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[title]Since the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) moved to its new custom-designed harbourside home in Sydney, inside the revitalised Pier 2/3 in the heart of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, the company has been able to welcome audiences for two standout seasons.
With another thrilling year of world-class music well underway, it’s no surprise that Artistic Director Richard Tognetti has found new ways to reimagine beloved classics while continuing to push into new frontiers. After more than 30 years at the helm, Tognetti has created a stacked program with highlights including two ambitious tours (both of which he will direct) and the chance to sit amongst the musicians in immersive performances at their harbourside home.
Scotland Unbound
Be transported to the Scottish Highlands as guitarist Sean Shibe makes his Australian debut in this thrilling season closer Scotland Unbound. The Edinburgh-born, award-winning musician, with seven critically acclaimed albums to his name, is a passionate advocate for contemporary music. Known for his hands-on approach to new commissions, Shibe collaborates closely with composers, to intertwine the old with the new.
In his latest show, Shibe performs Scottish folk songs on classical guitar alongside the strings of the ACO and a new commission from composer Cassandra Miller. Then, tradition is quickly turned on its head with performances on electric guitar for Julia Wolfe’s Lad, which was originally composed for nine bagpipes, and a psychedelic rendition of Martyn Bennet’s Bothy Culture, which took inspiration from the ‘90s rave scene in Edinburgh.
There's no denying the Scottish-Japanese guitarist stands at the cutting edge of contemporary music, blending experimental techniques with both traditional and modern works on electric and acoustic guitar. Experience his innovative performances at the ACO's latest daring, boundary-pushing season from November 7–20 across Wollongong and Sydney (City Recital Hall and Sydney Opera House), before it continues on to Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Tickets are on sale for $49, or if you're under 35, enjoy them for just $35 at all performances.
Silence and Rapture
The ACO will continue to hold up its reputation as Australia’s most travelled orchestra when it embarks on seven national tours, with planned concerts across all major cities. In August, Tognetti will lead the orchestra in Silence and Rapture, an immersive collaboration with Sydney Dance Company that celebrates the music of JS Bach and Arvo Pärt. Kicking off in Sydney from August 2 at City Recital Hall, the extraordinary show will then continue on to Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane before returning to Sydney for its final performance at the Sydney Opera House on August 18.
Find out more and book now at aco.com.au.