Australian World Orchestra Concert Series

Name: Australian World Orchestra Concert Series
Start: 2026-08-19
End: 2026-08-19
Location: Melbourne

The Australian World Orchestra (AWO) presents its 2026 concert series, bringing together elite Australian musicians from over 50 leading global ensembles for performances in Australia. The program features Igor Stravinsky’s ballet 'Petrushka', Dmitri Shostakovich’s 'Symphony No. 10', and the world premiere of 'Songs for the Stranger' by Australian composer Jonathan Mills. The series includes a concert at Melbourne's Hamer Hall on August 19, 2026, and another at the Sydney Opera House on August 20, 2026.

Date: Aug 19, 2026
Location: Melbourne

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Australian World Orchestra Concert Series

Event summary

Highlights

World premiere of Jonathan Mills' 'Songs for the Stranger'
Features Australian musicians from over 50 leading global ensembles
Performances of Stravinsky's 'Petrushka' and Shostakovich's 'Symphony No. 10'

The Australian World Orchestra (AWO) Concert Series annually gathers Australia's most successful classical musicians who typically perform with prestigious international ensembles, returning them home for intense rehearsal and performance periods. Co-founded in 2011 by conductor and artistic director Alexander Briger, the orchestra has grown into a network of over 250 musicians worldwide.

The 2026 program is a three-part series featuring major works from the classical repertoire alongside a new Australian composition. It includes Igor Stravinsky’s vibrant ballet score 'Petrushka' and Dmitri Shostakovich’s powerful post-war 'Symphony No. 10'. A significant highlight is the world premiere of 'Songs for the Stranger' by acclaimed Australian composer Jonathan Mills, performed with tenor Michael Petruccelli. This new work expands on Mills' earlier opera, 'Eucalyptus', adding two new pieces.

The concert series is scheduled to begin at Melbourne's Hamer Hall on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, followed by a performance at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, August 20, 2026. These events offer a unique opportunity for Australian audiences to experience the collective talent of these world-class expatriate musicians.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Sydney Opera House; www.perthnow.com.au
Area for browsing nearby events: Melbourne

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.