We mean that literally because Queensland Symphony Orchestra
has just unveiled their Top 10 Gifts for Christmas, and it sounds pretty amazing!
Stuck for what to give for Christmas this year? Here’s a tip, give the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) and sit back and wait for the fan mail!
QSO’s Season 2024 stars epic mainstage performances from the acclaimed classical canon, world premieres, live accompaniments to major blockbuster movies, a tribute to Olivia Newton-John, the acclaimed Cinematic concert, intimate chamber moments, and extraordinary experimental music experiences performed across Queensland in the widest range of venues in the Company’s history – from St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Queensland Conservatorium, to HOTA on the Gold Coast and the Concert Hall at QPAC and more.
Here's 10 ideas to get you started, just visit qso.com.au for more!
Maestro Concert |Umberto’s Mahler THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Date: Friday 23 February 7.30pm AND Saturday 24 February 1.30pm Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC Conductor: Umberto Clerici
There’s a reason Mahler’s Symphony No.7 was chosen to open QSO’s Maestro season for 2024: it’s an absolute epic! Clocking in at over an hour, this turn-of-the-century masterwork is packed with action under the baton of Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici as he continues his Mahler cycle journey.
Casino Royale in Concert
Date: Friday 15 March at 7.30pm Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
For the first time ever, QSO invites you to experience James Bond on the big screen accompanied by the power of a live orchestra in Casino Royale in Concert, proudly presented by Film Concerts Live! QSO will bring composer David Arnold’s thrilling musical score to life and in sync to the iconic action-spy blockbuster!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in concert
Date: Saturday 16 March 2024 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Conductor: Vanessa Scammell
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to Brisbane with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in Concert, the second last film in the series. On Saturday 16 March over two concert events at 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Vanessa Scammel will lead QSO in performing Alexandre Desplat’s incredible score live while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.
Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John
Dates: Saturday 6 April 1.30pm & 7.30pm Venue: QPAC Concert Hall Conductor: Nicholas Buc Creative Director: Mark Sutcliffe
In what will be a magical evening of memories, celebration, love and music., joining QSO is an incredible lineup of stars of the stage and screen including David Campbell, Jess Hitchcock, Queenslander Georgina Hopson and Christie Whelan Browne to perform the iconic hits of Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE including Magic, I Honestly Love You, Make a Move on Me, You’re the One That I Want, and of course - Hopelessly Devoted to You.
Special Event | Music on Sundays | The Lost Birds
Date: Saturday 8 June 7.30pm AND Sunday 9 June 11.30am Location: QPAC Concert Hall
Conductor and Host: Barnaby Smith Ensemble: VOCES8 Soloist: Jack Liebeck, violin
American composer Christopher Tin’s The Lost Birds is a haunting reminiscence on the wonder of nature’s feathered friends. Preeminent British vocal collective VOCES8 joins the QSO for this special collaboration together with internationally acclaimed British violinist Jack Liebeck to perform The Lark Ascending, Vaughan Williams’ mesmerising tribute to its’ flutter and flight. It will be a special moment in music history.
Maestro Concert | Spirit of the WILD A VISION OF NATURE
In association with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
Date: Friday 13 September 11.30am and Saturday 14 September 7.30pm Location: QPAC Concert Hall
Conductor: Umberto Clerici Soloist: Diana Doherty, oboe
Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici captains this voyage to some of the wildest natural places. John Luther Adams’ visceral work Become Ocean invites the audience to become one with the sea itself and then equally as evocative is Nigel Westlake’s Spirit of the Wild, brought to life by Australian oboe royalty Diana Doherty.
Special Event | QSO Favourites
Date: Friday 25 October 7.30pm and Sunday 27 October 11.30am Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC
Conductor: Eduardo Strausser Soloist: Ein Na, violin Host: Ashleigh Denning
Featuring favourites of musicians and audiences alike, this program radiates pure joy. There is something for everyone; Kats-Chernin’s delicate Dance of the Paper Umbrellas is straight out of a fairytale, while Sibelius’ hymn to victory, Finlandia, brims with stormy drama. Featuring QSO’s 2023 Young Instrumentalist Prize winner, Ein Na.
Maestro | Umberto & Natsuko
Date: Friday 15 November 7.30pm AND Saturday 16 November 1.30pm Location: QPAC Concert Hall
Conductor and soloist: Umberto Clerici, cello Soloist: Natsuko Yoshimoto, violin and Eleanor Lyons, soprano
Another special moment on stage when Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici and Concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto perform together the showstopping Brahms’ Double Concerto and more.
Cinematic!
Dates: Thursday 21 November 6.30pm, Friday 22 November 7.30pm, Saturday 23 November 1.30pm and Saturday 23 November 7.30pm Location: QPAC Concert Hall Conductor and host: Nicholas Buc
Lights, Camera, Action! Cinematic is back for a fifth year of film favourites. With iconic themes from Interstellar, Forrest Gump, Batman, Downtown Abbey and many more, this is a brilliant concert for everyone. QSO musicians perform in costume, making this concert a riot of colour and characters. Grab some popcorn, kick back, and enjoy!
Or CHOOSE YOUR OWN PACKAGE!
Why choose just one concert as a gift, when you can give a package! Choose from the Maestro Package of 10 concerts, the Music on Sundays Package of five, the Up Close Package of four, or opt for a Choose Your Own. All are at qso.com.au
HAPPY GIVING!
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
qso.com.au
For more media information, please contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email kath@kathrose.com
Imagery and more: QSO 2024 Calendar, Season Imagery here
