Symphony, Adelaide
With a reputation for vitality and versatility, the much loved Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is South Australia’s largest performing arts organisation, established in 1936.
For 85 years, the ASO has been there to corroborate life and contribute to South Australia’s identity. Today the ASO plays a major role in Adelaide’s cultural and economic vibrancy, and enriches the community through a diverse program of world-class performances to more than 100,000 concertgoers each season.
Each year it extends its audience beyond the concert halls through its community concerts and regional activity together with regular broadcasts on ABC Classics. Additionally the ASO’s comprehensive Learning Series for schools and families directly touches the lives of more than 16,000 children, thereby forging a special connection to music from a young age. In 1998 and 2004 the ASO came to the attention of the international community with its exemplary playing of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Delivering diverse and colourful programming with leading international and Australian musicians, it has also enjoyed hugely successful performances with artists such as Ben Folds, Tim Minchin and The Hilltop Hoods. And in 2015, the ASO and The Hilltop Hoods reprised their collaboration to record Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung. In the spirit of innovation, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra frequently showcases new music and Australian premieres. The ASO has embarked on numerous international tours, including China, Korea, Singapore and Carnegie Hall in New York, and plays a vital role in the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, OzAsia Festival, WOMADelaide, State Opera of South Australia and The Australian Ballet.
