Header Image: The QSO Ensmble makes an in-school visit in Gladstone
Performing arts organisations require the support of not only their patrons, but through partnerships with industry and philanthropic organisations to ensure they can meet the needs of their communities. Understandably given the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues it is presenting virtually every industry – one would not typically expect too many new partnership announcements until things are back to normal. But bucking this expectation, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has this afternoon announced they have formed a partnership with Yurika, an entity of Queensland Energy.
According to the announcement issued by QSO, this partnership “means the Orchestra can now teach students throughout Queensland“. Like all the major Queensland state performing arts companies, there is an educational element to the work they do. This will enable them to develop educational videos for public and private schools across the state. This is especially important given the orchestra’s ability to travel is limited at this time due to social distancing requirements.
In 2019, QSO worked directly with 125 schools and 13,000 students across the state – in addition to performing 33 regional concerts.
We are very excited to welcome Yurika, part of Queensland Energy, as a new Supporting Partner for the development of educational videos produced for public and private schools throughout Queensland. Ensuring music and music education is available to all Queensland students is a major priority for the Orchestra, and now, through this partnership, we can deliver and ensure QSO is and remains an Orchestra For Everyone.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s innovative 2020 Education Program will now feature instrumental teaching videos, produced with our wonderful musicians based on suggestions sent to us by the State’s Regional Instrumental Music Coordinators, who daily face the challenges of teaching a multitude of instruments across all levels and ages.
These videos bring the music of QSO and music lessons into classrooms in some of the most remote parts of the state. Our musicians will be able to engage and share advice and techniques learnt over a lifetime of playing. The videos will be available on our website and also hosted by the Department of Education portal, for private and public schools.
Craig Whitehead – Chief Executive of Queensland Symphony Orchestra
As part of Energy Queensland, we believe it’s particularly important to energise Queensland communities. We understand that the length and breadth of our great state often creates major obstacles for education and it’s our aim through this partnership to make the music of QSO available to all students, regardless of where they live.
Carly Irving – Acting Executive General Manager of Yurika
