User:Australian World Orchestra

The Australian World Orchestra was created in 2011 by Alexander Briger, an internationally acclaimed conductor with a vision: to bring together Australia’s finest musicians from home and around the world to form one of the country’s most electrifying orchestras. The inaugural AWO concert series took place in Sydney in August 2011 at the Sydney Opera House, and was voted ‘2011 Best Orchestral Concert’ by ABC’s Limelight Magazine. In all, four concerts took place over four days attracting over 6,200 attendees.

In a triumph of logistics and passion, 107 performers took part in the 2013 concerts, with 47 internationally based artists joining 61 acclaimed musicians from across the country. The performers represent over 30 leading international orchestras including Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, London Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The local musicians represent the top orchestras across Australia: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Queensland, Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian National Academy of Music. The AWO concerts are an opportunity for these globally renowned musicians at the height of their game to come together and perform on home soil, resulting in events with an incredible energy and atmosphere.

AWO Artistic Director Alexander Briger said “Australian musicians are well represented in many of the world’s top orchestras, and their passion, dedication and talent is remarkable. Many of these artists have lived overseas for years due to the greater opportunities internationally for classical musicians, and are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform together and before a ‘home’ crowd.”

The Australian World Orchestra was honoured to have Maestro Zubin Mehta as the conductor for the 2013 series. Maestro Mehta has conducted the cream of the world’s celebrated orchestras including the Berlin, Los Angeles, New York and Vienna Philharmonics. He is Music Director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Maestro Mehta said “For many years I have worked with and developed friendships with the Australian musicians that hold major positions with the great orchestras around the world. Many of them played in the Australian World Orchestra’s highly successful inaugural season in Sydney in 2011 and when I was asked if I would return to Australian to conduct the AWO in 2013 I did not hesitate to agree.”

Maestro Mehta led the AWO performing two works for which his interpretations are renowned: Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and Mahler’s 1st Symphony. The Rite of Spring caused a riot when it was first performed in Paris 100 years ago and was considered far too progressive. Today, it is acknowledged as one of the boldest, most virtuosic and exciting works ever written for orchestras. Mahler's 1st Symphony is one of the composer’s most popular works, brimming with emotion, fury, tragedy, excitement, pathos, and one of the grandest endings to any work ever written.

The AWO celebrates Australian classical musicianship and passion for excellence, creating inspiring orchestral musical events that are unforgettable for both the musicians and audiences.