Feel every note – Queensland Symphony Orchestra unveils its stirring 2026 season
Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is set to strike a powerful chord in 2026, unveiling a captivating season shaped by the theme Feel Every Note. From grand symphonies to intimate recitals, the program celebrates both the familiar and the unexpected.
The centrepiece of the year is the Maestro Series at QPAC’s Concert Hall, delivering ten concerts that span orchestral giants such as Mahler and Tchaikovsky alongside fresh Australian works. Rarely spotlighted instruments will shine in 2026, with concertos by James Crabb on classical accordion and Jörgen van Rijen on trombone, as well as percussion virtuoso Claire Edwardes. They join a magnificent line-up of guest artists and QSO musicians performing masterworks such as Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2.
QSO’s flair for versatility shines through its special events, with live-score film screenings of Gladiator and How to Train Your Dragon, plus captivating programs dedicated to the music of John Williams, video game soundtracks and the wonder of animation. The season also carries a romantic thread – Valentine’s weekend highlights the artistry of QSO’s principal flute Alison Mitchell and principal harp Emily Granger, including the world premiere of a harp concerto written by Emily Granger’s husband, Tristan Coelho.
Maestro Umberto Clerici’s The Italian Gala continues the theme, inviting audiences on a rich journey through the music of his homeland. The concert features soprano Sofia Troncoso performing works by Donizetti, Rossini, Verdi and Puccini, alongside Vivaldi and other Italian composers.
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Beyond Brisbane, QSO will share its season with audiences in Cairns, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Gladstone, Bundaberg and more, performing the same repertoire across regional areas of Queensland.
Subscriptions for the 2026 season open Tuesday October 7, with single tickets available to purchase from Monday November 17. Secure a subscription early to experience QSO’s finest musicians alongside world-class guests in a year of unforgettable performances.
To view the full 2026 program and lock in the best seats in the house with a subscription, head to the QSO website.
This article was written in partnership with our good friends at QSO.