The Melbourne-based orchestra, which also performs as the Australian Philharmonic, was founded in 1980 by saxophonist Kel McMillan. It has accompanied Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, and Kiri Te Kanawa, among other touring acts.
McMillan told ABC that the orchestra had been unable to find a corporate sponsor to support its annual concert series. He added that the group would still be available for private functions.