Darwin Symphony Orchestra

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Darwin Symphony Orchestra

Darwin Symphony Orchestra is the Northern Territory’s only symphony orchestra and a leading cultural institution.

Based at Charles Darwin University, DSO has delivered distinctive performances and education programs across the NT for over 34 years. The Darwin Symphony Orchestra is comprised of more than 60 volunteer musicians, a professional Concertmaster and Principal players. The DSO is recognised for taking their music to isolated communities in the Northern Territory which rarely have the opportunity to e

xperience a live symphony orchestra, as well as regular indoor and outdoor concert appearances in Darwin.

06/06/2026

📣 VOLUNTEER CALL OUT

We're calling on for some helping hands to help bring some magic to life for our biggest concert of the year at the George Brown Botanic Gardens Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday 27 June.

GET INVOLVED
Back of House:
⭐ Support stage setup, lighting, and operations with Phil
⭐Some lifting required (medium–heavy items)

Front of House:
⭐ Collect donations
⭐ Hand out programs
⭐ Assist in the VIP Area

Keen to be part of the action? Fill out the Volunteer Form below - every helping hand makes a difference!

Volunteer Form
🔗 https://form.jotform.com/261391629682062

04/06/2026

What would Movie Hits be without popcorn? We’re excited to announce our first vendor to join us at the Darwin Amphitheatre - Katja's Delicious Popcorn!

Grab a delicious snack before the concert begins with Katja’s freshly made popcorn, available in a range of flavours including caramel, sweet & salty, nacho cheese, and lightly salted.

MOVIE HITS 📽🍿
📅 Saturday 27 June
🕡 6:30pm (Gates open 4:30pm)
📍 Darwin Amphitheathre, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
🪙 Entry by donation, bookings are essential
️🔗 Book here: https://dso.org.au/movie-hits/

02/06/2026

Keep Music Alive in the Northern Territory!

The Darwin Symphony Orchestra empowers musicians of all ages through workshops, performances, community engagement, education and outreach, touring programs, and our Darwin Amphitheatre. We are also proud to commission new works that are uniquely inspired by and created for the Northern Territory. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of our community to sustain and grow this work.

With a donation of $250 or more, you can become a DSO Patron and play a vital role in shaping the future of music in the Territory. Your support helps bring new orchestral works to life, expands our regional and remote touring programs, nurtures emerging local talent, and ensures more people across the NT can experience the power of live music.

Join us in creating unforgettable performances and enriching our community through music. Together, we can continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the unique cultural voice of the Northern Territory.

To learn more or become a DSO patron visit
🔗 https://dso.org.au/become-a-patron/

31/05/2026

THIS MONTH: Movie Hits 🎥🍿

Lights. Camera. Action. Orchestra!

DSO’s legendary Amphitheatre Concert returns to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens for a night of unforgettable music under the stars!

In 2026, Movie Hits celebrates the tunes that made films iconic - from unforgettable anthems to upbeat favourites that get everyone singing and dancing. The full orchestra is joined by a live band and lead vocalists, bringing costumes and creative flair to every number. The concert will also include two short orchestral-only works, giving audiences a chance to enjoy the full richness of the orchestra on its own.

This is not a traditional orchestral concert - it’s a vibrant, joyful community celebration. Bring a picnic, gather your friends and family, and join our loyal crowd for an energetic evening of music, movement, and pure entertainment that locals and visitors alike rave about.

Gates open at 4:30pm. Food vans and bar will be present at the event and will operate from 5:00pm; attendees may also bring a picnic. No BYO alcohol or glass permitted.

🗓 Saturday 27 June
📍 Darwin Amphitheatre
🕟 6:30pm (Gates open at 4:30pm)

🪙 Entry by donation. Bookings are essential.
🔗 https://dso.org.au/movie-hits/

25/05/2026

⭐ Community Highlight at Tipperary Station School ⭐

DSO was excited to bring two days of creative music workshops to Tipperary Station School. Students at this small remote school were so excited to explore rhythm, movement, instrument making, and collaborative composition activities, finding new ways to create and perform music using everyday materials, body percussion, and storytelling through sound.

The workshops gave students the chance to connect, create, and share their ideas through music in a fun and engaging environment. These workshops are possible thanks to support from Victoria Daly Regional Council.

