ASO presents complete Sibelius symphony cycle across three September concerts

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will present the complete cycle of Jean Sibelius’s seven symphonies across three concerts at Adelaide Town Hall from 12 to 19 September 2026.

Led by Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, the cycle offers a rare opportunity to experience the full arc of Finland’s greatest composer. Sibelius’s symphonies draw on themes of nature, memory and identity, and hearing them performed in sequence reveals the remarkable journey of his artistic life.

The ASO has deep ties to this repertoire. In 2007, it became the first Australian orchestra to record and release the complete Sibelius Symphony Cycle, and this performance series forms part of the orchestra’s 90th anniversary season.

Wigglesworth describes the cycle as both an ambitious artistic undertaking and a deeply rewarding experience for audiences.

“The benefits of immersing yourself in the complete symphonies of any composer are huge. It’s fascinating to hear the whole journey they went through,” he said. “Nobody really knows what Sibelius was like, we only have his music to sense the life that he lived. To hear all seven symphonies performed live by the ASO is an incredibly rare and unique orchestral event.”

ASO violinist Lachlan Bramble, who was part of the orchestra’s 2007 Sibelius recording, said the cycle is a fitting way to mark the anniversary.

“Sibelius’s symphonies are a unique and wonderful sound world. As an orchestra we have such a deep connection to Sibelius, and it’s fitting to revisit this history as part of our 90th year,” Bramble said. “Performing a symphony cycle will be physically challenging but hugely rewarding for the musicians and audiences alike.”

The Sibelius Symphony Cycle is part of the ASO’s Immersion concert series, which explores the complete works of history’s greatest composers.