No Passport Required: Queensland Symphony Orchestra Brings Italy to QPAC

Experience the passion, power and drama of Italy as Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) presents the Italian Gala on Friday 15 May 2026 at QPAC’s Concert Hall.

Under the baton of Chief Conductor Maestro Umberto Clerici and joined by QSO Concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto, the orchestra takes audiences on a journey through the heart of Italian music. 

From Rossini’s playful The Barber of Seville to the powerful intensity of Puccini and Verdi, every piece captures the energy and soul of Italy.

Maestro Clerici described the Italian Gala as thrilling for both musicians and audiences.

“The Italian Gala is a celebration of Italy’s extraordinary musical heritage and such a joy to perform,” Clerici said.

“The repertoire requires balancing the playfulness of Rossini, the intense emotion of Puccini and the dramatic colours of Piazzolla and Rota. 

“For me, the most exciting part is watching the musicians respond to one another in the moment, creating a performance that is alive, unpredictable and full of energy. That interplay is what makes every concert unique and what I hope audiences will feel as they experience this vibrant evening.” 

The program features Vivaldi’s Triple Concerto for violin, cello and accordion, with Clerici taking a rare solo turn on cello alongside Yoshimoto and returning world-renowned accordionist James Crabb. 

The second half of the evening explores Italy through a cinematic lens with Astor Piazzolla’s Aconcagua and Nino Rota’s La Strada Suite.

Yoshimoto described performing the Italian Gala as a celebration of heritage Italian music, promising an evening full of excitement for audiences.

“Sharing the stage and performing alongside Umberto Clerici and James Crabb is always an incredibly inspiring and stimulating experience!” said Yoshimoto.

“They always make me search and dig so deep in order to (hopefully) compliment their huge musical personalities! The three of us are performing the Vivaldi Triple Concerto, which – like many of Vivaldi's concertos – is full of radiance, exuberance and dramatic contrasts. The audience will be enthralled by the virtuosity and the dialogues between the soloists and the orchestra.”

The Italian Gala is part of QSO’s 2026 Concert Specials, which celebrate iconic music from film and the classical canon, offering audiences a unique and memorable experience that can be enjoyed alongside the Maestro, Morning Masterworks, Music on Sundays or Studio Sessions Series.

For more information about Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Italian Gala and to secure tickets, visit, qso.com.au.

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Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents
Italian Gala 

Performance Details:
Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC
Visit: qso.com.au
Chief Conductor: Maestro Umberto Clerici

Artists:
James Crabb – Classical Accordion
Sofia Troncoso – Soprano
Natsuko Yoshimoto – Violin
Umberto Clerici – Cello 

Key Creatives:
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici

Media Contacts 

Beth Uttley | Aruga
beth@aruga.com.au
0430 726 564 

Chelsea O’Brien | Aruga
chelsea@aruga.com.au
0431 113 046