The Australian Open will debut a theme song in 2026 – World Tennis Magazine

The Australian Open and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) have joined forces to reimagine the tournament’s signature theme, Sound of the AO, which will debut in spectacular fashion at AO 2026.

The Sound of the AO is arranged by the acclaimed composer and conductor Nicholas Buc and recorded by 55 MSO musicians at Melbourne’s Iwaki Auditorium. The final composition combines orchestral power with a contemporary cinematic edge, designed to capture the energy and emotion of the Australian Open.

Xavier MuhlebachHead of Original Content at Tennis Australia, said: “This collaboration is a celebration of Melbourne at its best, two of the city’s most iconic institutions uniting to deliver an experience fans have never seen or heard before.

“Nicholas Buc and the incredible orchestra have reimagined the Australian Open theme, giving it an epic, cinematic treatment that feels fresh, vibrant and absolutely appropriate for AO 2026. The result is a piece that reflects the rhythm of a tennis match itself – the tension, the release, the dramatic highs and lows – and truly captures the spirit of the Australian Open.

“We want every moment at the Australian Open to feel unforgettable, from the first notes of the light and sound show Rod Laver Arenafans will experience the emotion, tension and excitement of the AO in a whole new way.

Chief Executive of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Richard Wigley said: “The MSO’s partnership with the Australian Open showcases everything Melbourne does best: world-class music and sport. Taking the MSO’s sound beyond the concert hall to this iconic arena reflects who we are as an orchestra: creative, collaborative and a proud part of our city’s identity.”

An accompanying film was produced on NantStudio’s state-of-the-art LED stage in Docklands, where the orchestra performed against an immersive, floor-to-ceiling display of AO-inspired visuals, amplifying the impact of the new score.

The new Sound of the AO and video will be prominently featured in the newspaper Light and sound show which opens each evening session at Rod Laver Arena, offering fans a dynamic, multi-sensory welcome to the Grand Slam.

The production arm of Tennis Australia, AO Originalshas also produced a short film celebrating the collaboration showcasing the creative process, from the recording sessions to behind-the-scenes footage of the orchestral performance.

The Australian Open main draw begins on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The MSO 2026 season begins on January 24, 2026, visit mso.com.au.