Darwin Symphony Orchestra 2025 program announced, including tour to Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine
From Beethoven to Bernstein to My Sharona, the DSO’s 2025 program has something for everyone, as it tours the Territory for the first time in a decade. Here’s what to expect.
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Darwin Symphony Orchestra will hit the road for the first time in a decade, touring to Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs next year.
At its official program launch on Thursday, DSO artistic director and chief conductor Jon Tooby announced 2025 would be his last season with the orchestra, stepping aside after seven years in the role.
From April 8-13, two busloads of musicians will travel down the Stuart Highway, culminating in a performance at the iconic Parrtjima festival.
The tour will showcase original music by Territory composer Netanela Mizrahi, including her piece in collaboration with Larrakia elder Bilawara Lee, “Gurrulwa Guligi (Big Wind)”, a reflection on Cyclone Tracy 50 years after it devastated Darwin.
On June 7 a One Hit Wonders show at the Darwin Botanic Gardens features legendary hits such as Video Killed the Radio Star and My Sharona.
Another family friendly show in October will also hit the road – making an intrepid trip to Palmerston.
The Palmerston Family Proms is aimed at kids under 10, and will allow children to see and hear their favourite instruments up close.
Stunning classical favourites are also on the program, including Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, and Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony ‘Pathétique’.
Orchestra chair Claire Kilgariff said the upcoming season was “truly a milestone in our 36-year journey”.
“I am especially thrilled that we’ll be taking a Territory Tour in 2025, bringing the magic of orchestral music to new audiences and reconnecting with familiar faces,” she said.
“This season holds special meaning, as it is our last under Jon Tooby’s visionary leadership. “We are immensely grateful for his artistic dedication and look forward to celebrating his legacy together with you.”
Mr Tooby said 2025 would be “an exciting year full of new opportunities and change for our wonderful orchestra”.
“A year that excites me tremendously even if mixed with some sadness, being my final season as DSO artistic director and chief conductor with this fabulous and talented orchestra.”
See the full program at: dso.org.au
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