In a major coup for Queensland, one of the world’s most celebrated tenors, José Carreras, will host an extraordinary one-night-only Australian exclusive concert on Saturday 5 December inspired by the legendary Pavarotti & Friends extravaganzas.
Carreras & Friends has been exclusively curated for the iconic Gabba and presented by Quintessential Queensland as a spectacular open-air concert experience uniting some of the world’s biggest stars in duet with José Carreras.
Rather than a traditional concert, the evening will unfold as a seamless musical journey, with Carreras personally guiding audiences through a series of extraordinary collaborations, surprise moments and solo performances featuring global music icons from opera, rock and pop.
Acclaimed artists including Katherine Jenkins, Natalie Imbruglia, Sheppard and Mark Vincent will perform both duets with Carreras and solo performances of their own hits, leading into Darren Hayes (Truly Madly Deeply), Ronan Keating (Father & Son), Ann Wilson (What About Love and Stairway To Heaven), The Corrs (Breathless and Runaway) and culminating with Robbie Williams performing My Way and Angels in duet with Carreras, alongside several surprise moments throughout the night.
Backed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and choir, Carreras & Friends will transform The Gabba into a world-class concert spectacular blending timeless opera, beloved contemporary classics and powerful collaborations under the Brisbane sky.
The evening will be conducted and musically directed by internationally renowned maestro Keith Levenson, whose extraordinary career includes collaborations with The Who, Stevie Nicks, KISS and Meat Loaf.
The event will offer Australian audiences a rare opportunity to witness one of the greatest tenors of all time perform live alongside an extraordinary cast of global music icons in a stadium spectacular curated exclusively for Queensland.
Revered globally as one of opera’s most extraordinary voices, Carreras has performed at the world’s leading opera houses including La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House London and the Vienna State Opera. He became part of music history through the legendary Three Tenors concerts alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, watched by billions around the world.
“This is not a traditional concert. It’s a live music experience inspired by the magic of Pavarotti & Friends, where the world’s greatest artists come together on one stage for a night of collaboration, emotion and surprise,” said Echo Pacific Director Harley Medcalf.
“To bring José Carreras together with artists of this caliber for one exclusive night in Brisbane is incredibly special. Every moment of this event has been designed to create something unforgettable.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the event demonstrated the Crisafulli Government was delivering on the commitments it made through Destination 2045. “When we launched Destination 2045, we said we would secure more world-class events and experiences that put Queensland on the global stage,” said Minister Powell.
“This is exactly what delivery looks like. José Carreras is one of the world’s most celebrated performers and this exclusive Queensland event will attract visitors, support local businesses and showcase our State to audiences around the globe.”
With interstate and international demand expected to be strong, audiences are encouraged to secure tickets early for what will be a truly once-in-a-generation live music experience.
Carreras & Friends will be presented at The GABBA on Saturday 5 December 2026. Presale commences Friday 12 June, with general sales from Monday 15 June 2026. For more information, visit: www.carrerasandfriends.live for details.
Image: Mark Vincent, Amy and George Sheppard with Musicians from Queensland Symphony Orchestra – photo by Josh Woning