Under the Tree!
Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has a very special Christmas wish this year, and we would love to respectfully ask for your help. Our brilliant and hard-working musicians have been strumming, drumming, plucking and playing throughout greater Queensland. We have been working hard, and so have our instruments, with some of them now needing to politely retire.
In consultation with our musicians and the performance services team, we have compiled a list of urgent instruments that we would love to put under the tree for Christmas, in time for our 2025 season.
Please consider giving a gift to support QSO so we can continue to inspire and delight audiences across Queensland.
#Here is the list of instruments we require:
🎶 Cimbasso $32,000
“To perform some Italian operas, QSO must hire this instrument from third parties or other orchestras. Having our own would spare QSO this expense and allow a modest income by hiring it out to other organisations as needed.” - Umberto Clerici, Chief Conductor
🔔 Low Octave Tubular Bells (bell plates & case) $30,000
"These will support our performances of repertoire including Mahler and various operas" - David Montgomery, Section Principal, Percussion
🥁Marimba One Wave 5.0 (cover) - Supported by Dr Graham and Mrs Kate Row
"Our current instrument is now more than 40 years old, and its existing keys are damaged. We need to replace it with a contemporary model that is suitable for use by Queensland's state orchestra." - David Montgomery, Section Principal, Percussion
🎻Double Bass (removable neck, suited for regional touring) - Supported by Dr Philip Aitken and Dr Susan Urquhart
“This will make it much easier for our Double Bass section to perform in regional and remote Queensland.” – Phoebe Russell, Section Principal, Double Bass
🎵 Orchestral and Suspended Cymbals $12,000
"QSO currently has a limited range for use. Right now, we rely on my personal instruments as needed." - David Montgomery, Section Principal, Percussion
To purchase an instrument/s outright, please contact the Development team via development@qso.com.au or (07) 3833 5047.
“Music is part of our family and we want our giving to reflect this. Supporting QSO to invest in new instruments has been an easy decision for us. We feel proud to see the result of our donation on stage, and most importantly, we get to enjoy the music alongside thousands of other people throughout Queensland.”
Dr Ralph and Mrs Susan Cobcroft - QSO Supporters