Queensland Orchestra, also known as the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO), is a classical music ensemble based in Brisbane, Australia. The orchestra was founded in 1947 by the Queensland Government as the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and it has since become one of the most prominent orchestras in Australia. The orchestra's founding members were a group of musicians who had previously played in the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra. The first conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra was Percy Code, who had previously conducted the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Under Code's leadership, the orchestra quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and it began to attract some of the world's most renowned conductors and soloists. Over the years, the Queensland Orchestra has had many notable members, including violinist Yvonne Kenny, who went on to become one of Australia's most celebrated sopranos. Other notable members have included cellist Li-Wei Qin, who won the prestigious Tchaikovsky International Cello Competition in 2001, and violinist Ray Chen, who has won numerous awards and is considered one of the most exciting young violinists in the world today. The Queensland Orchestra has performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and Carnegie Hall in New York. The orchestra has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Zubin Mehta, and Sir Charles Mackerras. One of the highlights of the Queensland Orchestra's history was its performance at the opening ceremony of the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. The orchestra played a specially commissioned piece by Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe, which was broadcast to millions of people around the world. In recent years, the Queensland Orchestra has continued to go from strength to strength. In 2017, the orchestra appointed Alondra de la Parra as its new Music Director, making her the first female conductor to lead a major Australian orchestra. Under de la Parra's leadership, the orchestra has continued to push boundaries and explore new repertoire, while also maintaining its commitment to performing the classics. The Queensland Orchestra has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Symphony Orchestra in 2014 and 2015. The orchestra has also been praised for its commitment to education and outreach, with programs such as the QSO Young Instrumentalist Prize and the QSO Connect program, which brings music to schools and communities across Queensland. In conclusion, the Queensland Orchestra is one of Australia's most respected and beloved classical music ensembles. With a rich history dating back to 1947, the orchestra has attracted some of the world's most renowned conductors and soloists, and has performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls. With its commitment to excellence, innovation, and education, the Queensland Orchestra is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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