On this day …
On Tuesday, in the afternoon, at Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM visited the hospital staff and guests and read a book.
Following, in the afternoon, at Government House, Her Excellency and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD hosted an Afternoon Reception in Support of 4MBS Festival of Classics, and the Governor addressed guests.
Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Vicki Howard; Deputy Speaker, Mr Joseph Kelly; Minister for the Arts, the Honourable Leeanne Enoch; Chair of 4MBS Classic FM, Mr Matthew Farrell and Board Members; General Manager, Mr Gary Thorpe; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.
Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you here this afternoon to celebrate the 29th 4MBS Festival of Classics.
Earlier this year, I was delighted to accept the invitation to become Patron of 4MBS Classic FM and I am very pleased that so many 4MBS board members, staff, volunteers, supporters and sponsors have been able to join me for the first reception I have hosted in that capacity.
This year’s Festival, with its 23 concerts in 10 different venues, offers a fabulously varied ‘tasting table’ of music, with orchestras, ensembles, soloists and choirs coming together from throughout South-East Queensland, including an unforgettable opening night performance by The Queensland Choir in its 150th anniversary year.
Of course, having set such a standard for the Festival’s 29th year, the challenge will be to produce an even more elaborate feast of music for the milestone 30th anniversary next year.
However, this is an organisation that keeps its eye firmly on the future, so plans are already firmly in place to celebrate not only the 30th anniversary next year, but the 45th anniversary of 4MBS Classic FM in 2024, and the 20th anniversary of the 4MBS Shakespeare Festival in 2026.
It is such planning, foresight and imagination as well as sheer hard work and determination that have ensured the survival and enduring success of this extraordinary community radio station and the largest festival of classical music in Australia.
I congratulate everyone involved in the planning for this year’s Festival and wish artists and organisers every success.
It is my great pleasure to present a Certificate of Vice-Regal Patronage to your Chair to express my commitment to ongoing support for your organisation.
