The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Season 2019 has been unveiled, led by 10 Maestro concerts putting a spotlight on Australian composers and showcases of concertos for harp, clarinet, trombone and double bass among others.
The year highlights extend from Bach and boy wizards, to beatboxing with the season delivering big symphonies to the community with the magic of movie music, world class musicians, big brass sounds and classic intimate chamber, all lead by Music Director Alondra de la Parra. “2019 is the year we shine a spotlight on the breathtaking diversity of musical instruments and I am thrilled to announce that our season will showcase concertos for harp, clarinet, guitar, oboe, cello, trombone, double bass, viola, as well as piano and violin. Music has so much to offer and it will be wonderful to explore it in 2019,” Alondra said. Alondra also announced Paul Lewis, one of the greatest pianists of the 21st Century, as the 2019 Artist-in-Residence, following the applauded residency this year of Sergio Tiempo. “Paul is an exceptional pianist with a renowned international reputation and is a specialist in the music of the great masters, particularly Beethoven. He has a long touring history with Australia, but next year will be his debut with Queensland Symphony Orchestra; he will perform in four incredible concerts and I know he will bring a lot of joy to our audience.”
Australian composers Elena Kats-Chernin, Lachlan Skipworth, Brett Dean, Carl Vine and Nigel Westlake are celebrated through the season. “For a long time, Queensland Symphony Orchestra has given a platform to composers from around the world, but in 2019 we turn our eye closer to home. I am excited to present a wonderful collection of works by Australian composers who proudly take their place in our program alongside those whose music has delighted us for generations,” said Alondra.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra will welcome back internationally revered conductor Simone Young to conduct The Great Symphony in July which includes the Australian premiere of Brett Dean’s work Notturno inquieto, and in October, Brisbane violinist Ray Chen returns in a concert showcasing his talent. The season is full of exciting soloists including the superstar Austrian percussionist Martin Grubinger, acclaimed French harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet, Australia’s classical guitar star Karin Schaupp, and the powerful Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrandez among others. Importantly, Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians including violinist Warwick Adeney, cellist Hyung Suk Bae, trombonist Jason Redman and double bassist Phoebe Russell will star as soloists during the season.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Chair Mr Chris Freeman AM said the orchestra was one for the 21st Century. “We are an orchestra that’s relevant, that connects with all people, across all geographies, cultures, backgrounds and ages. What’s extraordinary is that the company creates and delivers unique musical experiences across this huge state. Highly trained professional musicians – at home in any great concert hall on the planet – travel to all corners of Queensland to connect with Queenslanders, to ensure all Queenslanders can experience the true power of live music. This is an important role to play,” he said. Season 2019 is also one of outstanding special events, with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert opening the new year on Saturday 9 February.
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