The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s preeminent orchestra, dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that transcend borders and connect communities. Through the shared language of music, the MSO delivers performances of the highest standard, enriching lives and inspiring audiences across the globe.
Woven into the cultural fabric of Victoria for 120 years, the MSO reaches five million people annually through performances, TV, radio, and online broadcasts, as well as critically acclaimed recordings from its newly established recording label.
In 2026, Jaime Martín continues to lead the Orchestra as the MSO Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor. Maestro Martín leads an Artistic Family that includes Principal Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey, Cybec Assistant Conductor Daniel Corvaia, MSO Chorus Director Warren Trevelyan-Jones, Composer in Residence Joe Chindamo, Cybec Young Composer in Residence Andrew Aronowicz, Cybec First Nations Composer in Residence James Henry, Artist in Residence, Learning & Engagement Karen Kyriakou, Young Artist in Association Christian Li, and Artistic Ambassadors Tan Dun, Lu Siqing and Xian Zhang.
The MSO regularly presents exceptional artists from across the globe. In 2026, we welcome pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Kirill Gerstein, and Andrea Lam, and conductors Jonathon Heyward, Anja Bihlmaier and Tabita Berglund. Soprano Danielle de Niese and bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel also join, as do Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello), Sergei Nakariakov (flugelhorn), Steven Banks (saxophone), and violinists María Dueñas and Nemanja Radulović.
The MSO reaches beyond the customary classical audience. Recent contemporary collaborations include performances with Sigur Rós, Lime Cordiale, The Whitlams and Dan Sultan, as well as the the world premiere concert screening of The Man from Snowy River. Through a partnership with the ABC, the MSO’s performances of the annual Classic 100 in Concert continue in 2026, reaching more than a million viewers around the country each year.
The first Australian orchestra to perform overseas (1965) and the first to debut at Carnegie Hall (1970), the MSO has a proud history of international touring and has established firm roots through regular engagement in China, Indonesia, Singapore, Europe and the UK. The MSO also recently released its third and fourth albums on the London Symphony Orchestra’s label LSO Live.
Driven by the belief that music is a universal right, the MSO brings music to all corners of the community. Regional tours, accessible performances, and free events ensure that everyone, regardless of background or location, can share in the transformative power of music.
Whether performing on world stages or in the heart of Victoria, the MSO transforms its mission and vision into reality—enriching lives and creating cultural connections through the unparalleled beauty of music.
