Violin and Musical Direction
Guitar, Voice, Didgeridoo
Founded in 1975, the Australian Chamber Orchestra is renowned not only for its innovative programming, which combines familiar and unexpected soundscapes, but also for its dedication to music from Australia and the commissioning of new works. The ensemble makes its Pierre Boulez Saal debut presenting two different concerts on consecutive nights. William Barton’s Didge Fusion for didgeridoo, guitar, voice, and strings opens the second night, with the Australian composer taking on the solo part himself. This program also includes adaptations of works by Janáček and Beethoven, and music by Thomas Adès, Ruth Crawford Seeger, and George Walker, the first Afro-American composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1996.
Excerpt: Walker Lyric © ACO StudioCasts
William Barton performing the Didgeridoo, April 2022 © Nic Walker
Australian Chamber Orchestra © Maria Boyagdis
Satu Vänskä, principal violin © ACO
Australian Chamber Orchestra at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne © ACO
Australian Chamber Orchestra © ACO
Australian Chamber Orchestra © Christie Brewster
Stefanie Farrands, principal viola © ACO