Port Douglas Carnivale QSO Symphony Under the Stars

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Chair, Mr Rod Pilbeam and Chief Executive, Ms Yarmila Alfonzetti; Chief Conductor, Mr Umberto Clerici; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this evening. The wisdom of ancient Indigenous traditions continues to inspire and inform.

Graeme and I are delighted to be back in Far North Queensland, and after a few busy days visiting the region, are now looking forward to finishing off our tour with this unique classical musical experience under the beautiful Port Douglas stars.

Tonight’s event brings together two cultural icons—both determined to entertain and delight while expanding our understanding of the world in which we live.

As Joint Patrons of the incredible Queensland Symphony Orchestra, we are so proud to see our state’s world-class musicians performing here as part of the Port Douglas Carnivale’s 30^th birthday celebrations.

The Carnivale has long presented the best of Tropical North Queensland to visitors from near and far, providing a feast for the senses as it showcases the delicious food, adventurous fun and rich cultural diversity on offer here.

And the QSO’s wonderful touring program ensures that regional communities across our state—including the local residents with us tonight—get to enjoy the majesty and might of a full-sized orchestra.

I am so pleased you all have this amazing opportunity to hear the QSO play—because music has such a powerful ability to energise our spirits, to connect us, and to enhance our lives.

This evening’s concert will showcase the talents of the musicians, under the inspired baton of Chief Conductor, Umberto Clerici. From the flair of an Argentinian tango, and the evocative intensity of Beethoven’s 5^th, we will also be treated to the world-premiere performance of acclaimed Queensland composer Paul Dean’s new work, dedicated to our own Great Barrier Reef—which shines a light on the beauty and fragility of the world’s largest coral reef system.

What a perfect location for the first performance of this work, which I am sure will be enjoyed by many other audiences to come—including Townsville in September.

I therefore thank the Board, management, staff and of course, the fantastic musicians and soloists of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for your contribution to ensuring regional communities have the chance to be part of something so special.

I know it is no small logistical feat to organise such a trip, and so I also acknowledge the generous assistance of donors, subscribers and supporters who ensure the orchestra can spread its wings.

Finally, I thank and congratulate the Douglas Shire Council, and all of the many stakeholders who continue to make the Carnivale such a highly anticipated, and vibrant weekend for this region, and for the many thousands of people who flock here each year. 

Please enjoy the performance!