AWO is proud to have been among a very limited number of ensembles worldwide to be selected to perform at the 20th International Conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles in Gwangju, South Korea, in July 2024. Our goal is to showcase the artistic practice of Australian on the world stage including new works by living Australian composers such as Martin Cheney, Anne Cawrse, David John Lang, Connor Fogarty, and Holly Harrison.

Described as a "world-class ensemble in our midst" (Barefoot Review), Adelaide Wind Orchestra (AWO) is proud to have been among a very limited number of ensembles worldwide to be selected to perform at the 20th International Conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles (WASBE) in Gwangju, South Korea, in July 2024. 

 

As the sole Australian representative, this invitation is a landmark achievement for this type of ensemble. We will be the second wind orchestra in the history of the WASBE conference to represent Australia, after the Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony in 2019. 

 

The focus of this trip will be the conference performance. To maximise the value of our travel, we also plan to perform in a conducting workshop as part of the invitational conference, and at fringe events. Our main performance will be professionally recorded and released.  

 

The repertoire performed by internationally-renowned wind ensembles is dominated by music from Europe and the USA. WASBE 2024 is a key opportunity for us to showcase the artistic practice of Australians on the world stage, and to influence the international wind band movement to include Australian repertoire in their programming. As part of this goal, we will be giving the world premiere of a new work by South Australian composer Martin Cheney. Our WASBE conference program will also include music by Adelaide composers Anne Cawrse, David John Lang, and Connor Fogarty, and Australian composer Holly Harrison.

 

We are seeking your support to assist our 55-piece ensemble to attend and perform at this prestigious conference. This project will benefit the broader Australian art music and wind ensemble community, by highlighting and promoting the work of Australian performers and composers to an international audience. A key reason for our selection was our commitment to our artistic vision, which includes programming works exclusively by living Australian composers.

 

Your donation will be used to subsidise the travel and artistic costs associated with sending 55 people to South Korea to represent Australia. Much of these costs will be required in advance of July 2024. Our membership of musicians is voluntary, and players will be covering the remaining costs. This project will place the Adelaide Wind Orchestra on the world stage, and the invitation to perform is recognition of the value of AWO’s work and the calibre of our musicians and repertoire. We appreciate any donation, large or small, and thank you for your support. For further information, please contact awo@awo.org.au