Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns for 15th year of Gladstone Enrichment through Music Initiative

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) spreads the joy of live orchestral music to regional Queensland when its touring program returns to the Gladstone region in June and July 2026.

QSO arrives in Gladstone on 15 June for a week of education and engagement with local students, teachers and community musicians as part of its long-running Gladstone Enrichment through Music (GEM) Initiative, delivered in partnership with Australia Pacific LNG, operated by ConocoPhillips. 2026 marks the 15th year of QSO’s engagement in the region.

Since 2012, QSO musicians have visited Gladstone to deliver quality musical education and concert experiences and in 2026, the GEM Initiative culminates in the free Gladstone GEM Community in Concert performance featuring the 13-piece QSO Connect Ensemble on 18 June.

A striking Symphony Under the Stars performance in Gladstone (31 July) brings the tour to a glittering finale.

Symphony Under the Stars – Gladstone is led by conductor Tianyi Lu and repertoire includes Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man, Joan Tower’s powerful counterpoint, Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, Chausson’s Poème and selections from the rich world of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

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 GEM Initiatives, 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 operated by ConocoPhillips, 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 regional tour to Gladstone, 4,239 people and 642 school students participated in an event or concert, 31 students performed alongside QSO musicians in a hometown performance and 3,500 music lovers of all ages turned out to experience Gladstone’s free Symphony Under the Stars.

Australia Pacific LNG CEO Dan Clark said the company, together with downstream operator ConocoPhillips, was proud to support QSO in bringing these experiences to the Gladstone community.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to the Gladstone community, where we operate and where many of our people live and work.

“Over the years, we’ve been pleased to partner with QSO to deliver the Gladstone Enrichment through Music Initiative and support its continued growth.

“It’s about giving back to the local community, 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 Gladstone Enrichment through Music Initiative (GEM) is presented by Australia Pacific LNG, operated by ConocoPhillips.

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

Gladstone GEM Community in Concert
Thursday 18 June, 6.30pm
Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre
FREE – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 

Symphony Under the Stars – Gladstone
Friday 31 July, 7pm
GPC Marina Stage
FREE 

Media Contacts

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

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