One of the world’s most lauded chamber ensembles, the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is renowned for its inspired programming and unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality.

The ACO will give a live performance at 7:30 p.m. March 24 at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

The orchestra’s performance at Stephens Auditorium will include works from Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, with Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen playing the Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1. Mustonen has given concerts with numerous major international orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic and more.

Founded in 1975, this string orchestra comprises leading Australian and international musicians and a growing company of dedicated young players. The Australian Chamber Orchestra performs as a symphony orchestra, chamber music ensemble and electro-acoustic collective, collaborating with an extraordinary range of artists.

Outstanding Australian conductor and first violinist Richard Tognetti, who has been at the helm of the ACO since 1989, has expanded the orchestra’s national program and spearheaded vast international tours. His hallmarks include unprecedented creativity and unique artistic style in programming. Tognetti is credited with transforming the group into an energetic and internationally recognized ensemble. As visual evidence of their passion, they play standing up (except for the cellists).

The ACO has made many award-winning recordings and has a current recording contract with leading Swedish classical music label, BIS Records. Highlights include Tognetti’s three-time ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) Award-winning Bach recordings, the multi-award-winning documentary film Musica Surfica, the sound-track for the television series Classical Destinations II and the complete set of Mozart violin concertos.

Tickets are $42, $36 Adult; $15 Youth 18 & under; $20 ISU Students. They are avaiable at the Iowa State Center Ticket Office, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. They can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Event is supported by Ames International Orchestra Festival Association (AIOFA) and by the Ames Commission on the Arts.

Beyond the Stage Events:

Celebrity Caf Preview, which is free and open to all ticket holders, begins 30 minutes prior to the show. Located in the north ground floor lobby.

This evening will include an Overture Dinner in the Scheman Building, beginning at 6 p.m. Central Iowa Symphony conductor Eric McIntyre will offer a detailed program about the concert repertoire. Advance dinner tickets are required ($30 for adults and $15 for youth age 12 and under). The dinner ticket deadline is March 19.