Queensland first on London Symphony Aussie tour

London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has made Queensland the first stop in its Australian tour later this year, sending a clear message to the rest of Australia.

Arts Minister Ian Walker said the state’s vibrant arts scene was getting even better as the world’s top performers joined the momentum of a noticeably escalating performing arts scene, delivering on the election promise to provide the arts to all Queenslanders.

“The LSO, one of the world’s leading orchestras, premieres in Australia at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Concert Hall on Saturday 22 November and will be sure to attract big audiences,” Mr Walker said.

“The one concert by the London Symphony Orchestra with Valery Gergiev follows a line-up of some of the world’s greatest orchestras performing at QPAC.

“That included the Hamburg Philharmonic with Simone Young in 2012 and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in 2013.

“Queenslanders love it, and world-class arts performances such as this help us grow Queensland’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination.

“The calibre of these acts brings visitors to the state and helps us deliver on our election commitment to grow tourism as part of our four pillar recovery from Labor’s economic mess.

“It adds to a stellar line up this year that includes the Australian exclusive of American Ballet Theatre starting in August, and The Lion King in September.

“Then there’s the two Super Star Fund events: the Queensland Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet, and Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Journey through the Cosmos with leading physicist Professor Brian Cox.”

QPAC chief executive John Kotzas said QPAC being announced as the first stop on the world renowned LSO’s Australian tour was truly exciting.  

“Since its formation in 1904, LSO has attracted outstanding players, soloists and conductors and become one of the most extensively touring and recorded orchestras in the world,” Mr Kotzas said.

“LSO is resident orchestra at the Barbican in London, presenting over 70 concerts annually. Valery Gergiev, LSO’s principal conductor, is one of the most prominent figures in the world’s major concert halls.”

The repertoire for the one night concert at QPAC will be Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2 with virtuoso Denis Matsuev joining the orchestra and Shostakovich Symphony No 10.  

Tickets for the LSO concert at QPAC will go on sale to the public on 15 May 2014 at 9:00am. For bookings go to www.qpac.com.au or 136 246.

[ENDS] 14 May 2014

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332