Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the orchestra has only played one concert in almost two years.

But with restrictions now easing, the orchestra is ready to celebrate its return to the public domain.

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To be held over the weekend of December 11-12, the BSO 40^th Anniversary Gala will feature a world premiere and internationally famous soloists with a major focus on one of history's greatest composers - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

International concert pianist Elyane Laussade will perform Mozart's piano concerto No. 21 in C, K. 467 "Elvira Madigan".

A graduate of the Juilliard school in New York City, Elyane has delighted audiences on five continents with her imaginative and strongly individual playing.

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Merlyn Quaife, a distinguished soprano and performer of great versatility, has performed to great acclaim throughout Australia, Europe and the United States and will sing the much loved "Exsultate, jubilate".

The BSO concert will also feature the world premiere of "Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre", a work composed by another leading Bendigo musician, composer, teacher and conductor, Cally Bartlett.

The work composed during COVID lockdown and reflects the peace of Australia's largest lake.

The BSO's 40th Anniversary Gala will finish with Mozart's gargantuan "Jupiter" Symphony. It was the Austrian composer's final contribution to the genre and is regarded by many critics as among the greatest symphonies in classical music.

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Cellist, composer and conductor Luke Severn will lead the BSO for the concerts which are being promoted as a celebration.

The BSO's Nigel McGuckian said it was great the orchestra could host the concerts in time to celebrate its 40^th year of performing.

"A lot of the events for Ulumbarra have been put in for next year but because we're local we're still on the program (for 2021)," Mr McGuckian said.

"It's going to be great to celebrate (live classical music) coming out in public again."

In accordance with the Victorian Government regulations, Ulumbarra theatre-goers will need to be fully vaccinated and show proof of this (or show a valid medical exemption) to gain entry.

The two concerts will have a limited audience at each event of 150 vaccinated people.

Tickets can be ordered online at GOTIX and are on sale from today.

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