Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns for 10th year of Chinchilla Miles Roma Tara (CMRT) Initiative

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) spreads the joy of live orchestral music to regional Queensland when its touring program returns to the Maranoa and the Surat Basin for the 10th time in May and July 2026.

The Chinchilla Miles Roma Tara (CMRT) Initiative returns in 2026 with its vital and valued series of workshops for community musicians, school concerts and free public performances. This marks the 10th anniversary of sponsorship from Australia Pacific LNG, operated by Origin Energy, celebrating a decade of sustained investment in regional music education and community connection.

The innovative partnership is designed to make music accessible to people in western Queensland communities by delivering quality music education and concert experiences.

In 2026, our QSO Connect regional program returns to the CMRT region and surrounding Western Queensland communities across two connected phases: an education-focused tour in May, followed by a performance tour in July. Together, these phases form a complete cycle of engagement, from skill development and teacher professional learning through to public performance outcomes.

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.

The CMRT Initiative includes a series of free, uplifting Community in Concert events accompanied by community and school musicians in Chinchilla on 21 July, Tara on 22 July and Roma on 24 July.

QSO Chief Executive Officer Michael Sterzinger said the company’s regional touring commitment brought not only the joy of music to audiences across Queensland but also the opportunity for communities to foster deep connections with their state orchestra.

“QSO is committed to realising our vision to be an orchestra for all Queenslanders and our CMRT Initiative, as well as our program of entertainment, education and engagement, offers us a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our regional Queensland audiences,” Mr Sterzinger said.

“We are grateful to continue our regional touring partnership with Australia Pacific LNG through Origin, a partnership that encourages a genuine love of orchestral music, inspires and educates a new generation of musicians, and shares the joy of live performance with music-lovers, regardless of where they call home.”

During QSO’s 2025 CMRT tour, 692 audience members and 1,152 school students participated in an event or concert. 222 student musicians participated in a week-long music camp, marking a 212% uptake from 2025.

Australia Pacific LNG CEO Dan Clark said the company, together with upstream operator Origin Energy, was proud to have supported QSO’s regional tours over the years.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to the communities across south-west Queensland where we operate and where our people live and work.

“We’ve been pleased to partner with QSO to deliver this program and support its continued growth.”

“It’s about giving back to local communities, bringing people together and creating access to meaningful cultural and musical experiences.”

2026 marks the third year in QSO’s broader five-year regional touring program and includes community concerts, student workshops, professional development and gala performances in Charleville, Chinchilla, Roma, Tara, Gladstone and Cairns. The five-year regional touring program aims to enrich and empower regional communities by delivering annual performances and educational opportunities to major cities and outback locations from 2024 to 2028.

The Chinchilla, Miles, Roma and Tara (CMRT) Enrichment Through Music Initiative is presented by Australia Pacific LNG, operated by Origin Energy.

For more information about QSO’s regional concert and education program, visit qso.com.au/events/2026/regional-concerts-and-events

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QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2026 REGIONAL CONCERT AND EVENTS

Chinchilla Community in Concert
Sunday 21 July, 6.30pm
Chinchilla Cultural Centre
FREE 

Tara Community in Concert
Wednesday 22 July, 11.30am
Tara Soldiers Memorial Hall
FREE 

Roma Community in Concert
Friday 24 July, 6.30pm
Roma Bungil Cultural Centre
FREE 

Media Contacts

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

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