Regional Concerts and Events
#Enriching Queensland through music.
Queensland’s state orchestra will provide a significant investment in regional Queensland through the delivery of education and large-scale community concerts. Touring Queensland as a full orchestra comprising up to 60 musicians, QSO will travel to four major cities and one outback location each year, inviting schools and communities from neighbouring areas to travel to hear the orchestra. This Residency Model will ensure that many thousands of regional and remote Queenslanders are given an opportunity to experience their state orchestra live. This city-led approach works with multiple stakeholders: Arts Queensland, regional mayors, councils, economic development agencies, local leaders, local festivals and events, businesses (SME and corporate), state tourism bodies and philanthropists. The multi-year strategy aims to unlock the value of community-wide engagement, and to evaluate the economic, social and educational impact of QSO in Queensland communities.
#Our 3 Pillars
Education
The benefits of music education in a child's formative years can be lifechanging. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for Queensland children to experience and interact with their state orchestra.
Health and Wellbeing
Music is powerful – we are passionate about providing hope, health and happiness in our communities through music.
First Nations
We have a long and valuable history of working with First Nations artists. Since culture is at the core of who we are, we find natural alignment with and significance in First Nations cultures and contributions.
#Our 2026 Regional Concerts & Events
Gladstone GEM Community in Concert
Presented by Australia Pacific LNG operated by ConocoPhillips
Chinchilla Community in Concert
Presented by Australia Pacific LNG, operated by Origin Energy
Tara Community in Concert
Presented by Australia Pacific LNG, operated by Origin Energy
Roma Community in Concert
Presented by Australia Pacific LNG, operated by Origin Energy
Symphony Under the Stars – Gladstone
Presented by Australia Pacific LNG operated by ConocoPhillips
Music by
Chausson / Copland / Tchaikovsky / Joan Tower
#Discover QSO Education
A suite of innovative learning resources for teachers and primary students!
In partnership with Advance Queensland and the Frazer Family Foundation.
#2026 Regional Band Camps
CMRT Music Camp & Performance Tour
In 2026, our QSO Connect regional program returns as part of the Chinchilla, Miles, Roma and Tara (CMRT) initiative in two connected phases: an education-focused tour to Roma, Chinchilla, and across the Western Downs and Maranoa Regions in May, followed by a performance tour to Chinchilla, Roma, and Tara in July.
The May tour delivers workshops, rehearsals, and professional development for students, music teachers, and community ensembles across multiple regional centres. This phase is led by experienced conductors Mark Sullivan and Stefanie Smith, whose work across education and orchestral performance brings depth and expertise to the program.
In July, participants return to present these outcomes through education concerts, community performances, and major evening events. A 13-piece QSO ensemble will perform for local audiences and alongside student ensembles, supporting a high standard of performance while fostering mentorship and shared musical experience.
Presented by Australia Pacific LNG, operated by Origin Energy, this year marks the 10th anniversary of CMRT, celebrating a decade of sustained investment in regional music education and community connection.
Charleville Music Camp
The 2026 Charleville Music Camp is a week-long regional residency bringing QSO musicians together with students and the wider Charleville community.
Supported by a QSO String Quintet, the residency centres on close, in-person engagement, with musicians working directly with local primary and secondary students through in-school performances, sectional workshops, and interactive concerts. A dedicated performance for distance education students ensures broader regional access, while informal Q&A sessions and meet-and-greets create opportunities for connection beyond the classroom.
The residency culminates in an evening concert at Charleville Town Hall, featuring a performance by the QSO String Quintet, followed by side-by-side performances with local student ensembles, showcasing the work developed across the program.
The tour concludes with a performance at Waroona Aged Care, extending the program to older members of the community and supporting wellbeing through shared live music experiences.
This tour is made possible through funding from Arts Queensland, supporting regional touring programs across 2026 and 2027.
#Our Regional Touring Program 2024-2028
#Government Partners
#Principal Partner
#Regional Touring Supporting Partners
Supported by Philip Bacon AO, Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC.