Keywords: Commissioned compositions, Emerging Artists, First Nations MusicIn 2026 the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Australia celebrates its 120th anniversary. Founded in 1906, the MSO is Australia’s oldest orchestra. In 1932 The University of Melbourne formally established the MSO under conductor Professor Bernard Heinze, and it took the lead in the cultural life of the city, the state and the nation. With a reputation for excellence, versatility and innovation, the MSO works with culturally diverse and First Nations leaders to build community and deliver music. A regular theme throughout the annual orchestral season programming is established and emerging Australian composers and First Nations artists. In doing so, the MSO celebrates the world’s oldest and continuing music practice. The orchestra works respectfully with First Nations artists and communities to honour and display their rich musical heritage. This presentation will introduce the audience to the three major annual events presented by the MSO that address this theme.First Voices Showcase is the MSO’s program for emerging First Nation composers and aims to enhance cultural vibrancy through collaboration and the nurturing of talent. First Voices offers participants an orchestral music commission together with the opportunity to workshop intensively with musicians, staff from the orchestra and guest composer mentors. Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program in which talented four young artists receive mentorship from an established composer and create a 10-minute piece. These MSO commissions are performed by the orchestra at the commencement of each orchestral year. NAIDOC Week is an Australian-wide celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia occurring annually in the first full week of July. For the MSO this involves a complex concert celebration of First Nations Music involving composers, multiple soloists and group performers combined with the orchestra.First Voices Showcase and Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program are part of Emerging Artists suite, contributing to building the number of commissioned and performed Australian compositions. The next generation of performing musicians are introduced to concert audiences and the events play a significant role in sustainability of the orchestra and advocacy for Australian music. The NAIDOC Week concert presents First Nations music in an evening of cultural collaboration. These three events involve accessible public concerts, form part of the Season programming and the performances are recorded for replay as radio broadcasts. Comprehensive programs for attending listening audiences are available and archived for future reference.