony in C minor in this concert celebrating the music that bloomed during the oppressive Soviet regime.
Book NowMUSIC TO HEAL
Fri 1 May 1.30pm, Sun 3 May 2pm, Tue 5 May 8pm, 2020
Music’s ability to lift us from despair or deep pain, or at least express our response to spiritual and physical wellness, are neither new nor new age. Explore mindfulness, wellbeing and the restorative powers of music.
Book NowMAHLER'S SONG OF THE EARTH
Sat 23 May 7pm, Wed 27 May 7pm, Wed 27 May 8pm, Sun 31 May 2pm, 2020
Featuring Stuart Skelton and Christianne Stotijn in an enlightened performance of Mahler’s beloved song cycle.
Book NowTHE FOUR SEASONS AND BEYOND
Fri 26 June 1.30pm, Sat 27 June 7pm, Sun 28 June 2pm, Tue 30 June 8pm, Wed 1 July 7pm, 2020
This program looks to the future as much as the past, celebrating Richard Tognetti’s 30 year contribution as ACO Artistic Director, arranger, composer and champion of new works and lost gems.
Book NowINTIMATE MENDELSSOHN & BACH
Sat 8 August 7pm, Sun 9 August 2pm, Tue 11 August 8pm, Wed 12 August 7pm, 2020
Polina Leschenko and Richard Tognetti perform Mendelssohn’s Double Concerto alongside an "impromptu" Bach set that will change for each performance.
Book NowBAROQUE BRILLIANCE
Sat 5 September 7pm, Tue 8 September 8pm, Wed 9 September 7pm, Fri 11 September 1.30pm, 2020
The dazzling and timeless music of Bach, Vivaldi, Geminiani and Handel.
Book NowBEETHOVEN 250
Sat 14 November 7pm, Sun 15 November 2pm, Tue 17 November 8pm, Wed 18 November 7pm, Fri 20 November 1.30pm, 2020
Signposting every 50 years from Beethoven’s birth with a significant composition of each era, this is an opportunity to grasp the sheer magnitude of Beethoven’s enduring influence.
Book Now