Events
2022 Maestro Series
Soaring Heights (Maestro)
SAT 19 FEB 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Johannes Fritzsch
Soloist Daniel de Borah, piano
PROGRAM INCLUDES
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat
R. STRAUSS Alpine Symphony (Eine Alpensinfonie)
Musicians sometimes refer to a challenging piece of music as a mountain to climb, but in the case of Richard Strauss’ majestic Alpine Symphony, the music literally is mountainous. When Strauss was a young boy he took part in a day-climb up the Alps, and that experience stayed with him until 1915 when he turned it into music. Alpine Symphony is an epic work featuring over 100 musicians. It takes you on an aural journey – a hike that starts at the first light of day, heading up to the peak of the mountain and then back down again. Once heard, it is never forgotten. The companion for this staggering creative masterpiece is Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto, itself a pinnacle of beauty for the pianist and orchestra to conquer together. Brisbane-based pianist Daniel de Borah will return to perform with Principal Conductor Johannes Fritzsch.
Four Seasons (Morning Masterworks + Maestro)
FRI 18 MAR 11.30AM
SAT 19 MAR 1.30PM + 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Director and Soloist Natsuko Yoshimoto
PROGRAM INCLUDES
VIVALDI The Four Seasons
PIAZZOLLA The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (arr. Desyatnikov)
Our string section will shine in this double dose of seasonal goodness. There will be no conductor in sight, instead Concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto will lead the ensemble through not one, but two musical interpretations of the seasons. Many people are familiar with Vivaldi’s timeless set of four concertos, The Four Seasons, with their iconic tunes and clever imitation of everything from summer rains to falling snowflakes.
Equally evocative is The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, written by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla. This distinctly South American vision of the seasons is filled with the infectious rhythms of the tango and makes a striking contrast with Vivaldi’s original composition. Rather than playing the two works back to back, Natsuko and the Orchestra will alternate between the two, taking you on an ever-shifting path through different seasons, countries and musical styles. An absolute must-see performance.
Mozart’s Clarinet (Maestro)
FRI 22 APR 7.30PM
SAT 23 APR 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Johannes Fritzsch
Soloist Irit Silver, clarinet
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Eötvös The Saqqara Bird
Mozart Clarinet Concerto, K.622
Martinů Symphony No.1
With a sublime slow movement bookended by lively outer movements it’s easy to understand why everyone loves Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. In this concert it will be brought to life by our very own Section Principal Clarinet Irit Silver.
We’ll also play Australian composer Melody Eötvös’ stunning composition The Saqqara Bird, an ear-catching musical tribute to a unique little wooden bird discovered in an Egyptian archaeological dig in 1898. Finally, Johannes Fritzsch conducts Martinů’s energetic and life-affirming First Symphony.
Mozart’s Requiem (Morning Masterworks + Maestro)
FRI 20 MAY 11.30AM
SAT 21 MAY 1.30PM + 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Jonathan Stockhammer
Soloist Sara Macliver, soprano
Soloist Fiona Campbell, mezzo-soprano
Soloist Andrew Goodwin, tenor
Soloist James Clayton, baritone
Choir Brisbane Chamber Choir
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Stravinsky Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Debussy Prelude to “The Afternoon of a Faun”
Mozart Requiem, K.626
It gives us great pleasure to showcase one of Mozart’s most iconic works in our 2022 season – his beloved Requiem. We join forces with Brisbane Chamber Choir under the baton of talented American conductor Jonathan Stockhammer for this majestic work. The searing intensity of this music – once heard is never forgotten – somehow manages to rouse, thrill us and comfort us simultaneously. If you have never heard this music live, mark this concert in your calendar and prepare to be moved. The concert also includes a chance to enjoy Debussy’s Prelude to “The Afternoon of a Faun“, and Stravinsky’s colourful Symphonies of Wind Instruments, where our woodwind and brass players will showcase their artistry and talent.
Elgar and Mahler (Maestro)
FRI 17 JUN 7.30PM
SAT 18 JUNE 1.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Umberto Clerici
Soloist Narek Hakhnazaryan, cello
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor
Mahler Symphony No.1 in D (Titan)
Conductor Umberto Clerici wowed audiences when he appeared with us in 2021 and we can’t wait to see how he leads our musicians in two of the most powerful orchestral works. Elgar’s Cello Concerto is one of the greatest cello compositions of all time, with a level of passion and intensity that makes it simply timeless. It will be performed by cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, described as ‘dazzlingly brilliant’ by The Strad and ‘nothing short of magnificent’ by the San Francisco Chronicle.
One dramatic masterpiece is great, but two is even better! This concert also showcases Mahler’s Symphony No.1, one of the most jaw-dropping first symphonies ever composed. Mahler threw every musical idea he knew into this symphony: the sound of nature, military fanfares, folk songs, dances, and a truly hair-raising finale. Any performance of this work is guaranteed to leave you feeling exhilarated and moved.
