QSO shared the joy of live music with frontline workers through a special thank you concert on Friday night in the QPAC Concert Hall.

Presented in partnership with Health & Wellbeing Queensland, Sharing the Joy featured some of QSO’s favourite songs in an uplifting program.

The concert followed a narrative of country and place, shifting across diverse continents and composers. QSO was conducted by Johannes Fritzsch and joined by didgeridoo soloist William Barton.

To open, QSO performed with William Barton in his orchestral composition, Apii Thatini Mu Murtu (To sing and carry a coolamon on country together). This vivid work evoked William’s home in Kalkadoon land, with its mountain ranges and sunsets. William’s didgeridoo created a landscape of sound with varying textures, colours and emotions. The musicians joined William in singing a chorus in his language to finish.

Continuing with the theme of connecting to country, next was a movement from Beethoven’s sixth symphony, Pastorale. Lush and tranquil, this piece depicted feelings of peace and serenity when arriving in the countryside. The woodwind and brass melodies mimicked birds and shepherd’s flutes singing across the fields.

In contrast, Bernstein’s Overture to Candide was bright, sparkling and upbeat. Across changing movements, the catchy theme popped in and out. QSO certainly seemed to enjoy playing this vibrant piece.

Gershwin’s An American in Paris evoked Paris of the 1920s with the sounds of cafes, taxis, jazz clubs and buzzing city life. This exuberant piece followed a traveller through the city, as he explored, felt some homesick blues, and then recovered for a classic Charleston dance.

Dvorák’s Largo from his New World Symphony was full of longing for his home country. It began soft and reflective, and a recurring theme emerged. The strings swelled with passion, then brass and winds joined in a climax. It ended as softly as it began.

Of course, QSO had to finish with one of their favourite pieces, Ravel’s Boléro. This piece was all about suspense. A simple melody started in the wind instruments and then repeated across the orchestra before building to a flurrying finish. The appreciative audience burst into applause, and many gave standing ovations.

Sharing the Joy was an enjoyable concert, perfect for classical music fans and new audiences alike. It was a great way to celebrate the efforts of our frontline workers and their contribution to keeping the arts industry alive.

QSO is celebrating their 75th anniversary season in 2022! Check out their 2022 season here.