Queensland Symphony Orchestra will return to Gladstone for the eighth consecutive year for the much-loved Symphony Under the Stars. For the first time, two concerts will be held in Gladstone’s picturesque Marina on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2020 at 7.00pm.
The spectacular event is part of the Gladstone Enrichment through Music (GEM) initiative, which since the beginning in 2012, has seen the Orchestra perform to almost 60,000 people across 107 concerts. Under the baton of conductor Dane Lam, fifty-nine musicians will take the trip north of Gladstone for the two performances.
Hosted by Jason Barry-Smith, the program features music from original movie scores: Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., and Cinema Paradiso, through to classical music featured in inspiring movies: Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana, Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 (Allegretto), and Strauss’ On the Beautiful Blue Danube.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Craig Whitehead said that for 73 years Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has brought music to the people of Queensland; whether it be in the majestic Concert Hall in Brisbane, under the stars at Gladstone, onstage at HOTA, in the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba or in classrooms and town halls from Miles to Cairns and in between.
“This is the charter of Queensland Symphony Orchestra – it is an Orchestra named for the entire state, and now more than ever, it is an Orchestra for Everyone. Our musicians can’t wait to travel north and perform in the stunning Gladstone Marina,” said Mr Whitehead.
The Orchestra has produced a recorded mini-concert introducing the instruments of an orchestra to compliment the annual primary schools program in Gladstone. Small touring ensembles of strings and brass instruments will present face-to-face concerts in Gladstone primary schools later this year.
Symphony Under the Stars was nominated in the 2019 Gladstone Best in Business Awards in the events category. The Gladstone Enrichment through Music (GEM) initiative was also nominated as a finalist for the 2019 Art Music Awards – Award for Excellence in a Regional Area.
Symphony Under the Stars with Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Gladstone Marina Stage, 98 Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone
Performances: Thursday 24 September & Friday 25 September 2020 – 7.00pm
Free event – bookings essential: www.gladstoneentertainment.com
For more information, visit: www.qso.com.au for details.
Image: Symphony Under the Stars – courtesy of Queensland Symphony Orchestra