q orchestra: AUSTRALIAN WORLD

Since its inaugural concert series in 2011, the AWO has established itself as arguably the most exciting orchestral initiative in Australia's cultural history, dazzling audiences in Australia and overseas and performing to over 34,000 music lovers.

Dubbed ‘the Socceroos of classical music', the AWO brings together Australia's elite national and international musicians to present unrivalled performances of musical virtuosity.

Under concert masters Natalie Chee and Daniel Dodds, the 2018 ensemble includes 86 Australian musicians from the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin, Vienna and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestras, the Chicago and London Symphony Orchestras, and musicians from the Australian state orchestras and local music ensembles.

Over the course of his stellar career, the 76-year-old Naples-born conductor, Maestro Riccardo Muti has led many of the most important orchestras in the world including the Berlin, New York, Vienna and London Philharmonics, and the Orchestre National de France. On his last Australian visit, he was made an Honorary Citizen of Sydney.

For this special three concert event, Maestro Muti will conduct a moving programme, commencing with Johannes Brahms' serene and idyllic Symphony No.2 in D Major, before leading the AWO through Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's life- affirming Symphony No.4 in F Minor, a work that moves from a mood of pervasive gloom to one of irresistible positivity, and as a noted Verdi specialist, including a Verdi surprise.

Maestro Riccardo Muti Conducts The Australian World Orchestra For 3 Extraordinary Concerts In 2018. Wednesday 2 May (7pm) - Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House Friday 4 May (8pm) - Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House Saturday 5 May (7.30pm) - Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne