The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra marks 90 years with a complete Sibelius symphony cycle at Adelaide Town Hall from 12-19 September 2026, led by Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth across three landmark concerts. The rare immersion in all seven symphonies builds on the ASO's 2007 achievement as the first Australian orchestra to record the complete cycle.
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will mark a defining chapter in its artistic history, presenting the complete cycle of Jean Sibelius’s seven symphonies across three landmar concerts at Adelaide Town Hall from 12-19 September 2026.
Led by Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, the cycle is a rare opportunity to immerse in the remarkable world of Finland’s greatest composer, presenting all seven symphonies which are inspired by nature, memory and identity.
The performances also build on the ASO’s rich history with the composer as the first Australian orchestra to record and release the complete Sibelius Symphony Cycle in 2007.
Mark Wigglesworth said that the Sibelius cycle is an ambitious artistic journey for the orchestra and a deeply rewarding one for audiences.
“The benefits of immersing yourself in the complete symphonies of any composer are huge. It’s fascinating to hear the whole journey they went through. Nobody really knows what Sibelius was like, we only have his music to sense the life that he lived”, Wigglesworth said.
“To hear all seven symphonies performed live by the ASO is an incredibly rare and unique orchestral event”.
ASO violinist Lachlan Bramble, who was part of the orchestra’s Sibelius cycle recording said it’s a thrill to present the full symphony cycle as part of the ASO’s 90th anniversary season.
“Sibelius’s symphonies are a unique and wonderful sound world. As an orchestra we have such a deep connection to Sibelius, and it’s fitting to revisit this history as part of our 90th year”, Bramble said.
“Performing a symphony cycle will be physically challenging but hugely rewarding for the musicians and audiences alike”.
The Sibelius Symphony Cycle is part of the ASO’s popular Immersion concert series which pays homage to the greatest composers of all time.
Tickets are now on sale. Head to the ASO’s website www.aso.com.au
