The Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has launched its 2027 season, the second with Richard Mills as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra. Photo supplied

“In all our activities your DSO is committed to excellence, providing opportunities for NT musicians and giving our loyal audience an encounter with the marvellous, made in the Territory with the interest and support of many Australian music organisations,” said Mills.

Sibelius, Mozart, Dvořák is the DSO’s first performance for 2027. Flautist Joshua Batty is soloist for Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1, in a program that aso features Sibelius’s Karelia Suite and Dvořák’s New World Symphony.

In 2027, the DSO launches its inaugural Darwin Beethoven Festival across 27–30 May, with performances in Darwin and Palmerston.

Stefan Cassomenos. Photo supplied

Guest pianist Stefan Cassomenos and violinist Dale Barltrop to star in a selection of the Romantic composer’s concertos, while the the Australian String Quartet (with which Barltrop performs), Arafura Music Collective, and musicians from the Australian National Acadmy of Music will also feature in chamber music performances.

At the Darwin Amphitheatre on 26 June, Dance! Dance! Dance! sees the return of former DSO director Jon Tooby as conductor for a program celebrating disco and soul.

Visions of Earth & Ocean, on 14 August features musicians from Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Bougainville in a collaborative work from Mills and David Bridie.

Aaron Wyatt. Photo © Jessica Bader

The DSO will also premiere a brand new work from Aaron Wyatt featuring original Larrakia-language text by Elider in Residence Aunty Bilawara Lee (who also co-composed Gurrulwa Guligi (Big Wind) with Composer-in-Residence Netanela Mizrahi for the DSO’s 2024 season) and to be performed by soprano Nina Korbe.

The DSO’s Palmerston Weekend will also make a return across 8–9 October with two programs: Palmerston Classics, with clarinettist Philip Arkinstall and conductor Simon Bruckard, and a kid-friendly Family Proms.

DSO wraps up the season with A Territory Christmas on 11 December. Joined by vocalists Silvie Paladino and Michael Cormick, Vocalective and local singers, the orchestra offers a program of festive music and song.

“The 2027 Season brings together everything that makes DSO special: outstanding classical music, ambitious artistic partnerships and genuine connection with Territory audiences. We’re grateful to the musicians, volunteers, sponsors and partners whose support makes it possible,” said DSO General Manager Paul Christ.

More about the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s 2027 season can be found here.