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Learn more about the Australian Art Orchestra and what we do.
Adam Manning
and AAO
perform at
New Annual
The Australian Art Orchestra will feature at the 2025 New Annual Festival with First Nations Artist in Residence Adam Manning’s work First Rhythms.
Reimagining the ancient resonance of clapsticks through a contemporary lens, First Rhythms brings together traditional percussive elements, modern instrumentation, improvisation, and multimodal visual art. At the heart of the work is an Indigenous understanding that everything is alive and carries a pulse—the heartbeat of Country
First Rhythms will feature the dynamic interplay of some of Australia’s top improvising musicians, creating an experience that’s as technically masterful as it is culturally resonant. The work offers deep insight into the ongoing relevance and application of First Nations knowledge systems in contemporary art forms, demonstrating how rhythm can act as a bridge between ancestral memory and present-day creative practice.
First Rhythms will be presented at Harold Lobb Concert Hall in Newcastle on Thursday 2 October at 7:30pm.
AAO TO PERFORM AT
OSAKA WORLD EXPO
We’re excited to announce that this week we travel to Japan for a number of special performances and events.
Over 10 nights, AAO will give 21 performances across numerous works showcasing our core repertoire and representing Australia in music at the Australian Pavilion for the Osaka World Expo. We are especially delighted that iconic First Nations singer songwriter Kutcha Edwards, will be with us to perform excerpts from our collaboration Wuigada Gagada, alongside a dynamic ensemble, performing a range of works in a highly diverse program of music.
Osaka World Expo 11th July - 20th July, The Australian Pavilion.
Performance details and schedule available below.
AAO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
The AAO welcomes Sarah Wade to our organisation as the new Executive Director.
Sarah is an arts manager with a passion for music and the arts in community, and their powerful capacity to impact both society and individuals.
Sarah has worked across a range of leading organisations, including in program coordination roles at Melbourne Recital Centre, Wyndham City Arts & Culture, Woodend Winter Arts Festival, the National Institute of Circus Arts, and The Australian Ballet School. She has additionally held leadership and project management roles with CresFest and Boxwood Australia, and supported a roster of artists at Cinque Artist Management.
Sarah is excited to be joining the leadership team at AAO:
“The Australian Art Orchestra champions music-making of and for our modern Australia. It embraces a philosophy and musical approach that reflects our nation’s position and role in the Asia-Pacific, performing music that represents and reflects us all.
It is exciting to become part of this powerhouse team who imagine, cultivate and deliver aspirational, courageous programs and projects with innovation and cultural impact. It is incredible to be producing works that share Australian stories through the shared language of improvisation. It is significant to be doing so on country grounded in ancient, spiritual sovereignty - co-existing with narratives of migration and multi-culturalism.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and grow with the small-to-medium arts sector and the creative music scene. I look forward to working with my new colleagues, board, partners, advocates, artists and audience to drive AAO’s vision with spirit and grace.”
Sarah Wade
Executive Director, Australian Art Orchestra
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