Both performing arts and academic industries have been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – with venue closures and banning of international travel in or out of the country putting both in a difficult position. While one wouldn’t expect good news to come from either organisation from a partnership sense, it is nice to have expectations greatly surpassed at times. Queensland Symphony Orchestra and The University of Queensland has confirmed their music partnership will continue throughout 2020, which they claim is “a reflection of commitment to educating Queensland’s musicians of tomorrow”.
This is the fifth year that QSO-UQ partnership has been in place, focusing on the music and educational spaces. This year, the program involves almost 130 students, and over the past five years some 550 students have benefited. This provides students with opportunities to undertake internships within QSO, gaining valuable industry experience from leaders in the field. While in-person opportunities are not possible during this time, the program has been adapted to embrace digital engagement platforms.
Here is what representatives from both organisations had to say about the continued work they are doing in this space:
“2020 has presented significant challenges for both the arts and education. The QSO-UQ partnership has been reviewed to feature creative digital online orchestral training, group tutorials, student forums covering specialist topics and career development mentoring sessions and, when the time comes, these programs will also occur in real life. It’s a privilege to work with such a committed and innovative partner in UQ to make sure we continue educating our musicians of tomorrow.
We have been fortunate to be able to pivot quickly to the online learning space, to enable our student programs with UQ to continue, and of course having their commitment to the partnership has been extraordinary during this time.
The resulting morphed online/real life program means students continue to receive valuable instruction on how to prepare for auditions from the State’s leading professional musicians. They are provided an exclusive opportunity to engage with QSO musicians on issues relevant to their future as musicians on topics such as performance anxiety and hearing protection, and they are being mentored across a range of performance skills while taking part in essential one-on-one sessions with QSO musicians.
Craig Whitehead
Chief Executive – Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Through a broad and integrated program of collaboration, students are mentored into the profession of orchestral performance by members of one of the world’s great orchestras. Through cultivating the next generation of performing musicians, this partnership underlines a commitment to growing the light of musical knowledge and art shared by both UQ and the QSO.
Professor Liam Viney
Head of School of Music – The University of Queensland
