The Australian World Orchestra (AWO) is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2010 by Australian conductor and pianist, Alexander Briger. The ensemble is made up of Australian musicians who are based both in Australia and around the world, and who come together to perform in Australia and internationally. The idea for the AWO came about when Briger, who had previously worked with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, was approached by the Sydney Opera House to create a new orchestra for a special performance. Briger saw this as an opportunity to bring together some of the best Australian musicians from around the world, and to showcase their talent on a global stage. The AWO's inaugural concert was held at the Sydney Opera House in September 2011, and featured a program of works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky. The concert was a huge success, and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Since then, the AWO has gone on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors and soloists, including Sir Simon Rattle, Zubin Mehta, and Maxim Vengerov. One of the highlights of the AWO's career was their performance at the 2014 BBC Proms in London. The ensemble performed a program of Australian and British works, including Peter Sculthorpe's Earth Cry and Elgar's Enigma Variations. The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and was met with critical acclaim. In addition to their international performances, the AWO has also made a significant contribution to the Australian music scene. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and events across the country, including the Adelaide Festival, the Melbourne Festival, and the Sydney Festival. They have also collaborated with Australian composers and musicians, including Brett Dean, Elena Kats-Chernin, and William Barton. The AWO has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances, including the Helpmann Award for Best Symphony Orchestra Concert in 2012 and 2015. They have also been praised for their commitment to education and outreach, and have worked with schools and community groups across Australia to promote classical music and inspire the next generation of musicians. The AWO's current members include some of Australia's most talented and accomplished musicians, including violinist Daniel Dodds, cellist Julian Smiles, and clarinetist David Griffiths. The ensemble is also supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure that the AWO continues to thrive and grow. In conclusion, the Australian World Orchestra is a truly remarkable ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and education has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of Australia's leading cultural institutions. As they continue to perform and inspire audiences around the world, the AWO is sure to remain a vital and vibrant part of the global classical music community.

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