Australian Chamber Orchestra

The ACO’s unique artistic style encompasses not only the masterworks of the classical repertoire, but innovative cross-artform projects and a vigorous commissioning program.

Founded in 1975 in Sydney, every year the ACO presents performances to audiences around the world, including 10,000 subscribers across Australia.

Under the leadership of Richard Tognetti the ACO has cultivated multiple identities: as a chamber group, a small symphony orchestra, and an electro-acoustic collective.

In a nod to past traditions, only the cellists are seated – the resulting sense of energy and individuality is one of the most commented-upon elements of an ACO concert experience.

Regular international tours to Asia, Europe and the USA have drawn outstanding reviews for the ACO’s performances at many of the world’s prestigious concert halls, including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, London’s Wigmore Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Vienna’s Musikverein, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and Washington DC’s Kennedy Center. Recent festival appearances include the BBC Proms, Tanglewood, Ravinia, Interlochen and New York’s Mostly Mozart.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is a client of the Australia Council for the Arts' major performing arts board.