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Since 1923 an amateur orchestra, the Hobart Orchestral Society, had provided concerts for Hobart patrons. In the 1930s the ABC Tasmanian Studio Orchestra was formed and, under conductor Clive Douglas, it provided live radio broadcasts on 7ZL.The outbreak of war delayed the ABC’s decision to create a permanent orchestra in every state. However, the introduction of a four-concert subscription series by the augmented amateur orchestra in 1946 paved the way for the establishment of a permanent professional orchestra. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra was established as such in 1948 as a result of a partnership between the State Government, the Hobart and Launceston City Councils and the Australian Broadcasting Commission.

From its earliest years the orchestra provided an annual subscription series, concerts ‘at popular prices’, the ABC Concerto and Vocal Competition Tasmanian final, youth concerts and free school orchestral concerts. Subscription concerts were supplemented by summer and spring festivals, light music festivals and specific-composer festivals.

The TSO has always championed contemporary music. From the ‘Take Five’ youth series of the 1960s to the New Music Tasmania Festival, the TSO has maintained a commitment to performing contemporary composition and there have been many premiere performances. The Australian Music Centre has awarded the TSO several accolades for its recordings of new music, including the inaugural award for the support of Australian contemporary composition.

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