The Australian World Orchestra has announced its 2026 season, one marking 15 years of “ambitious programming, visionary collaboration” and celebrating “the finest players from home and across the globe”.

Playing Melbourne’s Hamer Hall and the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall from 19–20 August, the all-star orchestra will deliver a three-part program under the baton of Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Alexander Briger: two monumental classical works – Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony – and the world premiere of Jonathan Mills’ Songs for a Stranger.

The Australian World Orchestra and Alexander Briger. Photo © Daniel Boud

“It is a real joy to be celebrating our 15th anniversary by bringing an incredible repertoire of music to Australians played by this country’s finest musicians,” says Briger. “The AWO stands as one of the nation’s great cultural ambassadors – an orchestra that celebrates imagination, tradition, connection and the enduring power of musical artistry on the world stage. This year’s three mighty works showcase the musical complexity and vibrant energy that the Australian World Orchestra brings...