Triumphant Tchaikovsky (Morning Masterworks + Maestro)
FRI 29 JUL 11.30AM
SAT 30 JUL 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Giordano Bellincampi
Soloist Kang Wang, tenor
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Verdi Overture from Nabucco
Verdi O inferno… Sento avvampar nell’anima… Cielo pietoso rendila from Simon Boccanegra
Verdi Quando le sere al placido from Luisa Miller
Puccini Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut
Puccini Che gelida manina from La Bohème
Puccini Nessun Dorma from Turandot
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 in F minor
Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony has an intriguing relevance to our times. It begins with a strident fanfare played by the horns that the composer indicated was meant to be the sound of ‘the fatal power which prevents one from attaining the goal of happiness’. Throughout the opening of the symphony, this sound of fate comes through. However, after a series of wondrous musical episodes, Tchaikovsky works his magic and joy is unleashed in the finale. If you perhaps feel that fate has been a bit rough on all of us these past couple of years, we invite you to come and experience the exhilaration of overcoming all obstacles.
Also joining us for the evening is one of the most sought-after young tenors in the world: Kang Wang. The Australian-Chinese singer is a rising star in the opera world and he will join forces with conductor Giordano Bellincampi to bring you some of the most moving tenor arias of all time, including Nessun Dorma from Turandot.
Orchestral Adventures (Maestro)
SAT 13 AUG 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Elena Schwarz
Soloist Jack Liebeck, violin
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Milliken Piece 43 For Now (Australian premiere)
Mozart Violin Concerto No.3 in G, K.216 (Strassburg)
Shostakovich Symphony No.9 in E flat
The story goes that a fellow Russian composer, upon hearing Shostakovich’s 9th Symphony for the first time, wrote: “The main theme of the first movement – Mozart! Almost literally Mozart.” Shostakovich, known for taking the symphonic sound to some dark places, surprised everyone with a much lighter touch this time around. And yet he retained his immense power for showing what an orchestra could do. From the piccolo to the tuba, the whole orchestra, under the baton of Swiss-Australian conductor Elena Schwarz, will be drawn into this playful world.
As for the Mozart comparison, you’ll be able to judge for yourself as Jack Liebeck, master violinist and Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, will perform Mozart’s genius Violin Concerto No.3.
Although many composers transport us to other times and places, there are some who choose to reflect on a specific moment in history. Completing this concert is Australian composer Cathy Milliken’s Piece 43 For Now, written (in Cathy’s words) in response to “the rollercoaster months for me in the six months since the announcement of lockdown in March 2020”.
Piano Power (Morning Masterworks + Maestro)
FRI 9 SEP 11.30AM
SAT 10 SEP 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Asher Fisch
Soloist Behzod Abduraimov, piano
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Skipworth Hinterland (QLD Premiere) – Saturday only
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor
Brahms Symphony No.3 in F
There are few combinations of sound-worlds so thrilling as piano and orchestra, and never more so when the composer is Rachmaninov. The ‘Rach 2’ as it’s affectionately known, is an absolute finger-buster, and yet still manages to tug at your heartstrings. You’ll be swept away by the melodies one moment, while the next your jaw will drop at the technical skill required to pull it off. This concerto will be performed by Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov, described by The Independent as ‘the most perfectly accomplished pianist of his generation’. One of our most talked-about concerts of 2021 was our performance of Brahms’ Symphony No.2. We’ll continue our survey of this orchestral master as renowned conductor Asher Fisch leads the orchestra through the rich and beautiful world of Brahms’ Symphony No.3.
Beethoven and Dvořák (Morning Masterworks + Maestro)
FRI 14 OCT 11.30AM
SAT 15 OCT 1.30PM + 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor and Soloist Guy Braunstein, violin
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Beethoven Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra
Dvořák Symphony No.8 in G Guy Braunstein was the youngest violinist ever appointed to be concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic and his formidable talents will be on display as he both plays and conducts in this concert. He will perform as soloist and conductor in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, one of the most beloved works for violin and orchestra. This will be followed by exuberance on an even larger scale as we perform Dvořák’s 8th Symphony, a high-spirited spectacle of orchestral excellence.
Mighty Rachmaninov (Maestro)
SAT 19 NOV 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Johannes Fritzsch
Soloist Phoebe Russell, double bass
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Howes Luminifera – Wild Light for Orchestra (QLD Premiere)
Paul Dean Double Bass Concerto (World Premiere) Commissioned for Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Phoebe Russell by the Frazer Family Foundation
Rachmaninov Symphony No.2 in E minor
Anyone who has been to a Queensland Symphony Orchestra concert knows the enthusiasm and energy that radiates from our Section Principal Double Bass, Phoebe Russell. In this concert we’re inviting her to centre stage to perform the world premiere of a concerto for double bass and orchestra written especially for her by Queensland composer Paul Dean. Then to end our Maestro series on a high, we’re finishing with one of the grandest masterpieces of Russian music – Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony. This piece is big in every sense of the word, full of rich emotion and melody. Conducted by Principal Conductor Johannes Fritzsch, this will be an unforgettable end-of-year concert. We are Powered by Music and this concert will show you exactly what we mean.
