Country

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Australia

Genre

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Orchestral

 

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is a classical music ensemble based in Brisbane, Australia. Founded in 1947, the orchestra has become one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the state of Queensland, performing a wide range of classical and contemporary music to audiences both in Australia and around the world. The QSO was originally established as the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Society, with the aim of promoting and developing classical music in the state of Queensland. The orchestra's first concert was held on March 26, 1947, under the baton of conductor Percy Code. The program included works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, and was met with great enthusiasm by the audience. Over the years, the QSO has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Werner Andreas Albert, who served as the orchestra's music director from 1983 to 1990. Under Albert's leadership, the QSO gained a reputation for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music. In 1986, the orchestra premiered Peter Sculthorpe's "Mangrove," a work that has since become a staple of the Australian orchestral repertoire. In 1991, the QSO appointed its first Australian-born music director, Myer Fredman. Fredman was known for his passionate advocacy of Australian music, and during his tenure, the orchestra premiered works by a number of Australian composers, including Ross Edwards, Richard Mills, and Peter Rankine. In 1997, the QSO appointed its current music director, Alondra de la Parra. De la Parra is the first female conductor to hold the position, and has been praised for her dynamic and engaging performances. Under her leadership, the QSO has continued to expand its repertoire, performing works by a diverse range of composers, from Beethoven and Brahms to John Adams and Tan Dun. The QSO's core membership consists of around 80 full-time musicians, many of whom have been with the orchestra for many years. The orchestra also employs a number of guest musicians for its performances, including soloists and section leaders. Over the years, the QSO has performed at a number of prestigious venues both in Australia and overseas. In 1988, the orchestra performed at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Australian Bicentenary celebrations. In 2005, the QSO became the first Australian orchestra to perform at the BBC Proms in London, receiving critical acclaim for its performance of works by Australian composers. The QSO has also been recognized for its contributions to the cultural life of Queensland and Australia. In 2003, the orchestra was awarded the Queensland Premier's Award for Excellence in the Arts, and in 2014, it was named Queensland's Major Performing Arts Company of the Year. In addition to its regular concert series, the QSO is also involved in a number of community outreach programs, including its Music in the Morning series, which brings classical music to schools and community centers throughout Queensland. The orchestra also collaborates with a number of other arts organizations, including the Queensland Ballet and Opera Queensland. Overall, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra has established itself as one of Australia's leading classical music ensembles, known for its commitment to artistic excellence and its dedication to promoting classical music to audiences both in Australia and around the world.

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