Season 2025

Romance & Revolution

Passion and power ignites the night

Saturday 22 March, 7.30pm
Darwin Entertainment Centre

John Adams – The Chairman Dances
Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet Suite No 2
Brahms – Symphony No 1

Hear John Adams’ lively The Chairman Dances, a delightful work pulsing with energy and vibrance. Often described as a ‘foxtrot for orchestra,’ this spirited music was originally written as an outtake from his stunning opera Nixon in China.

Experience Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, one of the most celebrated interpretations of Shakespeare’s tragic love story. Prokofiev’s bold and dramatic score captures the intense emotions of this timeless tragedy, bringing the characters and their fate vividly to life.

To close the night DSO performs Brahms’ moving first Symphony, a monumental work that took the composer over 20 years to complete. Often referred to as ‘Beethoven’s Tenth,’ this symphony is both a homage to Brahms’ great predecessor and a statement of his own brilliant symphonic voice.

Territory Tour

Taking inspiring music across the Territory

8-13 April
Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs

For the first time in a decade, we are taking the whole orchestra on the road for an NT Tour!

Bringing incredible orchestral performances to Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs, and culminating in a spectacular performance in Desert Park for the iconic Parrtjima - A Festival in Light, join us as we champion Territory talent down the Track.

With a full orchestra performing with local musicians in each location, this tour is a large-scale celebration of Territory talent and creativity with new arrangements created by DSO Composer in Residence Netanela Mizrahi. As well as new local collaborations, we are proud to present ‘Gurrulwa Guligi (Big Wind)’ by Bilawara Lee and Netanela Mizrahi, a reflection on Cyclone Tracy 50 years after it devastated Darwin and changed the Territory forever.

The touring program will also feature a suite of orchestral favourites, from the beauty of Brahms and Prokofiev, to sweeping film soundtracks by John Williams and Howard Shore.

This tour will also connect with communities through education workshops in local schools, providing opportunities for children to engage with music.

One Hit Wonders

Legendary hits that defined a moment

Saturday 7 June, 6.30pm
Darwin Botanic Gardens

Celebrating single-hit sensations that rocked the world, DSO brings the whole orchestra and band back to the Amphitheatre for a night of pure entertainment!

Featuring flash in the pan favourites like Video Killed the Radio Star and My Sharona, don’t miss this chance to sing and dance the night away. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for this spectacular experience under the stars.


Entry by donation.  VIP tickets available for purchase.

Heaven and Earth

A musical journey through beautiful visions and earthly spirits  

Saturday 23 August, 7.30pm
Darwin Entertainment Centre

Banula Marika & Netanela Mizrahi - Wuyal's Journey (world premiere)
Mahler - Symphony No 4

Soloist: Banula Marika (voice)

Witness the premiere of an incredible new work, Wuyal’s Journey, a new collaboration between Rirratjingu songman Banula Marika, and DSO Composer in Residence Netanela Mizrahi. Based on the story of ‘Wuyal’ (the sugarbag man), an important ancestral being in northeast Arnhem Land, this orchestral odyssey follows his journey in search of wild honey.

The concert culminates with Gustav Mahler's transcendent Symphony No. 4, a thrilling work exploring life in all its splendour. From the magical sleigh bells that open the first movement to the angelic soprano solo in the finale, experience a musical journey that will transport you to the realms of childhood innocence and heavenly bliss.


Presented in association with Darwin Festival.

Palmerston Classics

Experience an enchanting evening of music

Friday 17 October, 7.30pm
Palmerston Recreation Centre

DSO brings the orchestra for a special evening of entertainment in Palmerston.

Featuring spectacular orchestral music from Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony, Khachaturian’s ballet music for Spartacus, and beloved film music by John Williams, this concert offers a special evening of entertainment.

An enjoyable experience for the whole family, or book in for a special night out with your friends – experience the wonder of the orchestra in this beautiful performance.

Palmerston Family Proms

A magical morning of music for all ages

Saturday 18 October, 10am
Palmerston Recreation Centre

The full orchestra will be back in the morning for an entertaining and fun musical adventure for families and children. Building on the program from 2024, DSO will encourage young audiences to interact with our musicians, listen closely and explore their creativity.

Calling all junior maestros! Palmerston Family Proms is back, ready for an interactive and exciting morning of music!

Get up close with the full orchestra, listen to each instrument, and discover the different sounds that make up the symphony. Move and groove along to familiar classics, and watch as the orchestra comes to life right before your eyes!

This year’s Family Proms will feature special instrument demonstrations by DSO’s talented Young Artists, giving children the chance to see and hear their favourite instruments up close. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce young audiences to the sights, sounds, and magic of live orchestral music.

Ideal for ages 0-10, this event is perfect for families who want to share the joy of music with their little ones.

Symphony of the Soul

A fitting farewell full of heart and soul

Saturday 6 December, 7.30pm
Darwin Entertainment Centre

Bernstein – Candide Overture
Weber - Bassoon Concerto
Tchaikovsky – Symphony No 6

“Without exaggeration, I have put my whole soul into this symphony”
- Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary Sixth Symphony ‘Pathétique’ is a musical and emotional experience of grand proportions. Witness this deeply emotional journey through joy and despair, in a symphony widely regarded as Tchaikovsky’s finest work.

Kicking off the evening is Bernstein’s sparkling Overture to Candide, for our joyful yet bittersweet final concert of the year. We then turn the spotlight on DSO Bassoonist Robert Llewellyn, who will feature in Weber’s light-hearted and virtuosic Bassoon Concerto.

In this concert DSO farewells Artistic Director/Chief Conductor Jonathan Tooby, who himself has poured his soul into his work with our orchestra for 7 years. Experience his final curtain call with DSO in this special evening of stunning music.