There are a few different things about watching a symphony orchestra in Darwin compared to the more temperate states. While donned in traditional black, most of the female players don’t bother with hosiery and tend to finish their outfits with sandals (although the only evidence of thongs was in the audience). Even the guest soloist, renowned cellist Roderick McGrath, wore a short-sleeved shirt and no jacket (sensible man) to give a mesmerising performance of Dvořák’s sumptuous Cello Concerto in B Minor.

Yes, the aircon at the Darwin Entertainment Centre was on full blast but the room was still warm with so many bodies crammed together, so to heck with tradition.

Jonathan Tooby, Rod McGrath and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Paz Tassone

The other arresting feature of this semi-professional orchestra is its youth. Most of the players can’t be out of their 20s and even the enthusiastic and energetic Concertmaster, Tara Murphy, can’t yet be 40. I was entranced by the youthful vigour and vivacity of the DSO during this epic night that must have left the whole ensemble exhausted. Certainly, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jonathan Tooby indicated as...