The Queensland Music Festival’s ‘The Genius of John Rodgers’ Post-event Reception

Thank you, Chair, for your very kind introduction.

It is a great honour to be here tonight, in my dual roles as Governor and Patron of the Queensland Music Festival… in fact, it is a troika, as I am Patron also of our illustrious QSO!  

The title of tonight’s mesmerising performance gives some clue as to the richness and depth of John Rodger’s immense contribution to our State.

The truth is we have been caught in the pincers of his true ‘genius’ for some decades now. The relentlessness and dizzying breadth of John’s work are its source.

From early forays into punk to orchestral masterpieces to making bobcats dance in creek beds outside Mount Isa – John has brought alive the great spirit of our State through music.

John had an early connection with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, having played violin with the then-Queensland Theatre Orchestra and later leading it. How fitting for the QSO to so prominently feature in tonight's celebration.

Tonight really is John’s night – and you have all done it so well for him! Congratulations to you all.

John, how magnificent that artists and performers of such eminence as those who performed in your honour tonight continue to be inspired to new heights by your music. 

To our QMF Chair, tonight also presents an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the sheer brilliance of our Queensland Music Festival.

Now in its twentieth dazzling year, it seamlessly embraces the classical as well as the impressively contemporary – and so much in between.  

Consistent with John’s own significant connections to North Queensland, the Festival’s reach reassuringly extends well beyond the metropolis.

Kaye and I were in Yarrabah shortly before June’s Music and Culture Festival there, which is a QMF initiative. I can report that that event provided great momentum in the community, and is a continuing source of pride for so many.

I once again thank John for his signal contributions to our State.  

I also applaud and congratulate the QMF leadership, staff, volunteers and all supporters. I wish you all the best as you continue to fulfil your vibrant mission, of transforming lives and communities through music. Thank you.