Queensland Symphony Orchestra Is Hosting a Big Free Outdoor Concert at Roma Street Parklands

When the Queensland Symphony Orchestra turned 75 in 2022, it put on a huge free concert to celebrate, taking over QPAC's Concert Hall for an evening. It doesn't have a milestone birthday to mark in 2023, but it is hosting another free gig anyway — this time outdoors as part of a new annual tradition.

Taking place at Roma Street Parklands, Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Stars will enjoy its debut hour-long outing on Saturday, March 25, in what's set to launch a yearly show.

"Queensland Symphony Orchestra is a wonderful cultural asset of this state and, importantly, it is accessible. We belong to all Queenslanders, and we are thrilled to be able to share the gift of music through this live, free outdoor event," said QSO Chief Executive Yarmila Alfonzetti, announcing the gig.

"This is the beginning of what will be an annual outdoor orchestral concert, and we invite you, your family and your friends to enjoy."

During its lengthy run, QSO has played many things, of course — including all of the classical greats, beloved film scores live as the movies screen, tunes for sweeping operas and teaming up with musicians well outside the classical realm. That longevity and adaptability is something worth not just celebrating, but continuing. While Roma Street Parklands show will stick with classical faves, it will still showcase plenty of variety.

Attendees will hear 'Fanfare for the Common Man' by Copland to begin, followed by Tower's 'Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman'. Also on the list Dvořák's 'Carnival Overture', Delius' 'Summer Evening', Dohnányi's 'Symphonic Minutes', Tchaikovsky's 'Capriccio Italien' and Glinka's 'Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila'.

Given how popular last year's 75th-birthday show was, expect the maiden Symphony Under the Stars to prove the same. Although attendance is free, registration from 9am on Sunday, February 26 via the QSO website is recommended. Bringing picnic baskets is encouraged, too, and there'll be food options available onsite.

If you're wondering about the history of the QSO, it made its debut on March 26, 1947, with 45 members playing to a crowd of 2500 people at Brisbane City Hall. It now boasts 74 musicians, and is the state's largest performing arts organisation.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Stars will take place from 6.30pm on Saturday, March 25 at Roma Street Parklands. Entry is free but registration from 9am on Sunday, February 26 via the QSO website is recommended.

Images: Peter Wallis.