Feel every note as Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) presents a 2026 programme spanning epic, symphonic concerts all the way to intimate recitals.
QSO’s 2026 season is filled with highlights, including a showcase of video game soundtracks, repertoire curated by QSO fans, world-leading soloists and conductors, gala performances, and live-scored presentations of blockbuster films.
The signature ‘Maestro Series’ bookends the year. It presents ten masterful concerts in QPAC’s Concert Hall, with repertoire ranging from orchestral classics, to new Australian compositions. This series also spotlights intriguing concertos and features accomplished musicians like James Crabb on accordion, trombonist Jörgen Van Rijen, and percussion virtuoso Claire Edwardes.
Accompanying ‘Maestro Series’ are five ‘Morning Masterworks’ concerts, the ‘Music On Sundays’ series, the intimate ‘Studio Sessions’, and the ‘QSO At The Queensland Conservatorium’ concerts, spotlighting local and emerging talents.
Also making up the programme is a captivating selection of concert special, including ‘The Music Of John Williams’, ‘The Music Of Video Games’, and QSO’s ‘Cinematic’ event, celebrating ‘The Wonder Of Animation’.
There will also be a live-score film screening of ‘Gladiator’, and ‘How To Train Your Dragon’.
“Queensland Symphony Orchestra is home to exceptional musicians and in the 2026 season, we are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate their virtuosity as soloists,” QSO Chief Executive Michael Sterzinger says.
“Two special Portraits recitals over the Valentine’s Day weekend are built around the brilliance of QSO’s Principal Flute, Alison Mitchell, and the expressiveness of QSO’s Principal Harp, Emily Granger.
“In ‘Old Worlds, New Sounds’ – one of QSO’s ‘Music On Sundays’ concerts – the orchestra begins with an overture by First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury before guest violinist Catherina Lee performs Bruch’s soaring Violin Concerto.”
The 2026 QSO touring schedule includes Cairns, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Miles, Roma and Tara.
“The sheer physical size of Queensland is something which always staggers me and while some may see a regional touring programme of this scale as a challenge, QSO sees it as a wonderful opportunity to explore our diverse state, connect with audiences of all ages and unite communities in a shared love of music,” QSO Director – Artistic Planning Matthew Wood says.
“The orchestra will play the same repertoire from its QPAC shows in regional venues, so audiences across the state will have the opportunity to experience the same symphonic stalwarts and famous composers, as well as some truly exciting emerging and local talent.”
“QSO also continues its impressive outreach and education programs, which are equally important to everyone at the orchestra as any of our main season fare.”
Check out the full 2026 season.
