Queensland Symphony Orchestra continues its celebration of music with the announcement of The Studio Sessions, a program of unique concerts recorded in the QSO Studio at South Bank and released free on YouTube.

QSO Chief Executive Craig Whitehead said The Studio Sessions would be released twice a month, featuring unique works for smaller ensembles from a diverse range of Australian and international  classical composers.

The first in the series premieres this Sunday 14 June at 3pm and features Acting Principal Cello Hyung Suk Bae, Section Principal Viola Imants Larsens, Associate Concertmaster Alan Smith and Section Principal Flute Alison Mitchell performing repertoire celebrating Bach, Beethoven and Debussy.

Mr Whitehead said the concerts are free and, as restrictions lift, would feature larger ensembles of musicians, allowing music fans to watch as Queensland Symphony Orchestra grows back to performing as a full company. “As an Orchestra For Everyone, we are extremely disappointed we are unable to deliver live concerts in the Concert Hall or in other venues to the people of Queensland, but we believe it’s more important than ever to share our music to keep people connected,” he said.

“So, we are delighted to introduce this new series, The Studio Sessions, to our audience until we can sit together again in the Concert Hall or on the grass to listen to our wonderful Orchestra live, please enjoy!”

The Studio Sessions #1: this Sunday 14 June at 3pm will have a Repertoire including Bach – Cello Suite No.1 with Hyung Suk Bae (cello), Beethoven – Duet mit zwei obligaten Augengläsern, WoO 32 mvt.1 with Imants Larsens (viola) and Hyung Suk Bae (cello), and Debussy – Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp with Alan Smith (violin), Imants Larsens (viola) and Alison Mitchell (flute). 

Upcoming dates for The Studio Sessions include Sunday 28 June at 3pm with Poulenc – Sonata for Horn, Trumpet and Trombone, Margaret Sutherland – Two Dialogues for Clarinet and Violin, Ross Edwards – Bagatelle for Clarinet and Violin, Joseph Giovinazzo – Nen Dance, and Beethoven – Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola.

The Studio Sessions will also be held on Saturday 11 July at 7.30pm and Saturday 25 July at 7.30pm with the program to be announced.

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