ACO2 concerts

ACO2 - FOUR WINDS FESTIVAL
3–8 Apr Bermagui, Wollongong

Music by Sallinen, Piazzolla and Arensky directed by Helena Rathbone with classical accordionist James Crabb.

ACO2 THE REEF TOUR
16–26 May Ningaloo Residency
8–18 Jul Broome, Carnarvon, Darwin, Geraldton, Karratha, Kununurra, Perth

The creation and tour of The Reef.

ACO ENSEMBLE WA TOUR
9–15 Jul Albany, Katanning, Manjimup, Narrogin

ACO2 TASMANIA TOUR
10–20 Oct Devonport, Hobart, Launceston, Port Arthur, Stanley, St Helen’s, Zeehan

Music by Dvorák, Meale, Handel and Bach directed by Helena Rathbone.

ACO ENSEMBLE QUEENSLAND TOUR
23 Oct–3 Nov Bundaberg, Emerald, Mt Isa

ACO2
Helena Rathbone Director

ACO2, the Australian Chamber Orchestra's precocious little sister, delivers the ACO's regional touring and education programs.

ACO2 connects the next generation of talented young Australian musicians with the stars of the ACO, creating a combined ensemble with a fresh, energetic performance style. The young musicians have all participated in the ACO's Qantas Emerging Artist Program and many already play in the state symphony orchestras but choose to spend time experiencing the ACO's high-octane performance style. The best go on to tour nationally and internationally with the ACO and it is testament to the program's success that former ACO2 members Rebecca Chan and Madeleine Boud have been appointed members of the ACO.

ACO2 commenced touring in 2007 and by the end of 2011 will have visited over 70 regional centres in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Guest stars have included Tim Freedman from The Whitlams, oud player Joseph Tawadros and Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto. ACO2 performed in the Classical Destinations II television series screened worldwide and now released on CD and DVD by Sony.

ACO2 runs workshops for school-aged students in regional and metropolitan areas. Thus the ACO’s Education Program identifies, connects and mentors three generations of Australian string players, making the future very bright indeed.

Read audience feedback & media reviews from ACO2's recent tours.