The Orchestra of the Antipodes is a classical music ensemble based in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 2005 by the Australian conductor and harpsichordist, Antony Walker, the orchestra has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Antony Walker, who is also the artistic director of the Washington Concert Opera, founded the Orchestra of the Antipodes with the aim of bringing together some of Australia's finest musicians to perform a wide range of classical music. The ensemble's name reflects its location in the southern hemisphere, and its commitment to exploring the music of both the old and new worlds. The Orchestra of the Antipodes is made up of a core group of around 20 musicians, who are joined by guest performers for specific projects. The ensemble's members are drawn from some of Australia's leading orchestras, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Since its founding, the Orchestra of the Antipodes has performed a wide range of music, from baroque and classical works to contemporary compositions. The ensemble has collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including the violinist Richard Tognetti, the pianist Angela Hewitt, and the countertenor Andreas Scholl. One of the highlights of the Orchestra of the Antipodes' early years was its performance of Handel's opera, Giulio Cesare, in 2005. The production, which was directed by the Australian director, Lindy Hume, and featured the American mezzo-soprano, Vivica Genaux, was widely praised for its energy and vitality. In 2007, the Orchestra of the Antipodes performed at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival. The ensemble's program, which included works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, was well-received by both audiences and critics. In 2010, the Orchestra of the Antipodes collaborated with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra to perform Bach's St Matthew Passion. The performance, which was conducted by Antony Walker and featured the tenor Paul McMahon and the baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes, was hailed as a triumph. In recent years, the Orchestra of the Antipodes has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, with performances of works by contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. The ensemble has also collaborated with artists from other genres, including the Australian singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly. The Orchestra of the Antipodes has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 2008, the ensemble won the Helpmann Award for Best Symphony Orchestra Concert for its performance of Handel's Messiah. The following year, the ensemble was nominated for the same award for its performance of Bach's St John Passion. In 2012, the Orchestra of the Antipodes was awarded the Limelight Award for Best Performance of a Baroque Work for its performance of Handel's Rinaldo. The following year, the ensemble won the same award for its performance of Vivaldi's Juditha Triumphans. The Orchestra of the Antipodes has also released several recordings, including a critically acclaimed album of Handel's opera, Ariodante, which was released in 2012. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their clarity and energy, and have helped to establish the orchestra as one of Australia's leading classical music ensembles.

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