The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra has announced a new series of community concerts, titled Sanctuary. While the ASO is yet to return to the concert hall since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, the new series – created in partnership with Community Centres SA and conducted by Martin Butler – will see a 16-strong string ensemble perform at Community Centres across metropolitan Adelaide in August.

Percussionist Sami Butler, conductor Martin Butler and violinist Shirin Lim. Photo courtesy of Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

“I think the idea of music as providing a sanctuary for the listener is very strong, especially given the circumstances today,” Butler said. “The original meaning of the word describes a place that provides immunity from arrest for fugitives or debtors, but it has now come to mean a place of refuge or protection. Our mixed program of shorter pieces, from the music of the court of Louis XIV to the tangos of Piazzolla, will certainly provide that. Besides, we can’t wait to hear some actual applause! It’s been a long time.”

The ASO hopes these programs will provide a sanctuary and remove many common barriers facing people that prevent them from attending mainstage...