Top 10 Must-See Queensland Symphony Orchestra Concerts in 2025
2025 promises to be another year packed with amazing live concerts and performances, with Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) bringing an exceptionally diverse line-up of concerts. Their genre-crossing 2025 program spans Shakespeare, circus, cinema, spirituality, live singing and beloved classical masterpieces. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan of QSO or are eager to explore what Queensland’s state orchestra has to offer, here are the 10 Must-See concerts in 2025 that will have you saying “more!”.
1. Our Classical Favourites | 8 + 9 February – QPAC Concert Hall
Like a jukebox of classical music’s greatest hits, this carefully curated selection has something that will make everyone’s hearts hum! Including Prokofiev’s Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet, Khachaturian’s Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from Spartacus and Elgar’s famed Nimrod from Enigma Variations. This is a fantastic choice for newcomers and seasoned concertgoers alike.
2. Clerici and Schaupp | 14 February – Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.
For those who enjoy live music or are looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Clerici & Schaupp. Iranian-born composer Anahita Abbasi’s why the trees were murmuring sets an explorative tone for the evening. Then, incomparable Brisbane guitarist Karin Schaupp leads the world premiere of Gerard Brophy’s migrating with swallows for guitar and orchestra. Finally, slip into something a little more familiar with Mozart’s elegant and eternal 40th Symphony. Happy Valen-tunes Day!
3. The Rite of Spring | 20-22 February – QPAC Concert Hall
Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is an iconic work that caused a riot and rocked the music world when it premiered in 1913. Known for its rhythmic complexity and revolutionary structure, QSO will perform this iconic ballet, reinterpreted by Circa acrobats. In addition to The Rite of Spring, QSO will treat audiences to Debussy’s Prélude à “L’après-midi d’un faune” (Afternoon of a Faun) and Respighi’s Concerto gregoriano, performed by violinist and QSO Artist in Residence, Kristian Winther.
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4. Shakespeare’s The Tempest | 3 May – QPAC Concert Hall
For a magical fusion of music and literature, Shakespeare’s The Tempest welcomes legendary stage actor John Bell to the Concert Hall. As Bell brings the world of The Tempest to life through the spoken word, QSO will perform various works inspired by the Bard’s timeless plays, including that of Honneger, Sibelius, Purcell and Tchaikovsky.
5. The Strauss Gala | 10 + 11 May – QPAC Concert Hall
This glamorous evening will transport audiences into the world of the “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss II. Known for his elegant and joyful compositions, Strauss’ music will fill the Concert Hall with infectious rhythm and grandeur guaranteed to tempt your dancing shoes. The Strauss Gala is an opulent celebration of Viennese music for a spectacular night out at the Orchestra.
6. Art of the Score: The Music of Hans Zimmer | 23 + 24 May – QPAC Concert Hall
Join Art of the Score podcasters, Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding as we celebrate the award-winning titan of film scores, Hans Zimmer. Conductor Vanessa Scammell will lead the Orchestra through some of Zimmer’s most beloved scores, including music from The Lion King, The Dark Night, Inception, Interstellar, Kung Fu Panda, Pirates of the Caribbean and Zimmillions more!
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7. Lior and Westlake | 9 August – QPAC Concert Hall
Australian singer-songwriter Lior teams up with Aussie composer Nigel Westlake to bring their ARIA award-winning classical album, Compassion, to the stage. Accompanied by the Orchestra, Lior’s ethereal voice will transport the audience into a world of peace, wisdom and love in this beautiful concert to lift the heart and soothe the soul.
8. Shostakovich Ten | 19 + 20 September – QPAC Concert Hall
Rebellion and revolution are the themes of this QSO concert, bringing together the worlds of music and multimedia. Shostakovich’s harrowing masterpiece Symphony No. 10 is performed alongside a showing of South African artist William Kentridge’s short film Oh to Believe in Another World. Prokofiev’s electrifying Piano Concerto No.3 will introduce this concert, ensuring an ideal experience for lovers of powerful and thought-provoking classical music.
9. Cinematic: The Oscars | 24 + 25 October – QPAC Concert Hall
Returning for its sixth year in a row, this ever-popular concert is back to bring you an Oscar-worthy collection of movie scores, performed by Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Including music from Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Jaws, The Little Mermaid, West Side Story and much more!
10. Northern Lights, Southern Stars
The Voice finalist, Jake Lyle teams up with award-winning conductor Sam Weller and QSO in this home-grown musical tour de force. With everything from Mozart to musical theatre, Norwegian romanticism to Aussie compositions, this concert is the guiding Southern Cross of QSO concerts in 2025.
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With such a dynamic and diverse range of concerts and Choose Your Own Packages to save on costs (plus exclusive Subscription privileges), make 2025 the year to sink your teeth into the expansive, collaborative world of classical music with Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
