Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
© Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Established in 1948, as a result of a partnership between the Tasmanian government, the Hobart and Launceston City Councils and the ABC, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is an icon of Tasmanian cultural life.
In January 2007 the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra became independent of the ABC and responsible for its own budget, musical standards and programming. A company was set up, limited by guarantee and modelled on the structure of not-for-profit organisations.
The TSO maintains a working relationship with the ABC.
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra receives federal and Tasmanian government funding of about $5.5 million which is assured for the next four years. This, together with ticket sales, corporate sponsorship, donations, CD sales and public membership, supports 47 full-time musicians who play and tour together throughout the year.
The TSO is the smallest of the six Australian state symphony orchestras but attracts the highest audience share per head of population.
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra specialises in the Classical and early Romantic period, principally the works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Shumann – the specialty of chief conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing.
the tso’s return to sydney
“The warmth of Sydney’s reception to this now annual visit from the Apple Isle was genuine and unbounded”.
– Sydney Morning Herald 2006.
Following an enthusiastic response from audiences and critics to its two previous Sydney seasons, the TSO returns in 2007 for a three concert series on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 25 to 27 October at City Recital Hall, Angel Place.
Identified as “an orchestra to be reckoned with” by The Sydney Morning Herald and regarded as one of the world’s finest small orchestras, the 47-member orchestra will perform works by Chopin and Mendelssohn.
As part of the “10 Days on the Island” arts festival in March 2007 the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra featured a world premiere when presenting two island themed concerts, ‘Scottish Dawn’ in Hobart and Devonport and ‘Trans Tasman Journey’ in Hobart.
Listen to a podcast of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra on the Discover Tasmania website.
TSO subscribers
Subscribers are the life blood of every great orchestra in the world.
As a TSO subscriber there are ticket options available at special prices, as well as advantages such as priority seating, discounts on other concerts, free CDs and newsletters.
For details of subscription options visit the TSO website.
friends of the tso
Actively support the orchestra by joining FOTSO. Friends of the TSO enjoy many privileges, including meeting the musicians face to face, attending rehearsals and various social events.
Membership is available to individuals or couples, with special discounts for pensioners and students. Full details can be found in the hard copy of the TSO 2007 Subscription Brochure. Email the TSO Box Office and ask for a brochure to be mailed to you.
A unique weekend
A range of special weekend concert packages are available. Packages include two nights’ accommodation with buffet breakfast at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart, Gold Reserve tickets to a TSO concert and a bonus TSO CD.
Contact the TSO Box Office for details – 1800 001 190 or by email.