Internationally renowned for inspired programming and the rapturous response of audiences and critics, the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is a product of Australia’s vibrant, adventurous and enquiring spirit. In performances around Australia, around the world and on many recordings, the ACO moves hearts and stimulates minds with repertoire spanning six centuries and a vitality and virtuosity unmatched by other ensembles.

In 2011, following a very successful European tour, a reviewer from The Guardian newspaper exclaimed “…if there’s a better chamber orchestra in the world today, I haven’t heard it.”

As a testament to the exciting and ever evolving nature of the cross-genre collaborations developed and performed by the ACO, Artistic Director and Lead Violinist Richard Tognetti (pictured below with other ACO musicians) recently combined his two passions of music and surfing to create an inspired work involving didgeridoo and surf film footage entitled ‘The Reef’, which tours Australia in 2012 and travels further abroad in 2013.

BNP Paribas has been a proud supporter of the ACO since 2006, when the Group commissioned a new piece of music to commemorate BNP Paribas’ 125th anniversary in Australia. Last year, young members of the ACO’s Emerging Artists mentoring program performed at the celebrations marking BNP Paribas’ 130th anniversary in Australia.