Queensland Symphony Orchestra hit the road during March, with trips west to the communities in the Maranoa and Western Downs regions, plus to visits north to Innisfail and Cairns.
At the beginning of the month, string quartet musicians visited Roma and Wallumbilla, presenting concerts and working with Maranoa Music in rehearsal. In great news for the musicians of tomorrow, string students from schools across the region took part in workshop sessions with QSO musicians. QSO woodwind musicians concurrently visited Chinchilla, Miles and Tara, with concerts for students from across Western Down community. Students heard flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, and French horn in concert while beginners and more advanced students attended workshop sessions.
In addition to our travels west, an ensemble of 13 musicians made their way to Far North Queensland for a range of performances and workshops in Innisfail and Cairns.
The action-packed tour saw woodwind, brass and percussion musicians present workshops in Innisfail, Tully and Cairns plus education and evening performances at the Tanks Theatre. The musicians also performed with local artist Kaweyova and her band to perform songs newly arranged by local musician Rubina Kimiia.
The visits were part of the QSO Connect program, which delivers quality music education and concert experiences to students and communities in regional Queensland.
“QSO is committed to delivering live, professional music performances and experiences to regional, remote and very remote communities in Queensland, and now that we are able, we are on the road and enjoying every moment. We are truly delighted to return to these communities, where we have not had the opportunity to visit as a result of COVID restrictions,” said QSO Chief Executive Craig Whitehead.