Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) musical offerings for 2014 almost completely sold out – an accomplishment no other Australian symphony orchestra can match. Boasting the highest subscription renewal rate in Australia of over 93%, the demand for this much loved orchestra is high and their newly launched 2015 season looks set to continue to impress.

Next year will see Canberra’s largest performing arts association, the CSO, turn 65 and they’re not taking this milestone birthday lightly. Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Dr Nicholas Milton, has programmed an extraordinary season.

“A shared belief in our artistic vision for our community makes our concerts something more than just orchestral performances: they are events that bring profound beauty into the lives of our audience,” he says.

“It’s been noted that music can express what is inexpressible, and for an orchestra to deliver that message, it needs passion, purpose, and a shared, deep-seated commitment to producing something of unspeakable beauty.”

The CSO is an integral part of the Canberra community with a growing number of community engagement projects as well as sell-out concerts year round.

“Canberra Symphony Orchestra and its absolutely unique relationship to our local community is something that makes all of us proud. The music we make is transformative and magical, and when we bring it to life – be it at Llewellyn Hall, at venues in the New Acton precinct, nursing homes or special schools at Black Mountain.”

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Having recently had the pleasure of attending Stravinsky’s Firebird, performed by the CSO, Llwellyn Hall’s nostalgic spell surfaced – it’s not hard to see why this is one of Australia’s finest acoustic venues. David Elton’s trumpet concerto was entirely mesmerising; you could hear a pin drop. The beauty of looking around and seeing patrons lost in symphonic literature, eyes closed, is a true example of what CSO’s audiences are treated to.

CSO’s management team is led by inspirational Chief Executive, Henry Laska, who has completely transformed the organisation over the eight years he has been with them. The team are looking forward to fostering new growth across three exceedingly important areas: New Work, Regional Tourning and Community Engagement. In addition, expect to see audiences treated to Canberra’s world-class orchestra alongside distinguished Australian soloists and guest conductors.

Want to know where you can catch the CSO next? Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) joins forces with the Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon (RMC Band) to celebrate the sounds of cinema in upcoming concert, Canberra Weekly Matinee Magic: Hollywood.

Ben Northey, arguably Australia’s most popular conductor, will lead the seventy-three musicians on stage as they recreate the soundtracks of some of the most popular movies in history.

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The family friendly concert will feature music from both the modern and classic era of cinema, referencing films including Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, and the Magnificent Seven, to more modern films including Star Wars, Forrest Gump, and Harry Potter, as well as many more.

CSO have also teamed up with cultural partner, Molonglo Group, to present an exciting array of musical events throughout the NewActon precinct. Keep your eye out for an announcement on a specifically arranged ensemble taking part Woven Words. In collaboration with the release of The Invisible Thread, a publication showcasing 75 Canberra writers, NewActon is bringing together three authors for an evening or words woven with music.

the essentials

What: Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s 2015 Subscription Season (click to download)
Where: Venues throughout Canberra
When: February to November 2015
Web: www.cso.org.au