Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Under the guiding baton of Chief Conductor Johannes Fritzsch, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) continues to win artistic acclaim throughout Australia as it transports audiences to new places through its program of extraordinary live performances. Since 1947, the QSO has been at the centre of music-making in its home state of Queensland, presenting over 130 live performances each year. The Orchestra is integral to Queensland’s cultural community employing 88 full-time musicians and augmenting from a pool of 140 casual musicians at its base at South Bank in Brisbane.
The QSO’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level has earned it an enviable reputation as one of the country’s most notable performing arts companies. Led by a range of internationally renowned guest conductors such as Eivind Aadland, Gerard Schwarz, Edvard Tchivzhel and Muhai Tang, the QSO continues to deliver exceptional orchestral music each year as it welcomes distinguished international and Australian artists to Queensland. The Orchestra’s popular annual concert season features great orchestral works and contemporary compositions to meet the expectations of a diverse and growing audience.
In addition to its mainstage season, the QSO performs across regional areas of Queensland and presents a range of community activities. Its extensive state-wide education program connects with thousands of students annually, from pre-school to university level. The Orchestra and its musicians also perform for major arts festivals, live broadcasts and recordings, and state and national opera and ballet companies.
In 2014 Sydney Dance Company collaborated with Queensland Symphony Orchestra for the first time with Rafael Bonachela’s Les Illuminations.