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ACO 2025 Season

ACO at 50: Musicians' Memories

As the Australian Chamber Orchestra approaches its 50th Anniversary Season, ACO musicians share their favourite memories with the Orchestra.

Fifty years in the making, our 2025 National Concert Season pays homage to the past while embracing a bold and ambitious vision for the future.

As we excitedly look forward to sharing the new season with you all, then, we are also looking back nostalgically at the past 50 years of ACO history -- including that of the Orchestra's individual musicians. 

We love hearing their stories from the very heart of the Orchestra – from their favourite concerts, to unforgettable tour experiences. around the world. We're delighted to share some with you here.

What's your favourite ACO memory?

  

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Helena R

“I was so transfixed I almost forgot to play!”

Helena Rathbone, ACO Principal Violin

“Playing Handel arias in Bath Pump Rooms with mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt. It was in 1995, my first overseas tour (and to my home country!). Lorraine’s voice was so extraordinary, and I was so transfixed by her, that I almost forgot to play!”
Satu Vanksa

“The Goldberg Variations we did in 2018”

Satu Vänskä, ACO Principal Violin

“There are so many programs I have utterly loved over the years but the Goldberg Variations we did in 2018 come to mind first; an hour-long journey through Bach’s inventiveness.”
Ike See

“I had never heard that repertoire played with such verve, ferocity, and delicacy”

Ike See, ACO Violin

“My favourite ACO concert might have to be the one I passed my trial on, back in 2013 – Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with Steven Isserlis and Brahms’ Fourth Symphony. I had never heard that repertoire played with such verve, ferocity, and delicacy.”
Ilya Isakovich

“The excitement was palpable”

Ilya Isakovich, ACO Violin

“I would say it was playing Brahms’s First Symphony. That was the first time the ACO had played a Brahms Symphony, and the excitement was palpable.”
Liisa Pallandi

“Performing 'The Reef' under the stars”

Liisa Pallandi, ACO Violin

“It’s always hard to choose favourites with the ACO. Performing The Reef under the stars in Kununurra would have to be up there!”
Timo-Veikko Valve

“Our first ever concert back home in Finland”

Timo-Veikko Valve, ACO Principal Cello

“Our first ever concert back home in Finland. I think it was 2017. We are definitely due to make another trip up north. Our fans are waiting!”
Melissa Barnard

“We’re lucky to play such a variety of genres”

Melissa Barnard, ACO Cello

“The first time I played Beethoven's Symphony No.7 with the ACO. And touring Schubert's two-cello Quintet: spending time with incredible pieces in multiple concerts is challenging but luxurious. We’re lucky to play a variety of genres.”
Julian Thompson

“A motley crew of surfers, farmers, film makers and musos”

Julian Thompson, ACO Cello

“The shearing shed on Gnaraloo Station in WA 2012 during the filming of The Reef. Red earth, white sand, Indian Ocean perfection and a motley crew of surfers, farmers, film makers and musos. Epic.”
Australian Chamber Orchestra performs 'The Reef'
The ACO performs 'The Reef' at Gnaraloo Station in Western Australia. Photo: Ed Sloane

Explore the ACO 2025 Season. Full-season Subscriptions & Flexi-subscriptions are on sale now.

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