Many Performing Arts organisation across the country have been experimenting with new digital formats to reach out to their audiences as COVID-19 continues to impact the industry. While they have been quieter than some of their other state counterparts in recent months, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) this evening welcomed patrons back to the Concert Hall from the comfort of their couch. For an hour, viewers were treated to a program of orchestral music, ballet and musical theatre performers with ‘True North‘, a one-off performance to mark Queensland Day.
But whether you were away from your PC doing other things, attending a local rally or didn’t know this was taking place – do not fret. While it was unclear whether they would be making it available following the Stream, QPAC has made the full show available via their Youtube channel. Just scroll down, press play, and enjoy the free performance.
Performers involved in this concert include:
- Amy Lehpamer (musical theatre singer) as both MC and Performer
- Queensland Ballet – with an introduction by Li Cunxin
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra – Brass Ensemble
- Opera Queensland –Rosario La Spina & Rebecca Cassidy with Alex Raineri (piano)
- Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra
- Alex Woodward (musical theatre singer)
- Katie Noonan (vocals and piano) and Zac Hurren (saxophone)
- Robbie Miller (contemporary music singer)
- Sasta – Irish folk instrumental quartet
- Shubshri Kandiah (musical theatre singer)
- Steven Oliver (writer, actor and singer)
- Tim Sherlock and the QPAC Chamber Choir
- Tom Thum (contemporary music artist)
Personal highlights from me include the three musical theatre stars in attendance – Amy Lehpamer, Alex Woodward, and Shubshri Kandiah – and the Irish folk instrumental quartet Sasta which had my feet tapping away. The concert commenced with a welcoming by QPAC’s Elder in Residence Aunty Colleen Wall, which was an appropriate consideration. Additional messages were provided by QPAC’s Chief Executive John Kotzas and Queensland Minister for the Arts The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP. While the latter two appeared to be more for protocol purposes, they only take a minute each and are easily skippable should you wish to.
This is one of the first live-streamed performances QPAC has done in many years, with previous streams done around their International Series. Outside of some odd camera angles and the lighting being a bit intrusive – it was overall a good production for Queensland performing arts lovers.
