ACO2
Helena Rathbone Director
For tour details see 2010 Regional Tours.
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 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 member Madeleine Boud has been appointed a member of the ACO.
ACO2 commenced touring in 2007 and by 2010 will have visited over 40 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.
“This trans-generational group of wandering minstrels certainly gave new life and energy to some age-old pieces of music in their robust performance. What became evident from the very first note struck was that these musicians have already emerged. The skill and finesse of the performances was awe inspiring and their presence was equally commanding.” Australian Stage Online
"It was such an exciting concert in every way, of a truly superb standard and such an interesting and demanding program. Bravo to the ACO for this exceptional program for emerging string players." Suzanne Gleeson, Patron