Queensland Symphony Orchestra Unveils 80th Anniversary Season for 2027
In 2027, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will mark its 80th anniversary with a season that showcases both classical favorites and contemporary Australian compositions. CEO Michael Sterzinger highlights the importance of celebrating both the orchestra's heritage and its future. Established in 1947 with just 45 musicians, the ensemble has grown to 81 full-time members and is located at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The season will commence with Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici, featuring violinist Ilya Gringolts and John Adams's Harmonielehre in honor of Adams's 80th birthday. Notable performances include Mahler's Symphony No. 2, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22, and all nine Beethoven symphonies. Additionally, eight commissions from five Australian composers, a gala with Dead Puppet Society, and partnerships with Queensland Ballet and Opera Queensland are planned. Subscription tickets will be available starting 28 September.
Key facts
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027.
- The QSO began in 1947 with 45 musicians and held its first concert at Brisbane City Hall.
- It now has 81 full-time players and presents more than 50 programs each season from its base at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
- Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici is in his fifth and final season with QSO.
- The season includes Mahler's Symphony No. 2 – Resurrection, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22 with Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and all nine Beethoven symphonies.
- 2027 marks 200 years since Ludwig van Beethoven's death.
- The QSO commissions eight works by five Australian composers and programs music by 13 living composers.
- The 80th Anniversary Gala in August features Brisbane's Dead Puppet Society and William Barton as soloist.
- Subscription tickets go on sale on 28 September, with individual tickets from 9 November.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Sterzinger
- Matthew Wood
- Umberto Clerici
- Ilya Gringolts
- Gustav Mahler
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Pierre-Laurent Aimard
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- John Adams
- Elena Kats-Chernin
- William Barton
- Matthew Hindson
- Nina Korbe
- Diana Carroll
- Leah J. Williams
- Dolly Parton
Institutions
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre
- Dead Puppet Society
- Signature Choir
- Queensland Ballet
- Opera Queensland
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
- Victorian Labor Party
- Melbourne Recital Centre
- Willoughby Symphony Orchestra
- The Conversation
Locations
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Queensland
- New Zealand
- Melbourne
- Victoria
- Adelaide
- London