The Wilson Foundation supporting the ACO’s growth

As a partner, The Wilson Foundation has helped make some of this year’s most distinctive projects possible, bringing together leading artists, creating new work, and progressing the string orchestra.

One example is The Ancient Mariner, a new viola concerto by Irish composer Garth Knox, which premiered in Australia during the ACO’s Isles of Light national tour. The work draws on English folk music to present something that feels immersive and unpredictable, and beyond what audiences might expect from a classical concert. It shows where the ACO sits internationally, bringing together a major composer, a leading soloist, and the Orchestra in full flight.

The Wilson Foundation’s support also underpins the ACO’s work beyond the concert hall. Horizon is a 40-minute work for strings that Pulitzer Prize winning composer John Luther Adams. The music reflects uniquely Australian environments, from the far north to the desert and coast. The full work had its world premiere at Carnegie Hall in April, as part of the ACO’s North American tour. It was met with a standing ovation and is now available across streaming platforms and on vinyl.

Another important expression of this partnership is the ACO’s brand-new Families production, Pinocchio, which is premiering at the ACO’s home in Walsh Bay, Sydney. It offers an accessible and immersive first experience of classical music carefully tailored to young audiences.

The Wilson Foundation’s partnership is helping make new commissions; international artists; recordings; touring; family productions possible. It provides the support and confidence that allows the ACO to take risks, bring together leading creatives in the field, and follow ideas through.