2016 will feature the premiere of a world-first concerto for 8 double basses by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin

It’s almost difficult to believe that the Australian World Orchestra is, by most international standards at least, just a toddler. However in its brief life to date it has accomplished some truly astonishing feats, such as attracting two of the world’s most revered maestros, Zubin Metha and Sir Simon Rattle, to its podium, as well as making history this year by being the first Australian orchestra ever to tour India. At its core is one simple premise: that it should be a focal point for Australian musicians scattered across the globe to return home to showcase their world-class skills. Therefore it is entirely apt that for its fifth anniversary season next year the AWO is putting Australian talent front and centre.

2016 will feature two concerts co-presented by the Sydney Opera House next September, conducted by two Aussie maestros: the orchestra’s founder, Alexander Briger and Stanley Dodds, director of the Sinfonie Orchester Berlin and violinist in the Berlin Philharmonic. The AWO will also present...