ALL EVENTS
In 2021 Darwin Symphony Orchestra presents another year of innovative collaborations, special guest artists and, of course, beautiful music. From our inspiring concert season to unique events that engage younger listeners, there is something for everyone. Take a look at some of our exciting events and programs and save money with one of our great value subscriptions!

Join the DSO menagerie for a carnival of fun!
Lions and donkeys and swans, oh my! Bring the whole family along to enjoy Camille Saint-Saëns’ enchanting The Carnival of the Animals, Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending and other animal-themed orchestral favourites. Hosted by Darwin’s own Shalom Kaa, this will be a magical musical adventure through the animal kingdom.
Time
Saturday 27 March, 6.30pm
Venue
Darwin Entertainment Centre

A powerful exploration of place and culture
Join Darwin Symphony Orchestra for a stunning sunset concert at Barunga Festival. Featuring guest artists Manuel Dhurrkay, Don Nunggarrgalu, Guwanbal Gurruwiwi and Ripple Effect Band, this rich cross-cultural collaboration in the beautiful surrounds of Barunga should not to be missed.
Time
11 - 13 June
Venue
Barunga Festival

Join us for an unforgettable night in boogie wonderland!
Don’t miss this spectacular night under the stars, dancing to great disco hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s! Featuring Darwin Symphony Orchestra performing lush symphonic arrangements of the best hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, ABBA, Gloria Gaynor and more! Special guest musicians and dancing queens will transform the Gardens Amphitheatre into a glittering dancefloor.
Time
Sat 26 June 6.30pm. Doors open 5pm
Venue
George Brown Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre

Classical favourites and a dynamic cross-cultural collaboration
Ripple Effect Band are an all-female rock band from Maningrida who sing in four different Aboriginal languages as well as English. For this special event, they have collaborated with emerging Australian composer Alex Turley to produce an innovative cross-cultural performance that will push musical boundaries.
This exciting premiere will be followed by a performance of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. Tchaikovsky’s rousing Symphony No. 5 draws the evening to a dramatic finale.
Presented in association with Darwin Festival.
Time
Saturday 21 August, 7.30pm
Venue
Darwin Entertainment Centre

A multi-artform feast for the senses
Immerse yourself in a multi-layered collaboration between Darwin Symphony Orchestra and vibrant local dance company Slide Youth Dance. Featuring excerpts from beloved film scores, including Bernard Hermann’s Psycho Suite and compositions by Philip Glass, this event pairs these works with specially choreographed dance pieces performed live with the orchestra.
This innovative collaboration will be followed by Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Inspired by the paintings of Viktor Hartmann, Mussorgsky’s much-loved work will conclude an evening celebrating artistic inspiration and connection.
Time
Saturday 30 October, 7.30pm
Venue
Darwin Entertainment Centre

An interactive event sure to spark intrigue in classical music
Our special Family Proms event introduces the whole symphony orchestra to new listeners, with a chance to hear each instrument. Our young audience members will be able to participate, and might even get a chance to conduct the orchestra!
Ideal for families; children aged 0-8.
Time
Saturday 27 November, 11am
Venue
Darwin Entertainment Centre

Two powerful works draw the season to a triumphant close
Don’t miss DSO’s spectacular finale to their 2021 season featuring performances of two mighty orchestral works – Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto and Shostakovich’s brooding Symphony No. 5.
Internationally acclaimed star pianist Shuan Hern Lee will join the orchestra for a stirring rendition of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto.
Written during Stalin’s reign, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is a work of extraordinary courage and protest. Experience its smouldering power in this breathtaking performance.
Time
Saturday 27 November, 7.30pm
Venue
Darwin Entertainment Centre

A unique musical event among NT's fearsome fauna!
Hop on board our Sonic Safari at Crocosaurus Cove and enjoy a fun-filled concert of snappy scales and swampy sounds played by DSO ensemble. Hear how composers were influenced by nature, while admiring some of the NT’s most iconic reptiles. Touch real instruments in our instrument petting zoo, before exploring Crocosaurus Cove’s fearsome fauna.
Time
Saturday 15 May, 8.30am
Venue
Crocosaurus Cove, 58 Mitchell St, Darwin

Your favourite stories brought vividly to life with music
Join DSO musicians for some storytelling fun as they bring beautiful children’s picture books to life with music. This engaging event brings music and literacy education together.
Time
Saturday 11 September
Venue
TBC

Providing opportunities for aspiring musicians
The Young Artists Program is a popular new DSO program that enables aspiring musicians to hone their skills with weekly classes, performances, and masterclasses.
Suitable for ages thirteen to eighteen. Cost: $160 a Term.