ASO to hit the regional road in October – destination mid-north South Australia

Audiences in mid-north South Australia will get the chance to experience the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra this October as the orchestra embarks on a regional tour with concerts in Clare and Peterborough from 5 – 8 October  in partnership with Regional Touring Partner Elders.

ASO musicians, will hold a series of public community performances and family concerts. These performances will be held in the lead-up to a one-off, major concert for the whole community by the Orchestra at Peterborough Town Hall. Here, the ASO will perform a program of popular classics led by charismatic maestro Guy Noble. Guy says, “It is a program about a sense of place – so we are going on a journey through orchestral music associated with particular parts of the world – like Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture set in Scotland, and the Hungarian Dances of Brahms. It’s a global musical tour and you don’t even have to leave Peterborough!”

Guy enjoys conducting in regional Australia, “It feels more relaxed out of Adelaide – smaller venues mean the audience is closer to the players, and that is the real thrill of hearing the orchestra live – feeling the vibrations of the music up close. I think audiences in the regions are really enthusiastic  – it’s not every day the Adelaide Symphony rolls into town, so there’s a sense of occasion” he said.

The ASO and Regional Touring Partner Elders are committed to ensuring more South Australians have access and engagement with the arts by showing a dedicated commitment to concerts across South Australia. In addition to public concerts, the ASO performs in schools, allowing regional students and all South Australians the opportunity to be hear live orchestral music.

ASO believes all South Australians regardless of their geographic location should have the opportunity to be inspired by orchestral music. We realise the value of bringing our unique brand of live music-making, to regional areas and the impact of experiencing live music has on people feeling connected to their community.

Before the tour, composers, Julian Ferraretto, Adam Page and Emma Gregan will be working with school students from Peterborough High School and St. Joseph’s School, Peterborough during a series of workshops as part of the ASO’s Silos and Symphonies program. Together they will create two new pieces of music which will have their World Premiere at the Peterborough concert where the students will see their composition come to life performed by the orchestra.

ASO Managing Director Vincent Ciccarello says, “There is little that compares to the sheer sound, experience and power of hearing live orchestral music up close. Our regional touring provides a unique opportunity for regional people of all ages from primary school students to the elderly to engage with music and experience orchestral music that they may never have seen performed in their hometown. The tour’s purpose is not just to entertain but to educate and inspire.“

ASO violinist Janet Anderson says, “For the community to hear the ASO performing in the glorious Peterborough Town Hall – it will certainly be a night to remember! As a musician, I love being able to perform everywhere and believe that all South Australians should have access to high quality orchestral experiences. It is so important to be able to be heard by everyone – rural and city audiences alike and inspire the next generation of musicians.”

Since 1839, Elders has been an integral part of Australia’s rural business landscape. The sponsorship is part of Elders ongoing commitment to support sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. Elders are committed to giving back to the community.

Mark Allison, Elders CEO explains, “At Elders, our key priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people and the communities in which we operate.

With our staff and clients located across all areas of Australia, we understand the importance of regional communities having access to cultural experiences as a way to connect and communicate with people of all ages and cultures; having a positive impact on well being. We believe it should be part of everyday life. Orchestras is one at the heart of each city’s cultural scene and we believe that by partnering with the ASO and ensuring regional communities have orchestral experiences it will make a positive, long-term and enduring impact with clear community benefits”.

The Community Centre concerts are presented by conductor Martin Butler, these free one hour concerts will explore song and dance from around the world, featuring string musicians from the ASO. Whilst families are well catered for with a tale about community, adversity and inclusion – The Bush Concert is the story of the Australian bush and its harsh conditions. Based on Australian author Helga Visser’s beautiful book of the same name, this special concert experience engages the audience through song, dance, and the beautiful images from the book.

Both communities are delighted to be hosting a once-in-a-generation visit to the region, Peterborough Mayor Mayor Ruth Whittle OAM says, ‘”We are very extremely excited. Its lovely to see our Town Hall used for such a prestigious orchestra such as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’. And it’s nice that people in rural areas can enjoy the wonderful music, just like people in the city can”.

“The tireless work of the Bundaleer Community in creating a space that invites performances of this degree to our region is truly commendable. Maple and Pine in the Southern Flinders Ranges provides a perfect backdrop for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, in what I’m sure will be a wondrous evening that we are very much looking forward to,” Regional Development Yorke and Mid North CEO Kelly-Anne Saffin said.

“We are delighted to welcome the ASO to Clare. The two concerts, including a special children’s event, will provide a wonderful opportunity for locals to hear some of our State’s most talented musicians at the Historic Clare Town Hall,” Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council Mayor Wayne Thomas said.

ASO Associate Principal Horn Sarah Barrett says, “Touring with the ASO to regional areas is a cherished part of the orchestra’s life, and we always look forward to the opportunity to travel together. It is fantastic to play for regional audiences, and  experience their warm and enthusiastic responses to our performances. These regional audiences may not be able to see a full orchestra as regularly as city audiences, but are clearly knowledgeable about music and are passionate supporters of the arts.”

REGIONAL TOUR DATES:

Wed 5 Oct 3.30-4.30pm
Community Centre concert at Maple and Pine, Bundaleer Forest

Thurs 6 Oct 11am
Clare Town Hall community Concert in partnership with Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

Fri 7 Oct 11.30am
Clare Town Hall: The Bush Concert for families

Fri 7 Oct 4.30pm
Peterborough Town Hall: The Bush Concert for families

Sat 8 Oct 4.30 – 5.45pm
Peterborough Town Hall: Concert presented by Guy Noble

For more information about the concerts and how to get your hands on tickets available at  www.aso.com.au

The ASO are performing with support from Major Regional Partner Elders, Arts South Australia and Country Arts SA.

ASO aims to reach as many people as possible each year through a diverse program across many genres and formats, and perform at venues right across the State and beyond. Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is South Australia’s largest performing arts organisation. Established in 1936, it has been bringing music into the lives of South Australians for 86 years. As well as presenting orchestral concerts the ASO’s focus is on nurturing our future musicians & audiences through concerts, education & community programs. ASO aims to inspire, challenge, educate and entertain. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Cheree McEwin, Publicist Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
08 8233 6205 / 0416 181 679 / mcewinc@aso.com.au