Pre-dating the official launch of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre itself, the annual Spirit of Christmas concert has been a staple of QPAC annual calendar. But whether COVID-19 keeps you away from performing arts venues a little bit longer, you are interstate, or just crave an alternative to other broadcast Christmas concerts – QPAC has today announced that this year’s concert will be made available via their official website on Friday 24 December 2021 at 7.00pm.
The concert itself will be held in the QPAC Concert Hall, in-front of a live audience. This year’s festivities will be hosted by Brisbane television personality Sofie Formica, and musical theatre stars Amy Lehpamer (School of Rock, The Sound of Music) and Lucy Maunder (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda the Musical). Musical accompaniment will provided by Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QOS) under musical director and conductor Simon Kenway, alongside the voices of the QPAC Chamber Choir.
The traditional Christmas Message will be delivered by Major Scott Allen of The Salvation Army (Although having been in attendance for several years, this message should not be seen as purely religious or a major part of the night’s proceedings), while a Welcome to Country will be performed by Aunty Raelene Baker.
Click HERE on the night (or bookmark it today!) to access the livestream.
This is a perfect way to spend Christmas eve with family and friends and to share this magical, musical, digital presentation which captures the joy, wonder and true Spirit of Christmas.
The Queensland Government recognises the important role the arts play in our communities, lifting our spirits and contributing to our collective well-being, especially at this special time of year.
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP – Queensland Minister for the Arts
Spirit of Christmas is one of my favourite events of the year as we see generations of families and friends gather at QPAC to commence their Christmas celebrations; it’s the perfect reminder of how the performing arts can unite us and bring joy and transformation.
This is a wonderful way to say thank you to our audiences who have continued to support us and Queensland artists throughout 2021 – it’s our gift to all of Queensland. There are only three performances here in the Concert Hall so only 4,500 people can join us in person. With the digital broadcast, all 4.5 million Queenslanders can be part of it.
We are looking forward to next year, when we can continue to extend the reach of our state’s great performers as well as take the arts to more Queenslanders through digital offerings.
John Kotzas – Chief Executive of Queensland Performing Arts Centre