See more of our Community Highlights on our website.
🔗 https://dso.org.au/community-highlights/

13/05/2026

🎥 From Screen to Stage: Movie Hits comes alive with Darwin Symphony Orchestra

Darwin Symphony Orchestra is returning to George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre for its much-loved annual outdoor concert, celebrating the music of the movies we all love!

Audiences can enjoy an evening of iconic screen soundtracks - from Footloose and Mission: Impossible to Disney favourites and crowd-pleasers like KPop Demon Hunters. With something for everyone, this feel-good concert is perfect for the whole family, inviting you to sing along, dance, and enjoy the open-air atmosphere in the peak of Darwin's dry season.

The concert will showcase outstanding local talent, including vocalists Max Fredericks and Natalie Pellegrino, joined by a live band. Former Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Jon Tooby, will also return to the podium to lead the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. The program also features orchestra‑only pieces that highlight the power and richness of the full ensemble.

Gates open from 4:30pm, so arrive early, bring a folding chair or picnic rug, and settle in for the evening. A selection of food and drinks will be available from on‑site vendors from 5:00pm, with the concert getting underway at 6:30pm.

Don't miss this vibrant, family-friendly celebration - a fun evening under the stars filled with live music, community spirit and Territory talent!

Entry is by donation, and bookings are essential.

Event Details
📅 Saturday, 27 June 2026
📍Darwin Amphitheatre, George Brown Botanic Gardens

🕟 4:30pm – Gates open
🕔 5:00pm – Food & Drink vendors open
🕡 6:30pm – Concert

🎟️ Book here: https://dso.org.au/movie-hits/

11/05/2026

🌿 We’re thrilled to share this beautiful event from our friends at The Bowerbird Collective 🌿

Earth Emotions – Music & Philosophy for Nature is a deeply moving experience combining exquisite live music and powerful storytelling, performed by Simone Slattery (violin), Anthony Albrecht (cello), and narrated by environmental philosopher Prof. Glenn Albrecht.

📍 Darwin | CDU Theatre – Orange 3
🗓 Thursday 14 May | 7:30–8:30pm
🎟 Tickets from just $5 (children) / $20 (adults)

This is music that goes straight to the heart - guiding us from eco-anxiety to hope, connection, and care for our planet.

👉 Book now: https://bowerbirdcollective.org/earth-emotions/

08/05/2026

Rehearsals are in full swing for Island Signal, Island Song! 🏝️🐚

It's almost here! This is your last chance to experience the music that takes you beyond the horizon, featuring works of Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and our very own Richard Mills AO.

Saturday 9 May at AANT Centre - Darwin's Premier Live Entertainment Venue
6:00pm | Doors open
6:30pm | Pre-concert Talk with Richard Mills AO (Upstairs Foyer in front of Door 1)
7:30pm | Concert

Final tickets remaining - book now:
🎟 https://dso.org.au/island-signal-island-song/

07/05/2026

⭐ Artist Spotlight: Joel H***e ⭐

We’re delighted to introduce Joel H***e as our fourth and final soloist for Island Signal, Island Song.

Joel holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has performed with leading ensembles across the country, including the Queensland Youth Symphony, Australian Youth Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Institute.

After completing a Graduate Diploma of Professional Music Practice at the University of Tasmania, Joel expanded his career into orchestral production and arts administration, working with organisations such as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Salamanca Arts Centre. Since relocating to Darwin in 2017, Joel has been an integral part of the local arts community and is now a proud small business owner and dedicated father.

Experience Joel, Noah, Jethro and Heath as they bring Richard Mills AO’s horn concerto from Island Signal, Island Song to life this Saturday at the AANT Centre. Tickets are on sale now!

📅 Saturday 9 May
🕛 7:30pm
📍The Playhouse, AANT Centre - Darwin's Premier Live Entertainment Venue
🎟️ https://dso.org.au/island-signal-island-song/

A pre-concert with Artistic Director & Chief Conductor, Richard Mills, will take place at 6:30pm in the upstairs foyer in front of Door 1. This is a free event open to all ticket holders for Island Signal, Island Song.

📰 Read the full article in our ‘Latest News’
🔗 https://dso.org.au/artist-spotlight-joel-hoare/

Address

Charles Darwin University
Darwin, NT
0820

Telephone

+61889466488

Website

https://dso.org.au/

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