The Australian Chamber Orchestra wrapped up its European tour with a very special performance at Buckingham Palace on the weekend. At the personal invitation of Prince Charles, Richard Tognetti and the orchestra were honoured by the Palace at an event titled A Concert and Dinner in Celebration of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Prince Charles and Richard Tognetti. Photo courtesy of Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Tognetti and his wife, assistant leader Satu Vänskä, sat at Charles’ table, with the Prince also speaking with every member of the orchestra. The event was attended by 200 of the ACO’s supporters from both Australia and the UK, with invitations issued by the Palace and orchestra. The Prince and the audience were treated to a programme of Bach, Beethoven, Vaughan Williams alongside Peter Sculthorpe’s Djilile.

The ACO was introduced to Charles in 2011 through the then Australian High Commissioner John Dauth, a long-time supporter of the orchestra. The Prince, an avid classical music fan, was particularly taken by the ACO – the orchestra has previously performed specially for him in the past at an event thanking patrons who supported its 2011 UK and Europe tour.

The special...