Like many performing arts organisations across the world, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra most certainly would have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways – financially and health and safety related. But last night they came together to celebrate the actions of those frontline workers by hosting a free concert titled ‘We’re Sharing the Joy‘ in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Concert Hall. With over 1,600 frontline workers in attendance, the audience was able to enjoy the works of talent including Maestro Johannes Fritzsch and internationally acclaimed didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton.
Barton performed his work, Apii Thatini Mu Murtu(To sing and carry a coolamon on country together), which had its world premiere with Queensland Symphony Orchestra in June this year. In addition to Barton’s new work, the concert featured music from acclaimed composers including as Beethoven, Bernstein, Gershwin, Dvořák, Ravel, and more.
Take a peek at the performance below, through a series of stills provided by Queensland Symphony Orchestra:
This special concert was free to healthcare workers, firefighters, police, and ambulance officers – who have all risked their own personal safety and wellbeing to selflessly protect us. Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a breathtaking program of music that inspired. We owe a great deal to those who have given their best work to look after us, and in return we offered our best work – our music-making – to express our gratitude.
Valmay Hill – Executive Director of Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The effort of Queensland’s frontline workers in supporting the community during these unprecedented times has been extraordinary. It is so important we can find ways to nourish and care for them too, and music is one very powerful tool at our disposal. The importance of music can’t be underestimated. Listening to music helps improve our physical, mental and emotional health. Concerts such as We’re sharing the joy – our thank you to frontline workers showcases the healing power of music and the ways it positively influences our wellbeing every day.
Dr Robyn Littlewood – Chief Executive of Health and Wellbeing Queensland
We believe there is power in coming together to enjoy live performance; it connects us and provides a vital sense of belonging. We’re very pleased to dedicate our Concert Hall to the people who have worked so tirelessly and under such incredibly challenging conditions over the past two years in particular, to keep us safe. We hope the uplifting music program, with new work alongside adored classics, will go some way to restoring spirits and conveying the gratitude that we as a community feel for our frontline workers.
John Kotzas – Chief Executive of QPAC
