Reception in Support of the Launch of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Regional Touring Program 2024

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation, the Honourable Leanne Linard MP; Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Matt Burnett; Queensland Symphony Orchestra Chair, Mr Rod Pilbeam, CEO Ms Yarmila Alfonzetti and Directors of the Board; QSO performers and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today. Ancient Indigenous traditions, expressed through song, dance, stories, art and music, continue to inspire and inform.

As Joint Patrons of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra—and fellow music lovers—Graeme and I welcome you all to Government House this afternoon, in support of the launch of the 2024 touring program.

This year will see the orchestra travel to Cairns and Port Douglas, Townsville, Gladstone, Toowoomba and St George—commencing an exciting five-year touring plan that will bring the delight and majesty of a full-sized orchestral experience to major regional cities, and to various outback communities across our State.

Through a mix of spectacular Symphony Under the Stars events, family-friendly concerts, and an engaging education program, many thousands of music aficionados of all ages—together with those who have never before seen an orchestra perform—will have the chance to be entertained and enthralled by one of our State’s flagship cultural institutions.

The benefits are significant—because music has the power to enrich and transform, energise and connect communities, and enhance overall health and wellbeing.

At the same time, the QSO is building an even stronger future for classical music in Queensland by encouraging budding young musicians to learn from the expertise and knowledge of our leading musical talents, to have the chance to be mentored through the Prodigy Project, and perhaps even perform on-stage with the orchestra.

Of course, the quest to be an orchestra for all Queenslanders, has been in the QSO’s DNA since it first formed—although back then, in 1947, and for many subsequent years, the musicians travelled by rail—a source of many “interesting” stories no doubt, but since superseded by the efficiencies of air travel.

Even so, the logistics of transporting the 60-plus orchestra members, and carting their precious instruments takes enormous planning, careful coordination and significant support, and I therefore thank all local and State stakeholders for their part in ensuring this valuable touring program continues to thrive.

I also thank all the many incredible benefactors—the corporate partners, foundations, sponsors and donors—whose generosity is vital to ensuring the success of a venture of this complexity and scale.

Finally, I commend the QSO Board, Management, and musicians for their ongoing commitment to regional touring.

Your combined efforts will allow more Queenslanders to enjoy the talents of our State’s elite musicians, who, under the leadership of Maestro Clerici, will produce another year of exceptional music.

It is our tremendous pleasure to welcome you here this evening, and Graeme and I wish the orchestra a satisfying and rewarding 2024 tour.