Special Events
QSO Favourites (Special Event)
SAT 12 FEB 1.30PM + 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Johannes Fritzsch
PROGRAM INCLUDES
BEETHOVEN Symphony No.5 in C minor, mvt 1: Allegro con brio
HOLST Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets
J. STRAUSS JR On the Beautiful Blue Danube
MAHLER Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor, mvt 4: Allegretto
WILLIAMS Main Title from Star Wars
and more…
In the lead up to our 75th birthday celebrations, we asked our audience one question: what are your favourite pieces that QSO has performed in the past? Your suggestions came back thick and fast! We’re delighted to present another edition of QSO Favourites, where we perform orchestral classics suggested by you, alongside some of our favourite works too.
From undisputed masterpieces of the classical era, such as Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 and Holst’s The Planets through to popular movie music such as Star Wars and much more, this is a concert that’s guaranteed to send you home humming!
Cinematic (Special Event)
FRI 29 APR 7.30PM
SAT 30 APR 1.30PM + 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Nicholas Buc
INCLUDES MUSIC FROM
Star Wars
Indiana Jones
Harry Potter
Schindler’s List
Superman
and more…
Cinematic is our flagship concert for lovers of movie soundtracks. Created by film music fans for film music fans, it brings to life the soundtracks you know and love from your favourite movies (plus some new surprises you may not have heard before) in a spectacular sound and light spectacle. For Cinematic in 2022, we celebrate the 90th birthday of the master of movie music: John Williams.
In this special all-Williams concert the full force of Queensland Symphony Orchestra will bring you his signature tunes that have endeared him to millions of filmgoers over the years: the epic fanfares of Star Wars, the swirling magic of Harry Potter, the adventure of Indiana Jones, the poignancy of Schindler’s List and much, much more. You’ll hear all the Williams you love plus some hand-picked gems that have rarely been performed live.
Opera Gala (Special Event)
FRI 10 JUN 7.30PM
SAT 11 JUN 1.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Dane Lam
Soloist Natalie Aroyan, soprano
Soloist Deborah Humble, mezzo soprano
Soloist José Carbó, baritone
Choir Brisbane Chorale
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Bizet Carmen
Verdi Aida
Rossini William Tell
Puccini Madame Butterfly
Offenbach The Tales of Hoffman and more…
We are thrilled to announce the return of our Opera Gala, where we bring you a concert of breathtaking arias, show stopping duets, and much more! Australian opera stars Natalie Aroyan, Deborah Humble, and José Carbó, together with the stellar voices of Brisbane Chorale, will give you goosebumps as they perform some of the best-loved opera hits of all time. You’ll be roused by Carmen’s Toreador Song, you’ll float away with Offenbach’s Barcarolle, and you’ll swoon at Madame Butterfly’s Love Duet. This is guaranteed to be a blockbuster show. Don’t miss it!
Superfamous (Special Event + Music on Sundays)
SAT 20 AUG 7.30PM
SUN 21 AUG 11.30AM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Guy Noble
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, mvt 1: Allegro
Beethoven Symphony No.7 in A, mvt 2: Allegretto
Morricone Gabriel’s Oboe
Debussy Clair de Lune
Kats-Chernin Eliza Aria from Wild Swans Suite and more…
For all those people new to classical music that think, “I just want to hear the really famous pieces” – this concert is for you. For all those who recognise a tune when they hear it but can’t quite remember what it’s called – this concert is for you. And for the rest of you who know and love these favourites, you’ll want to be there as well. With the engaging conducting of Guy Noble, this is going to be a non-stop romp through the music that has thrilled audiences for decades. Superfamous is exactly what it says on the tin – excerpts from some of the most famous pieces ever written, all in one show. You’re gonna love it!
Musical Theatre Gala (Special Event)
SAT 29 OCT 1.30PM + 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Guy Noble
Soloist Amy Lehpamer
Soloist Emerging young artists from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
INCLUDES MUSIC FROM
Kander Chicago
Rodgers & Hammerstein The Sound of Music
Lloyd Webber Jesus Christ Superstar
Schönberg Les Misérables
Lloyd Webber The Phantom of the Opera
Schwartz Wicked and more…
In 2021 we hosted our first ever Musical Theatre Gala featuring four stellar singers, and the audience feedback consisted of two main sentiments: ‘Can you do this again next year?’ and ‘Can you make the concert longer?’ Well we have heard your requests, and our 2022 concert is guaranteed to be bigger than ever – more great musical stars singing more of the hit songs you love. Even if you know every beat of the cast recordings from back to front, your spine will tingle at the sound of great musical theatre voices with the big, spectacular sound of Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Last year’s concert was so amazing, we all agreed ‘you just had to be there’. We know you’re going to feel the same about this one.
Messiah (Special Event)
SAT 26 NOV 7.30PM
Venue Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor Benjamin Northey
Choir Voices of Birralee
PROGRAM INCLUDES
HANDEL Messiah
We know it’s been a while, but our annual tradition of performing of Handel’s choral masterpiece is well and truly back. To conduct this spectacle will be Benjamin Northey. He brings his own unique vision to this work, joined by a stellar cast of soloists and the fresh and energetic sound of Voices of Birralee. Featuring the mighty ‘Hallelujah’ chorus and so many other memorable moments, this is one to look forward to.
