![ACO recording at Goossens Hall, 1991](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/december-1991-recording-goossens-hall-scan0049.jpg?rev=000d9459e1254cde9616d1b75608485d&h=992&w=1389&la=en&hash=CD3AA7B2E8C3545584E6F40610725D46)
![ACO Gold](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/th010465_small-data.jpg?rev=56b4754c656c4a1cbffb4133f876a840&h=3499&w=4666&la=en&hash=A5FF453F2E76D206D8D8C5A280CBF075)
ACO Gold
Celebrating 50 Years
“This group must be the best chamber orchestra on earth.” – The Times
In 2025, the ACO celebrates its 50th year and Richard Tognetti’s 35th as Artistic Director.
Founded by cellist John Painter in 1975, the Orchestra has travelled a remarkable road since its humble beginnings to become one of the world’s great chamber orchestras and a true national icon.
![ACO recording at Goossens Hall, 1991](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/december-1991-recording-goossens-hall-scan0049.jpg?rev=000d9459e1254cde9616d1b75608485d&h=992&w=1389&la=en&hash=CD3AA7B2E8C3545584E6F40610725D46)
![ACO 50 Years 1975-6 Original Players](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-1975-6-original-players.png?rev=c6bf41ea56bf4fdeac03372a273d98ae&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=05F289AE70DB57F36282AB45625F7C5C)
![Richard Tognetti, 1991](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-rt-1991.png?rev=8f54d62530f147d7bebf24eee5bf6a6f&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=33AB1541661CA0D867DBE3BACE58495A)
![Tognetti and Bell](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-rt-and-bell.png?rev=5790ec40495e4e179e28d3142bfd0094&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=78F41A5373BA786DF30D81AB601D9198)
![ACO 50 Years 1992 Publicity](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-1992-publicity.png?rev=d6c76bee604d429f80518a8a23fc7806&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=F9585AA34E583AE9A959F4AC6FF3E2F9)
![ACO in New York 1993](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-aco-nyc-1993.png?rev=3850222808f44a19bf26d702ecae9b70&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=DE753F13802CFB1918C1709942E3394E)
![ACO at Kennedy Center](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-at-kennedy-center-small.jpg?rev=81b22a8f66e547e6ae21daca67e17411&h=1000&w=1500&la=en&hash=24461A432AF9EF37FC8F62C2E26DC25B)
![ACO](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-kings-cross.png?rev=f10b5bce3c084af38a653cfc7663fefc&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=C4B576231170E7341BB85A7A6F79D11D)
![ACO at Huntington Festival](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-huntington-1997.png?rev=e4eb25a796b040a1acd2db4e29ae797d&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=51304E2F6B43FA899229050BB60B4A02)
![ACO with His Royal Highness King Charles](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-50-years-king-charles.png?rev=622250f0246d431791977f57468cb5e6&h=900&w=1600&la=en&hash=30BF3EED023C4FFBC37D5B3701A744C1)
![Australian Chamber Orchestra](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-group-jumping-c-paul-hendersonkelly.jpg?rev=ed612c5e63534a2296799a49161933d7&h=3328&w=4992&la=en&hash=8E122D31CBD06967B2524A9AB915859F)
![Richard Tognetti conducts the ACO](https://www.aco.com.au/-/media/aco-beethoven-9-soh-2012-c-paul-hendersonkellywh-edit.jpg?rev=22c5e59ffb5c4303a7a798dff1391d9a&h=3456&w=5184&la=en&hash=D86127D600505151488D5E8CBBD2C62C)
Since its first performance, the ACO’s unwavering quest for artistic excellence has infused each and every note that the Orchestra has played. This passion, together with the inspiring support of its audiences, has seen half a century of unforgettable performances of dynamism, vitality and distinction across every state and territory in Australia, as well as on the world’s most revered stages.
"It only remains for me to thank the believers who have allowed the ACO to achieve the outstanding contribution to the international arts community it now makes." - John Painter, founder of the ACO.
Our invitation
As a supporter of ACO GOLD, you will play an integral part in guaranteeing the ACO’s ongoing viability, enabling us to uphold the distinctive programming and artistic excellence with which the Orchestra is synonymous. Most importantly, your contribution will ensure that Artistic Director Richard Tognetti and the musicians can continue to inspire, challenge and transform audiences for many years to come.
By joining the ACO GOLD circle, you will directly fund the Orchestra’s future artistic aspirations and endeavours, including project development, new commissions, collaborations, family shows and regional touring by ACO Collective.
We invite you to be part of this historic moment by joining ACO GOLD with a fully tax-deductible donation.
We look forward to celebrating with our ACO GOLD supporters, who will be offered access to special activities and exclusive opportunities in our 50th year.
ACO GOLD supporters
We thank those generous patrons of our special golden anniversary circle who are helping us blaze a trail into the next 50 years.
Major Patrons
Steven Bardy & Andrew Patterson
Patrons
Wendy Edwards
Robert Morgan
Associate Professor Keith Ong & Dr Eileen Ong
Rob & Nancy Pallin
Peter Root & Hazel Schollar
Supporters
Prue Gregory OAM
Friends
Jacqueline Clayton
Mark Hayman
Julie Koffel
Mark & Fiona Newman