Darwin Symphony Orchestra 2026 Season Launch
Darwin Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to unveil its 2026 concert season – an inspiring program led by internationally acclaimed composer and newly appointed Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Richard Mills AO. This season celebrates the voices of our community, inviting audiences to experience music that sparks imagination and hope for the future.
Richard Mills shares his vision for the season ahead, “Our orchestra is a unique expression of community and artistic aspiration. We pride ourselves on our civic identity as the Darwin Symphony. We embrace the special possibilities of the vibrant Northern Territory in a program which ranges from the great classics to new work which is grounded in and reflects our location in storied landscape and ancient traditions.”
Mills also invites audiences of all ages to join the journey, “We play in Concert Halls and in the open air – for schools and families and those who visit our wondrous homeland so rich in culture. We are remaking the traditions of orchestra in our city and landscape to bring moments of delight and the joy of discovery to our audiences of all ages. Our players are a great resource in our city, sharing their skills and love of music far and wide. We all invite you to come and be part of our extended family and join us on an adventure – interesting, varied and with great collaborations which refresh our art.”
The season opens with From Common Ground, an evening of deep listening and dazzling imagination, where music blossoms from a single idea into something extraordinary. Audiences will experience the world premiere of Ground by DSO Composer in Residence Netanela Mizrahi, marking her third year with DSO. This captivating program also features a series of works in the Theme and Variations form by Shostakovich, Franck, Rachmaninov, and Hindemith. Franck’s Variations Symphoniques and Rachmaninov’s beloved Paganini Variations will be brought to life by acclaimed pianist soloist Stefan Cassomenos.
Guest conductor Fabian Russell leads the captivating program Island Signal, Island Song featuring Richard Mills’ evocative composition by the same name. This striking work, inspired by the Torres Strait conch shell call and the echoes of Venetian canals, celebrates connection across distance and time. Four of DSO’s talented horn soloists – Heath Parkinson, Noah Cass, Jethro Llewellyn, and Joel Hoare – take centre stage in this powerful piece. Audiences will also be swept away by music of Rautavaara, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony in a journey of imagination, harmony, and resilience.
At the height of Darwin’s glorious dry season, DSO’s beloved Amphitheatre Concert returns to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens for an unforgettable evening under the stars with Movie Hits. For almost 20 years, this family-friendly event has been a highlight of the Territory’s cultural calendar – more than a concert, it’s a vibrant community celebration. The full orchestra will perform tunes that made films iconic, alongside a live local band and vocalists, complete with costumes and creative flair.
Shakespeare & Symphony unites the grandeur of orchestral music with the raw energy of live theatre in a powerful collaboration with Brown’s Mart. Berlioz and Tchaikovsky explore the tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet, while the mischievous magic of Mendelssohn illuminates A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespeare’s texts will be brought to life by Northern Territory’s celebrated actor Rob Collins in a spoken performance, under the direction of Shari Sebbens and Yvette Walker. Local vocal ensemble Vocalective joins the orchestra for Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, borrowing lyrics from The Merchant of Venice.
Returning in 2026 are the much-loved Palmerston Classics and Palmerston Family Proms. This vibrant weekend of music brings orchestral favourites to the City of Palmerston, offering fun for the whole family. Children can explore the instruments and sounds that make up the symphony, while audiences of all ages enjoy timeless classics in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
The year concludes with Songs of the Season, a celebration of the Northern Territory’s unique landscape – from Darwin’s refreshing wet-season rains to the chorus of Kakadu frogs, and a hint of Christmas cheer. Two world premieres start the program: I, Rain by Mizrahi, and Frog Voices/ Frog Songs by Mills. The program also features festive-season-inspired music by Humperdinck, Rimsky-Korsakov, Anderson, and a garland of carols sung by Vocalective.
Education Program
DSO’s Education & Outreach program continues to flourish with the Young Artists Program (YAP). A new mentoring initiative for senior YAP participants will provide leadership opportunities and hands-on experience, helping them develop confidence, refine their skills, and gain real-world insight to support a smooth transition into community and professional orchestras.
Following its successful premiere in September 2025, Choose Your Own Adventure takes to the Stuart Highway, touring the Barkly and Central Australia regions. Featuring Djapu poet Melanie Munungurr and composer Simon Bruckard, this interactive performance invites audiences to shape the story and music – choosing directions and responding to narration through movement and body percussion.
The education program continues with Score!, where music meets sport and well-being as the gym transforms into a concert hall. In partnership with Hoops 4 Health and Charles Darwin University’s Sports Fitness and Recreation department, young audiences will embark on a musical obstacle course featuring activities like Stravinsky Star-Jumps, Beethoven Basketball Beats, and Mendelssohn Meditations designed to energise the body and calm the mind.
Acting General Manager, Louise Potzeldt shares her enthusiam for the upcoming season, “Richard Mills’ vision for DSO builds on our strong foundations and looks to the future with creativity, collaboration, and ambition. In 2026, we’re looking forward to making music that is accessible, relevant, and inspiring for people of all ages across the Territory, whether it’s part of our residency at AANT Centre, in classroom workshops, community spaces, or outdoors at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre. None of this would be possible without the commitment of our sponsors and partners, who share our belief in the power of music to bring people together.”
Tickets are available now at www.dso.org.au. Join us for a season of extraordinary music, community, and discovery!
2026 SEASON
From Common Ground
Sound, silence and transformation – a concert of virtuosity and imagination
Saturday 14 March, 7:30pm | AANT Centre
Island Signal, Island Song
Let the tide of music carry you beyond the horizon
Saturday 9th May, 7:30pm | AANT Centre
Movie Hits
Lights, Camera, Action, Orchestra!
Saturday 27th June, 7:30pm | AANT Centre
Shakespeare & Symphony
Poetry in every phase love, loss and lyrical beauty
Friday 22nd August, 7:30pm | AANT Centre
Palmerston Classics
Memorable music from Mozart and more
Friday 9th October, 7:30pm | Palmerston Recreation Centre
Palmerston Family Proms
Discover the orchestra: a musical playground for curious minds
Saturday 10th October, 10am | Palmerston Recreation Centre
Songs of the Season
The rains arrive, frogs sing, voices soar and joy abounds
Saturday 5th December, 7:30pm | AANT Centre
Choose Your Own Adventure
Our musical adventure hits the highway to Barkly and Central Australia
April | Barkly and Central Australia
Score!
Bounce to the beat
Saturday 24th October, 9:30am & 11am | CDU Theatre