The ACO's first live concert since March drew thunderous applause, and held the audience spellbound.

The ACO will perform a week-long season of socially distanced concerts at the Sydney venue in September, while the orchestra has reduced its administrative staff by eight positions due to the impact of COVID-19.

Amy Dickson, Joseph Tawadros, Katie Noonan & the Australian String Quartet, Richard Tognetti & Erin Helyard, and WASO, Asher Fisch & Stuart Skelton are this year’s nominees.

The violinist and Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra has been honoured by his home city for his long career in music.

In this week’s column, Angus McPherson’s takes a look at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s celebration of Richard Tognetti’s 30 years as Artistic Director, a second Bang on a Can Marathon, and the ‘Global Pandemic Edition’ of 84 Pianos.

“We're fighting for our survival,” says Richard Tognetti, as the shut-down of live performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic forces ACO musicians to broadcast content from in-home studios.

Erin Helyard on getting HIP with Richard Tognetti.

HIPster Mozart and Beethoven at its finest.

The ACO assembles a starry line-up for a concert spanning Bach to Nine Inch Nails.

Vive la révolution with the ACO’s fiery Beethoven.

ACO takes on a pair of classical giants in exciting live recordings.

Richard Tognetti and Timo-Veikko Valve showed fine teamwork in Brahms' Double Concerto, while Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony was charming.