This week the Australia Chamber Orchestra should have been delighting audiences with their usual brilliant performances to celebrate the 30th year of Richard Tognetti’s leadership as Artistic Director. Instead, they are still locked out of their concert halls. Not to be frustrated, this resourceful orchestra is marking the milestone with a week-long digital season. Not the same as the real thing but better than leaving such an anniversary uncelebrated.

When, 45 years ago, John Painter and I co-operated to form the Orchestra, neither of us expected it would reach the heights achieved under Richard Tognetti. Richard has brought about a standard of refined ensemble playing that is truly world-class and he has done so with programming that is innovative, exploratory and rewarding for audiences. The Orchestra is admired throughout the musical world, especially in London. The celebratory digital season, beginning on 15 June, includes premiere performances, re-broadcasts of the Orchestra’s most appreciated concerts concludes on 21 June with the on-line premiere of the acclaimed cinematic collaboration Mountain. There are ACO HomeCasts plus there is a partnership with ABC Classic in which a range of programming will include on 18/6 at 1pm the first live classical broadcast from the ABC studios since lockdown began. But when will they unlock the halls? All orchestras might have to stage demonstrations; other people get away with it!