Melissa Barnard, ACO Cello
“Delving into Bartók’s perfectly taut, concise and atmospheric string quartets with the ACO is for me the true grit and heart of string playing.”
In 2027, ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti invites audiences into a season of remarkable breadth, where Bach sits alongside John Adams, Mozart meets Missy Mazzoli, and beloved masterpieces open conversations with music being written by today’s greatest living composers. Here, we delve into our seven national tours, with commentary from our musicians – the artists giving their all to a season of wondrous adventure and extraordinary depth.
“The season is classic Tognetti, by turns intriguing, challenging and revelatory.”Sydney Morning Herald
Nicolas Altstaedt
The season begins with the return of internationally celebrated cellist Nicolas Altstaedt as Guest Director, following his turn with the ACO in 2024 for Altstaedt Plays Haydn and Tchaikovsky. It’s a highlight of the year for ACO Violin Anna da Silva Chen, who is “beyond excited” for his return as Guest Director. “It is a role he takes on not only as a star soloist, but as a true conductor and chamber musician. The program he has curated for us is the perfect mix of old and new.”
A musician renowned for his expressive range, Nicolas Altstaedt sets the tone for a season built on exploration and connection.
“Nicolas Altstaedt’s musicianship, so full of curiosity and life, is the perfect match for the ACO’s energy.”ACO Cello Julian Thompson
Bach's St John Passion
One of the great ambitions of Richard Tognetti's musical life comes to fruition in March, when acclaimed Belgian vocal ensemble Vox Luminis joins the ACO for Bach's monumental St John Passion. It’s Richard’s pick of the year, and to him, this is far more than a landmark work of the Baroque era.
"The sonic grandeur and intimacy is second to none. One can really study the whole world through the prism of St John Passion."Richard Tognetti
A work of profound humanity, drama and beauty, St John Passion offers audiences the chance to experience one of music's greatest achievements in the hands of artists who have devoted their lives to this repertoire.
So renowned and respected is the work amongst musicians, many ACO players have tipped it as their not-to-be-missed tour of 2027. “We have been planning this for a very long time, which means I have been waiting for this for a very long time,” says Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve. “There are only a few works that have that otherworldly power of bringing everyone together, that somehow seem to stop time.”
Alina Ibragimova Plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
In May, violinist Alina Ibragimova returns to the ACO to direct and perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, following her 2009 debut and 2018 tour.
Once considered impossibly difficult to play, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto remains one of the most thrilling works in the repertoire. Richard describes Alina Ibragimova as a "wonderful soul", admiring the warmth, vibrancy and freshness she brings to everything she performs.
“I am especially looking forward to playing with our old friend Alina Ibragimova when she comes to guest direct in 2027. Experiencing her violin super powers in the mighty Tchaikovsky violin concerto will be a real treat.”ACO Principal Violin, Helena Rathbone
Richard Tognetti Directs Mozart
In June, we’re joined by acclaimed pianist Alexander Melnikov for a program of works by classical titans: Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert. This is music you know and love, treated by reverent inventiveness by two rule-benders who understand that music is alive, and in the interpretation lies the magic.
“★★★★★
A masterclass in chamber music-making”The Guardian reviews the ACO with Alexander Melnikov in London, 2025
ACO In Motion
Music, movement and storytelling converge in ACO In Motion, a powerful program pairing Steve Reich's Different Trains, Missy Mazzoli's The Shield of the Heart is the Heart and Tognetti's celebrated arrangement of Schubert's Death and the Maiden, a perennial ACO calling card. Drawing connections across centuries, it is a vivid exploration of rhythm, memory and transformation. Also in the program, Béla Bartók’s String Quartet No.3, a favourite of ACO Cello Melissa Barnard.
The John Adams Almanac
A highlight of the year arrives in September with a celebration of one of the world's most influential living composers, John Adams, who turns 80 in 2027. At its centre is the world premiere of Gioia, a new work written especially for Richard Tognetti and ACO Principal Violin Satu Vänskä, which Richard is “ecstatic” about.
"With Gioia, John Adams has given us the best gift a musician could wish for. We are thrilled to perform it in his 80th birthday year, with our deepest gratitude and respect to the musical titan of our times."ACO Principal Violin, Satu Vänskä
The program also includes Adams's beloved Shaker Loops, alongside music by Beethoven, Ingram Marshall and visiting pianist and composer, Timo Andres.
For audiences, it is a rare opportunity to hear a major new work and to engage directly with a composer whose works have helped shape contemporary classical music.
Strauss' Four Last Songs
The season concludes with the Australian debut of South African soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha in Strauss’ radiant Four Last Songs. Joined by an expanded ACO, Rangwanasha brings one of the most celebrated works for soprano and orchestra to life in a program that also includes music by Arvo Pärt, Britten, Lutosławski and a new work by Australian composer Jack Symonds.
ACO Violin Liisa Pallandi can’t wait. “I am really looking forward to performing Strauss with Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha. It’s rare that we at ACO get to luxuriate in such lush symphonic repertoire but when we do, I really adore being a part of something so much bigger than myself.”
“This will be the delicious and decadent dessert of the
2027 Season.”ACO Violin Liisa Pallandi on Strauss' Four Last Songs
