Fanfare to thrill Brisbane music lovers

The instrumental music stars of tomorrow are set to shine next week when Australia’s largest music festival for bands and orchestras from state schools comes to Brisbane.

Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts Rod Welford said Queensland’s best school big bands, orchestras, string orchestras and concert bands would participate in Fanfare.

“Fanfare is a highly acclaimed musical showcase run by my Department every two years,” Mr Welford said. “Around 460 instrumental music students from 11 ensembles, and their teachers, will take part in a three-day program culminating in a Grand Final Concert to be held at the QPAC Concert Hall on Thursday 31 July.

“Queensland’s instrumental music program leads the nation for the great opportunities it offers students to develop their skills and the high level of Queensland representation in Australia’s orchestras and professional ensembles.

“Educators and music industry professionals throughout Australia regard our program as the finest and most extensive in the country, and we are internationally recognised as leaders in the field of instrumental music education.

“Fanfare gives talented young musicians the chance to perform in a major festival and receive constructive feedback from professional adjudicators. It also gives the public an opportunity to hear some superb concert performances.”

On Tuesday 29 July all 11 ensembles will vie for a position in the Grand Final Concert. Adjudications will take place at Brisbane’s Old Museum before the five ensembles going through to the Grand Final Concert are announced.

The following day will feature a celebratory morning and an evening concert for the regional finalists, with the state finalists performing on Thursday night at QPAC. Tickets for the Grand Final Concert are now on sale through Qtix on www.qtix.com.au or phone: 136 246. Admission is $5.

The Fanfare 2008 state finalists are:

·Middle Park State School Senior String Orchestra

·Yeppoon State High School Concert Band

·Cairns State High School Orchestra

·Helensvale State High School Big Band

·Kingaroy State High School Concert Band

·Pimlico State High School Symphony Orchestra

·Mackay North State High School Concert Band

·Toowoomba State High School String Orchestra

·Pine Rivers State High School String Ensemble #1

·Brisbane State High School Symphonic Band

·MacGregor State High School Percussion Ensemble

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000