Australian Chamber Orchestra: A Musical Awakening

The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on an adventure to create truly transformative experiences.

Directed by ACO Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve, the Orchestra will be joined by friend and recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey, whose mastery of this most elemental of instruments is unsurpassed.

Music is visceral and vital. The Australian Chamber Orchestra will explore the different ways music can heal, culminating in Beethoven’s Holy Song of Thanksgiving, composed after his recovery from a life-threatening illness. Beethoven was forever facing down adversity with music, and this heartfelt masterpiece is filled with quiet joy and a deep gratitude for life.v

Max Richter wrote his intimate On the Nature of Daylight after witnessing the suffering of the Iraq war, and its beauty has resonated with filmmakers and fans as an antidote to tragedy.

The ACO premiere a new work from Pulitzer-prize winning composer David Lang, and enter Pēteris Vasks’ tranquil sound world with the lush warmth of Musica Serena. From a millennium earlier, abbess Hildegard’s sublime songs speak directly to the human soul. These holy reflections broke musical barriers then, and remain potent today.

Melody Eötvös’ Meraki embodies its title, a Greek word which means to create with soul or love. And that is what music is all about.

This concert is for everyone and anyone who wants to experience healing, renewal or invigoration.