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. Compared to some of their interstate counterparts, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has been somewhat lulled in their response towards releasing content online since shutting their doors three months back. Over the last few months, they have released few segments of archival footage and directing guests to the offerings of other producers they have worked with over the years.
That said, the programmers and other staff there have evidently been hard at work on True North, an upcoming online concert for Queensland Day on Saturday 6 June 2020 which welcomes their patrons back to the Concert Hall from the comfort of their own homes.
Announced earlier today, True North will commence streaming from 7.00pm that evening on Youtube, live from their Concert Hall. The free performance will run for approximately 90 minutes and features many local companies/performers and several guest speakers. It is currently uncertain if this will be available on-demand at a later date.
The performers confirmed to be participating 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)
Additional messages are to be provided by QPAC’s Chief Executive John Kotzas, QPAC Elder in Residence Aunty Colleen Wall and Queensland Minister for the Arts The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP.
We chose the name True North as we felt its meaning of ‘a fixed point in a spinning world’ was apt for the challenging environment we are living in and the vital role art can play in helping us move forward.
For many people, experiencing and participating in art and creative activity is centering and calming and even while only being able to access it online while theatres are closed, we know it has been a significant source of comfort for so many over the last few months.
Perhaps even more importantly, art is a catalyst in helping us collectively reimagine a future.
encourage as many people as possible to tune in to this special Queensland Day concert on Saturday evening via YouTube at 7.00pm for 90 minutes of amazing performance and to support our performers and industry.
JOHN KOTZAS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
