Queensland Symphony Orchestra will host a once in a lifetime opportunity with the inaugural 'A Day In The Orchestra' – a weekend of workshops and a performance for community instrumentalists from across Queensland resulting in the creation of the QSO Community Orchestra.
A weekend experience of musical preparation and performance, the programme provides those accepted the chance to work with QSO conductor Jessica Cottis, play in an orchestra of 85 musicians including players from QSO and perform classical repertoire in a final concert at the QSO Studio, South Bank.
Thomas AllelyRegistrations are open to adult community musicians (18 years and older) who are current residents of Queensland and play an orchestral instrument. This event is most suited to applicants who regularly play in a symphony or wind orchestra, or currently play at AMEB grade seven or higher.
Tuba player Thomas Allely hails from Christchurch, New Zealand and was appointed section principal tuba of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Thomas also teaches at the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University. Thomas has written an Open Letter to all who wish to apply and those who are interested in what goes on behind those sound-proof doors:
“'A Day in the Orchestra'.
What’s it like to spend a day in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra? Community musicians from all over Queensland are soon to find out!
We’re opening our rehearsal doors over the weekend of 2 & 3 October for an exciting new initiative to form the QSO Community Orchestra. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the musicians from the wider musical community and performing alongside another tuba player! It does get lonely up the back sometimes...
What’s it like to spend a day in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra? Community musicians from all over Queensland are soon to find out!
We’re opening our rehearsal doors over the weekend of 2 & 3 October for an exciting new initiative to form the QSO Community Orchestra. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the musicians from the wider musical community and performing alongside another tuba player! It does get lonely up the back sometimes...
Thomas AllelyI feel the rehearsal studio is often a mysterious place for those outside the Orchestra. What really happens during those long hours behind closed doors in a sound-proof room? For us at QSO, we’re constantly finding new ground, working with different conductors and soloists each week from all over the world.
For those lucky enough to be accepted to participate in 'A Day In The Orchestra', they will work with me and my musical colleagues along with internationally acclaimed conductor, Jessica Cottis.
I'm hoping the experience will help to inspire them in their day-to-day playing. It's important to have inspiring experiences as a musician. I'm also looking forward to sharing their enthusiasm and love for music.
– Thomas Allely - Principal Tuba, Queensland Symphony Orchestra”
For those lucky enough to be accepted to participate in 'A Day In The Orchestra', they will work with me and my musical colleagues along with internationally acclaimed conductor, Jessica Cottis.
I'm hoping the experience will help to inspire them in their day-to-day playing. It's important to have inspiring experiences as a musician. I'm also looking forward to sharing their enthusiasm and love for music.
– Thomas Allely - Principal Tuba, Queensland Symphony Orchestra”
Entries for 'A Day In The Orchestra' are open until 11 August. The event will be held 2 & 3 October. 
