It’s a week of launches for SheSociety and we were delighted to attend the relaxed, inclusive and very colourful launch of the Orchestra for Everyone , The Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Colourful? I hear you say! Yes, colourful, for not only were the audience members treated to some fabulous music, many of the female musicians had foregone their usual black ensembles and were sporting the latest fashion from wonderful bespoke Brisbane label, White Label Noba. The night was certainly a treat for the ears and the eyes!
The Music
Music Director, Alondra de la Parra has finished her tenure with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and will be returning to Europe for turns in Berlin, Luxembourg and one of my favourite places , Aix -en – Provence. Yet Alondra’s brave music choices and influence in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra lives on and in 2020 music lovers can expect a variety of top notch maestros, a mix of popular and cutting edge music selections and of course, bags of Beethoven, in this the 250th year celebration of his birth.
The hilarious oboe player Huw Jones entertainingly described some of the Maestro works from the program. Expect fabulous saxophonist Amy Dickson to thrill in Bolero and Beyond. She’ll enthral audiences with her circular breathing and some of your favourite showstoppers like Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Debussy’s La Mer and she’ll send you home with one of the most famous rhythms in classical music history- Ravel’s Bolero. Guy Braunstein will conduct and play violin in the Beethoven and Dvorak in a night of drama and excitement. Violinist Grace Clifford will transport you into the emotional world of the Romantic era with her Music of the Masters. A special treat for lovers of our Orchestra will be the world premiere of well loved violist, Bernard Hoey’s New Work. Conductors to watch out for are Daniel Blendulf and Nicholas Buc. Well loved Brisbane pianist Ray Chen will be back once again to delight local audiences.
For lovers of popular music Cinematic will present songs from films that depict heroism and the heartbreak of battle. Reel Classics presents some of your favourite movie themes, including the spine- tingling overture of Lawrence of Arabia through to music from The Incredibles. We were treated to the haunting theme from Schindler’s List on launch night, with many of us choking back tears. Sing along with The Last Night Of The Proms or bring the whole family along for Star Wars : Return Of The Jedi or the very popular Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. For the children in your life there is the interactive experience of The Peasant Prince. Based on Queensland Ballet’s Li Cunxin’s children’s book, this tale traces the journey of a young boy from rural China who, against all odds, becomes one of the most famous dancers in the world.
Musician Phoebe Russell (The Girl With The Lionhead Bass) wowed the audience in a hot pink White Label Noba gown and continued the round up of the season, as did Paul Rawson ( Trumpet) who has spent 43 years as part of the Orchestra.The audience had a lovely chuckle at the painting of Beethoven dressed up ready for his birthday. Happy Birthday Beethoven will be a special event on the 24th May and in all there will be nine concerts showcasing his work. The special event will feature Guy Braunstein on violin and as conductor. Favourite Guy Noble will host.
Newest member of the Orchestra, flautist Alison Mitchell, sparkled as she entertained us with her magic flute. The lovely Nicole Greentree who plays Viola entertained the crowd with some Viola humour.
The musicians were excited to share that the Chamber Players are back for the Sunday sessions and the members of the Orchestra love these events as they choose the music and the players that they are keen to play along with. The Orchestra is so proud of bringing music to everyone and this year there will be live streaming of concerts and travel to regional centres so that no Queenslander will feel left out.
We all left with big smiles feeling like we’d just been treated to a mini concert and perhaps a mini Fashion Parade. What a great initiative from Kath Rose and White Label Noba’s Tracey Watkins to collaborate with our young and vibrant orchestra. From the green and navy animal maxi dresses which started the launch to the colourful prints, sparking pants, skirts and tops on many of the players, the launch had a playful and vibrant feel inviting you in to see and hear more. From Beethoven to Braveheart and everything in between there will be a show for everyone in Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s delightful 2020 season.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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