Est. 2022 · Sydney
The Australian Christian Orchestra.
More than an orchestra — it's a calling. Sydney's premier Christian symphony, uniting Grade 7+ musicians from 20+ denominations.
- LevelGrade 7+
- RehearsalThursday evenings
- HomeSydney CBD
Orchestra // At a glance
A place for your music and your faith.
01 // Rehearse
Thursday evenings
7:00–9:15 pm at UTS Building 5, Haymarket. Rehearsals resume 1 October 2026 after the September break.
02 // Play
Grade 7+ musicians
An orchestra for skilled players who want to grow in craft and community.
03 // Join
Start with interest
Tell us about your instrument, then follow the audition and trial rehearsal pathway. See membership details.
The Vision
A symphony orchestra for the Kingdom.
The Christian Orchestra Sydney | Australian Christian Orchestra exists because the world needs Christian musicians who refuse to choose between their gift and their faith. We are Anglican, Catholic, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Baptist and many more — playing as one body, for an audience of One.
Launched in May 2023, the AChO has grown from a small chamber group into Sydney's premier Christian symphony orchestra — performing at the Hope UC stadium, ACC National Conference Gold Coast, Congress Hall Christmas, and most recently Scots Church for Easter 2026.
Our next chapter: Saturday 28 November 2026 for our end-of-year concert, details to be announced, and greater stages beyond it.
Our DNA
Excellence as worship.
Character before chops
We prioritise humility, teachability, and spiritual maturity above virtuosic ability. Talent matters greatly — character matters more.
Detail honours God
We care deeply about every dynamic marking, every bow change, every breath. Magnificence in the small things is worship before the world.
Servanthood through shared work
Conductors set chairs. Section leaders clean floors. Everyone packs down. The 'All Hands, Make Light Work' practice runs across every event.
Cross-denominational unity
You may have never worshipped on a Sunday with the person beside you in your section. By rehearsal three, they're family.
Eternal perspective
Rehearsal rooms and concert halls are places of eternal significance — not merely artistic activity. Souls matter, and so does the music we make.
Listening ear
Listening before speaking — to conductors, to one another, to the Spirit. Attention to detail in rehearsals, openness to feedback in life.
These are six of our eight organisational values, called HEMIOLAS. Read the full set with their scriptural grounding and patristic commentary.
Why an orchestra
A symphony orchestra is a picture of the Church: many parts, one body, no one part able to make the sound alone.
2022
Founded in Sydney
20+
Denominations represented
1,000
Seat concert hall
What We Play
Sacred. Classical. Contemporary. Cinematic.
Our repertoire is intentionally broad — chosen so that every concert lifts hearts and points to Christ, whether through a centuries-old fugue, a modern worship anthem, or a film-score motif.
Foundation
Classical orchestral masterworks — Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Brahms. The bedrock of every season. Many of our players are conservatorium-trained, and we hold to the highest performance standards.
Contemporary Worship
Full-orchestra arrangements of well-known worship songs — written or adapted in-house. Familiar enough to sing along, scored to move you.
Choral & Gospel
Rich choral tradition — sacred classical (Faure's Requiem, Handel's Messiah) and gospel arrangements alongside our choir.
Cinematic
Film scores and cinematic orchestration that draw large audiences — the kind of music that makes a 1,000-seat concert hall lean forward.
Commissioned Works
New Australian Christian compositions, written specifically for our ensembles. We're slowly building a repertoire that didn't exist before AChA did.
Our philosophy: balance challenging works that grow our players with intentionally accessible pieces that draw any heart to God. Full repertoire details on the membership page.
Orchestra // A season together
From the first note to a shared stage.
01 // The path
Express interest
Tell us what you play. We will guide you through the video audition and invite suitable players to a trial rehearsal.
02 // The path
Rehearse together
Work through sacred, classical and contemporary repertoire with musicians from many Christian traditions.
03 // The path
Share the music
Bring the season to the concert hall alongside the Australian Christian Choir. The next concert is planned for 28 November 2026.
Our Story So Far
From a small chamber group to the Concourse Theatre.
Every gathering, every concert, every rehearsal is a quiet revolution. See the full impact — 6,600+ people gathered since 2022, 19 new believers, 330 reaffirmed their faith, 208 helped toward finding a church.
Key Information
Based in Sydney
With plans for expansion to other major cities in the next few years.
All Adults Welcome
Ages 18 to folk in their 70s and 80s.
Thursday Rehearsals
7:00–9:15 pm at UTS Building 5. The 2026 season resumes 1 October.
20+ Denominations
Christians from many traditions make music together.
Grade 7+ Proficiency
Many of our players are conservatorium trained.
Mixed Repertoire
Classical orchestration meets contemporary Christian worship.
Testimonials
"I feel so at home in the Australian Christian Orchestra. The people get me. They are passionate about worshipping God, just like I am."
Josh
Percussion
"It's been absolutely delightful. I've connected with people from different musical backgrounds and walks of life with different stories."
Jess
Violin
"Playing in the AChO has been an answer to prayer — friends who share my passion for making good music that honours Christ."
Ethan
Trumpet
More member voices
From Our Concerts
Instruments
Strings
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
- Harp
Woodwind
- Piccolo
- Flute
- Oboe
- Cor Anglais
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon
Brass
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
Percussion & Band
- Timpani
- Tuned Percussion
- Untuned Percussion
- Piano
- Drum Kit
- Bass Guitar
- Guitar
Membership Fees
Concessions available. Four-instalment payment plans available on request. Grade 7+ AMEB proficiency required. Submit a video audition after expressing interest.
2026 Concert Dates
End-of-Year Concert
Sat 28 November 2026 · Event details to be announced
Rehearsal Venue
UTS Building 5
1 Quay Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
Thursday evenings, 7:00–9:15 pm. After the September 2026 break, rehearsals resume on 1 October. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled before concerts.
Nearest Train
Central Station (5–8 min walk) · Paddy's Markets Light Rail (closest)
Parking
Market City Car Park, 2 Quay Street (night rate) · 1 Dixon St, Darling Harbour
Common Questions
Questions about joining the orchestra.
Orchestra // Your next step
Bring your gift to the room.
Start with the programs interest form. We will guide you through the audition and trial rehearsal.
Which instrument do you play?
Every section of the Australian Christian Orchestra is welcoming new players. Find your instrument and see what it's like to play it with us.
