Supporter Connect

QSO is proud to share that three students who benefited from QSO Connect programming in regional Queensland have begun their tertiary music education here in Brisbane. Logan Nutley and Alysia Booth, now studying at the Queensland Conservatorium, both originate from Gladstone and were participants in our Gladstone Enrichment through Music initiative, which began in 2012 in partnership with Australia Pacific LNG operated by ConocoPhillips. “Performing with the QSO as a SideBySide student for my community was one of the highlights of my high school journey, an experience I will never forget. My first SideBySide was the first time I ever performed with a symphony orchestra, where I fell in love with the sound of an orchestra,” Alysia said.

Grant Dolbel is a percussionist from Chinchilla whose first interaction with QSO was on our first Chinchilla, Miles, Roma and Tara (CMRT) tour in 2016, also supported by Australia Pacific LNG operated by Origin Energy. Grant was eventually invited to Brisbane to engage in more education programming with QSO, and he cites this was the day he decided he wanted to become a professional musician.

“I can honestly say their (QSO’s) visits and the opportunity to work with the QSO absolutely helped shape me and my music. I often think about the impact their visits had on me, the changes it brought into my life and how it’s driven me to now pursue a music career,” Grant said.

Following on from the success of our Australia Pacific LNG funded programs, QSO has expanded its regional education activity in recent years to ensure the impact of our programming reaches more students and teachers in regional Queensland.

Thank you to all the supporters whose generosity has strengthened our Education and Regional Touring programming. This enables QSO to inspire the trajectory of more future professional musicians, no matter where they live in our great state.

To find out more about our Community and Education and Regional Touring programs, please visit www.qso.com.au.

The QSO community was deeply saddened by the passing of one of our long-time supporters and subscribers, Dr John Casey, late last year. 

Dr Casey’s relationship with QSO began in 1953 when, as a third-year medical student, he would attend our Youth Concerts at City Hall. Dr Casey soon became a member of our Youth Concerts Committee in collaboration with QSO’s resident conductor, John Farnsworth-Hall.

Dr Casey’s medical career took him to Sydney for many years, but his retirement in 2012 brought him back to Brisbane where he found great joy in subscribing once again to QSO.

We are deeply grateful for the many years of support Dr Casey provided QSO, including the Music Chair Program through which he most recently recognised Rebecca Seymour (Violin 1), Lauren Manuel (French Horn) and Bernard Hoey (Viola).

This year Dr Casey made his final gift to QSO through a bequest, ensuring his love of music will remain part of our community for years to come.

This quote from one of Dr Casey’s favourite composers reminds us that the memory of those we care about – and their love of music - endures:

“Music is life, and, like life, inextinguishable.” - Carl Nielsen

For more information about the Music Chair Program or including a gift to QSO in your Will, please contact the Development team on (07) 3833 5027 or development@qso.com.au.

Now in its fourth year, the QSO Academy continues to deliver outstanding professional development opportunities for emerging musicians. A highly competitive national program, the Academy attracts participants from across Australia, with priority placements for leading students from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and the University of Queensland.

The impact of the QSO Academy is reflected in the achievements of its alumni. Cellist Dan Chiou (QSO Academy 2023) was recently appointed Principal Cello of the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra and has secured a principal cello trial with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Violist Ella Pysden (QSO Academy 2024) credits the Program as a vital step in her professional orchestral career, with her journey through the QSO Academy culminating in a permanent position with QSO in 2025.

Seven new Academists join the program this year, building on a strong alumni network of 29 musicians who have participated since 2023. Participants receive intensive training through masterclasses with internationally renowned artists, mentorship from QSO musicians and performance opportunities across chamber, orchestral, opera, ballet and regional programs.

We are grateful for the generous individuals who support the QSO Academy. If you would like to join them, please contact the Development team on (07) 3833 5027 or development@qso.com.au.