The Australian High Commission in London, Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Lynette Wood, has announced a ground-breaking new partnership between Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra.
The agreement between the two orchestras enables cross-cultural collaboration between the two countries, further strengthening partnerships and enhancing the deep people-to-people links in the arts and cultural sectors. This includes reciprocal touring in Australia and the UK, facilitating emerging artist exchanges and co-commissioning performances and activities, including digital innovations, such as LSO Live and MSO.LIVE.
The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle will tour Australia in 2023 with a series of concerts between 28 April and 6 May in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, presented jointly by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Opera House and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The Melbourne performances will mark the launch of this partnership and its goals of connecting the broader communities of the two orchestras.
Lynette Wood, Acting High Commissioner to the UK said: “This is a proud moment in our deep relationship with the United Kingdom. This collaboration is a clear manifestation of the values of both our countries as cultural powerhouses, partners, and friends. I am delighted that these two world class orchestras will forge ahead in this exciting partnership for the benefit of people all over Australia and the UK.”
Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, said: “This is a chance for musicians from both countries to deepen their understanding of each other, united through their passion for music-making at the highest level. Sharing our musical culture, we hope to make a lasting impact here and in Australia.”
This MSO announcement is generously supported by the Australian Government, as part of the UK/Australia Season 2021-22. The MSO’s international engagement is supported by the Gandel Foundation through the MSO’s Now, Forever Future Fund.
