Reception in support of Queensland Youth Orchestras

Queensland Youth Orchestras President, Mr Ian Walker;

Members of the Board; Artistic Director, Mr Simon Hewett; Acting General Manager, Ms Amanda Jolly; Life Members; musicians; volunteers and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and any First Nations people with us this evening.

As Patron of Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) I am delighted to welcome you to Fernberg. Many of you were here in August last year when preparations were in full swing for the Youth Symphony’s first international tour since the disruption of COVID-19, and I take this opportunity to warmly congratulate everyone at QYO on its success.

Touring has been a core activity for QYO since the very beginning because your founder, John Curro, recognised the enormous benefits that it can bring, not only to the reputation of the orchestra, but to every young musician who participates: it broadens their horizons, it gives them greater confidence and independence, it teaches them life skills, and it enables them to begin building the connections that will benefit them in their careers.

The 2023 tour to Singapore, Austria and Germany did all of that, but it also earned exceptional praise from the German music critic, Helmut Peters, who used words like ‘fantastic’ and ‘formidable’ in his review of the Queensland Youth Symphony performance in Hamburg! and confidently declared ‘This must be Australia’s best youth orchestra’.

That sort of feedback is invaluable for the musicians, for Simon as Artistic Director and Conductor, and for the orchestra as a whole because, as a nation, we still undervalue our achievements in the Arts.

International affirmation of the kind provided in the Hamburg press is equally beneficial for those who work behind the scenes.

An international tour of this size and complexity doesn’t just ‘happen’, and Graeme and I are frankly in awe of the team that was able to put that tour together while continuing to plan and coordinate rehearsals and performances here at home for the eight QYO ensembles and 550 young musicians, as well as taking care of the day-to-day business of running a performing arts company.

When John Curro established QYO in 1966, his founding vision was to instil a love of music in young people and to promote excellence in orchestral training and performance.

That vision of joy and excellence remains both powerful and relevant today and, in almost 60 years, has never wavered. It’s the core reason that this orchestra has been so fondly embraced by music-lovers both here and abroad and why everyone here tonight will continue to act as advocates and do what they can to support it – it is a truly remarkable organisation.

As Queenslanders, we are inspired by individuals and organisations that not only dare to dream big dreams but are also prepared to put in the effort to make those dreams a reality.

The QYO is a great Queensland story of which we can all be proud – may you long continue to enrich our lives, lift our spirits, and bring us joy – something I am sure we will all experience when you once more delight us with some special performances shortly! Thank you.