QSO Puts Queensland’s Rising Stars Centre Stage

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is shining a spotlight on the next generation of Queensland musicians, with the upcoming Rising Stars concert and a suite of education programs designed to nurture tomorrow’s virtuosos from the classroom to the concert stage.

The Queensland Conservatorium Theatre becomes a platform for the state’s most exciting performers on Friday 26 June. Conductor Luke Dollman leads an up-close orchestral experience, one where early-career artists perform alongside the full orchestra, with repertoire handpicked to showcase each performer in their best light.

The evening opens with two vibrant contemporary works: Alice Chance’s bright and expressive Colourburst and Holly Harrison’s high-energy Fizzin’ Fury. Cairns-born pianist and winner of the 2024 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition Reuben Tsang then brings elegance and clarity to Mozart’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 23. 

“It is a huge privilege to share the stage with QSO. Having performed the Rachmaninov with the orchestra in 2024, I’m truly excited to explore this beautiful Mozart piano concerto. I am so honoured to be performing and learning alongside QSO and having so much fun while constantly discovering new things about the piece,” said Mr Tsang.

The second half features baritone Jake Lyle and soprano Rebecca Goobanko performing operatic favourites from Mozart, Rossini and Lehár, before Dvořák’s spirited Scherzo capriccioso brings the night to a rousing close.

Mr Lyle is a regional Queensland talent who honed his craft performing in his hometown Gladstone with the QSO and most recently on stage for Opera Australia’s Phantom of the Opera.

“Working with Queensland Symphony Orchestra last year on the Northern Lights, Southern Stars concerts was an incredibly formative experience for me. Being surrounded by musicians of that calibre pushed me to a new level of discipline, listening, and artistry, and I learned so much about collaboration at the highest standard. I’m genuinely excited to be returning as part of the Rising Stars concert,” Mr Lyle said. 

Rounding out the emerging artist line-up, Ms Goobanko will bring a refined lyric soprano voice to the program and perform alongside Mr Lyle across a selection of beloved operatic duets and arias. 

QSO Director of Artistic Planning Matthew Wood said Rising Stars reflects QSO’s broader programming philosophy.

“We are committed to crafting a season that does it all – celebrating Queensland artists, opening doors for the next wave of musical talent and bringing world-class performers to our stage,” Mr Wood said.

“Rising Stars is one of my favourite concerts in the season because it does exactly that, it puts Queensland talent front and centre, gives emerging artists a genuine professional platform alongside the full orchestra and delivers an experience that is as thrilling for the audience as it is for the performers.”

QSO Chief Executive Officer Michael Sterzinger said presenting Queensland artists to Queensland audiences is one of the orchestra’s most important missions.

“Rising Stars gives these up-and-coming musicians the chance to share the stage with a full symphony orchestra, build their professional portfolio and continue their journey as Queensland artists,” Mr Sterzinger said.

“Queensland is producing extraordinary musical talent. We are committed to celebrating that talent, and ensuring there are genuine pathways for local talent to grow their careers right here at home.”

Rising Stars is one of several QSO initiatives aimed at developing the state’s homegrown talent. The orchestra’s education programs span every stage of a young musician’s journey:

SidebySide – Secondary school students in regional Queensland receive one-on-one mentoring from QSO musicians on tour, then perform alongside the orchestra in the main concert. In 2026, the program travels to Gold Coast, Gladstone, Toowoomba and Cairns.

Compose – A mentored high school composing program guiding select students through writing an original piece for a small orchestra, culminating in a showcase on 19 September 2026.

Young Instrument Prize – A prestigious multi-stage competition for young instrumentalists. The 2026 final takes place on 2 May, with the prize including a live performance with the QSO.
QSO Academy – A six-month intensive development program for early-career musicians, offering mentorship, masterclasses, audition preparation and mainstage performance opportunities with the orchestra.

These programs are underpinned by Queensland Government initiatives to expand access to music education, with state school students across the state receiving instrument tuition and hands-on experience, ensuring the next generation of Queensland audiences and musicians continues to grow.

Don’t miss your chance to see Queensland’s most exciting emerging artists alongside the full Queensland Symphony Orchestra, for more information, visit qso.com.au/events/2026/conservatorium-concerts/qso-rising-stars

-ENDS-

Rising Stars

Friday 26 June 2026, 7:30pm Queensland Conservatorium Theatre

Running time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Tickets and full program details: qso.com.au/events/2026/conservatorium-concerts/qso-rising-stars

Media Contacts 

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

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