Ben Folds returns to the ASO for first orchestral concerts in six years

Ben Folds will perform two orchestral concerts with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on 18 and 19 February 2027 at Her Majesty's Theatre, marking his first ASO collaboration in six years and the opening announcement of the orchestra's 2027 Season. Conductor Carlo Antonioli will lead Folds through reimagined versions of his songbook as part of a national Australian tour that includes performances with the Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.

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**.

The concerts build on the ASO’s extensive history with Folds where the orchestra and the Emmy nominated artist have collaborated several times over the last two decades.

For ASO’s Director of Artistic Planning, Simon Lord the 2027 concerts will mark an exciting new chapter in the relationship as part of the orchestra’s 2027 Season.

![Man in glasses and blazer smiling at piano with sheet music and orchestral setting visible.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/08/0163a1ad-271f-4590-a33b-ab50e4c7c328.jpg)

“There is an undeniable chemistry between the ASO and Ben, with his repertoire well suited to a symphonic setting. We are pleased to welcome Ben back for two special performances in February”, Lord said.

Folds is looking forward to returning to Australia and performing with the country’s leading symphony orchestras, including the ASO, as part of a national tour which will also see him perform with the Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.

"Sharing the stage with an orchestra as my band is an honor I don't take lightly. I consider them among the finest musicians in the world and together we offer audiences a musical experience like no other”, Folds said.

"As a student of the orchestra, I sincerely believe they are a shining example of what we can accomplish in society when we all work in concert and harmony for a greater good."

ASO Principal Trumpet David Khafagi who has previously shared the stage with Folds, said that the orchestra has a genuine respect for his artistry and showmanship.

“Ben is a true musician and natural entertainer. With orchestra, his songs take on another dimension and it’s a thrill to be able to bring them to life every time we meet”, Khafagi said.

“As an honorary Australian, the orchestra welcomes any opportunity to collaborate with Ben, and we know that audiences share the same sentiment”.

Ben Folds return to the ASO marks the first announcement for the orchestra’s 2027 Season which will be revealed in early October.

**Ben Folds Australian Orchestra 2027 Tour Dates**

Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) | 22 and 23 January | Llewellyn Hall
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) | 29 and 30 January | Hamer Hall
Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) | 2 and 3 February | Hordern Pavilion
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) | 6 February | Wrest Point
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) | 18 and 19 February | Her Majesty’s Theatre

![Man in glasses and brown shirt seated at a grand piano in a studio setting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/08/bad50213-b685-4291-b053-8d66bd91b883.jpg)

**BIOGRAPHY**

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.

A New York Times Best Selling author, Ben also creates new music for film, tv and theatre, including original songs for an ongoing series of animated Peanuts specials on Apple TV.

In 2022, he launched a music education charitable initiative in his native state of North Carolina which provides funds and keyboards to existing nonprofits that offer free or affordable piano lessons to school-age children from economically disadvantaged households. For the past 15 years he has also been an outspoken advocate for arts funding, music education and music therapy in the US as a member of Americans For The Arts and the Arts Action Fund.

![Pianist seated beside a grand piano in an elegant room with cream curtains and wooden flooring.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/08/b012bd61-5491-406f-8610-fa7c71b08106.jpg)