Despite ongoing travel complications preventing many overseas musicians flying into the country the Australian World Orchestra has announced a series of concerts for the year ahead. The orchestra, which is usually comprised of mostly ex-pat musicians returning from top international ensembles to play on their home turf, will celebrate its 10th birthday by fielding a full orchestra of Australia’s finest musicians.

Alexander Briger conducts the Australian World Orchestra at Sydney Opera House, 2016. Photo © Anna Kucera

AWO Chief Conductor Alexander Briger will lead concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, which will include the world premiere of a special birthday commission by clarinettist and composer Paul Dean. “We can’t begin to describe how excited we are to be able to come together as an orchestra again,” said AWO CEO Gabrielle Thompson.

Dean’s new work, simply called “Symphony”, is a thoroughly Australian affair, a nature-inspired reflection on the sounds to be heard...