The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will reunite with iconic American singer- songwriter, composer and pianist Ben Folds for two performances as part of the orchestra’s yet-to-be announced 2027 Season.
As the first reveal of the ASO’s 2027 Season, Folds will reimagine his beloved songbook with the ASO with conductor Carlo Antonioli, performing with the orchestra for the first time in six years for two concerts at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 February 2027.
Ben Folds is an Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter who has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, a holiday album, and numerous collaborative records.
He currently tours as a pop artist, while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras.
His concert with the ASO builds on a extensive history where the orchestra and the Emmy nominated artist have collaborated several times over the last two decades.
The ASO’s Director of Artistic Planning, Simon Lord, spoke to Glam Adelaide about this exciting collaboration in 2027 as well as sharing why this collaboration is so significant for the ASO’s 2027 season.
“Ben Folds is a special musician and collaborator who has a genuine connection and history with the ASO. He understands what an orchestra brings to contemporary music and, equally, how to bring audiences into the orchestral world. Collaborating with Ben is significant because it reflects the kind of musical ambition and diversity that we want audiences to see across our 2027 Season – exceptional artists, unexpected partnerships and opportunities to experience the orchestra in new ways.”
The ASO would love to see that performances like these with Ben Folds will attract new audiences into the world of classical music
“You don’t need to know Ben Folds or know anything about classical music to enjoy this concert. That’s what makes it so compelling. It brings together a brilliant contemporary songwriter, storytelling, humour and the power of a symphony orchestra. If you’re experiencing the ASO for the first time, there are no rules about what you need to know or do – simply come and experience 70 musicians creating something unique together, live. Ben has an incredible ability to break down the distance between the stage and the audience, and that makes the whole experience immediate and unforgettable.”
These performances with Ben Folds in 2027 give audiences a glimpse into what else is in store for the ASO 2027 program, due for launch in October this year.
“It’s a great first glimpse because it signals that 2027 will, as always, be a season with an open door. Ben Folds is one of many artists performing with the ASO next year. It’s a season that will bring together major international and Australian artists, thrilling symphonic repertoire, new music, film music, and family experiences. When we reveal the full season in October, I hope people will see an ASO that is artistically ambitious but also incredibly welcoming. Whether you have been listening to the orchestra for decades or you’re considering your first concert, there is always a pathway into the world of the ASO.”
Ben Folds’ return to the ASO marks the first announcement for the orchestra’s 2027 season, which will be fully revealed in early October.
“Today, audiences increasingly don’t want to be defined by genre. You can love a song by Ben Folds, a film score by John Williams or a Beethoven symphony or all three. There is no reason why each of those passions should sit in separate worlds. That is something we are embracing in 2027. We want the ASO to be a place where people can follow what they love, discover something they didn’t expect and, together, experience a symphony orchestra — live.”
Ben Folds with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Thursday 18th and Friday 19th February, 2027
Tickets on sale now: https://www.aso.com.au/
Image credit: Supplied
