Our Hosts, Jeremy Fernandez and Megan Burslem
On the 21 November 1975, a group of pioneering musicians walked out onto the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage and the Australian Chamber Orchestra was born.
Fifty years to the day later, the ACO and its fearless leader of 35 years, violin virtuoso Richard Tognetti, walked out onto that same stage to pay homage to the past and to celebrate a bright and ambitious future.
Fifty years to the day later, the ACO and its fearless leader of 35 years, violin virtuoso Richard Tognetti, walked out onto that same stage to pay homage to the past and to celebrate a bright and ambitious future.
Capturing the ACO's thrilling dynamism, imaginative spirit and sense of adventure, the evening was a true compilation of what makes the ACO one of the most renowned ensembles on the world stage today.
We were thrilled to share the stage with some of our most beloved collaborators from the worlds of film, music and dance.
We thank surprise special guest, Neil Finn, members of the Sydney Children's Choice, Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros, Riq' and Bendir James Tawadros, Countertenor Iestyn Davies, dancers Lucy Angel and Liam Green, and our hosts, Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez.
Our special thanks also to guest musicians, Brian Nixon on Timpani and Percussion, Chad Kelly on keyboards, Genevieve Lang on Harp, Mark Ingwersen on Violin and Jenny Khafagi on Viola.
Richard Tognetti with surprise special guest, Neil Finn
Richard Tognetti and members of the ACO with Joseph Tawadros and James Tawadros
Lucy Angel, Iestyn Davies, Liam Green
ACO FOUNDATIONS
Joining us on stage to a rapturous reception, were 70 young violin and cello students from the ACO Foundations program at St Marys North Public School. We extend an extra special thank you to these very special guests, their teachers, principal Lisa Parrello, and our incredible ACO Foundations educators.
ACO Foundations has been running as an expansive pilot program at St Marys North Public School in Western Sydney since 2018. Now in its sixth year, the program sees over 160 students and their classroom teachers participating in hands-on string music learning on a daily basis, with life-changing impacts.
"The most touching moment came when the 70 pupils from St Marys North Public School – part of ACO Foundations music learning program – filed on stage with their violins and cellos and joined the orchestra. They, along with Sydney Children’s Choir... represent the future of live music in Australia.”LIMELIGHT
