More companies are touring in 2008 from Queensland Ballet (in Japan and planning a return season in Europe) to the Sydney Theatre Company.

There are four AMPAG companies which have an offical designation as “international” companies” and in return for staging 20 per cent or more of their performances overseas receive Federal and State support to help meet the costs of taking Australian work to new audiences. They are Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Circus Oz and Sydney Dance Company.

In addition, Musica Viva Australia is into a second decade of work in producing and presenting tours of individual artists and smaller ensembles who perform in conjunction with Australian embassies across the world, but particularly in south east Asian areas.

In 2006, 14 countries saw performances by 12 AMPAG companies. There were a total of 162 performances internationally.

This year the Australian Chamber Orchestra toured Europe in April (from Graz to Glasgow) with some superb programs with guest artists, while The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre will be collaborating on a tour to Paris and London in September and October — presenting a uniquely Australian combination of Classical dance and indigenous styles.

 
For details about all performances, dates and tickets, visit the websites of the performing companies.