Griffith University: Queensland Conservatorium launches 2021 season
Acting Queensland Conservatorium Director Associate Professor Peter Morris said after a year of disruption, audiences could expect a standout program showcasing the breadth of talent among students, staff and alumni.
“Last year, COVID restrictions forced us to think outside the box and find new ways of sharing music and performing arts,” he said.
“We are thrilled to be back in 2021 with a season that will challenge our students and delight audiences.
“Whether you love opera or jazz, orchestral works or musical theatre, there are a host of stunning performances in store this year.”
The orchestral season will begin with a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and the year-long showcase will conclude with Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.
Newly appointed Queensland Symphony Orchestra Principal Conductor Maestro Johannes Fritzsch will conduct both masterpieces and helm the year’s mainstage opera production – Kurt Weill’s Tony Award-winning Broadway opera, Street Scene.
Musical theatre students will put on a new production of the classical movie musical, Grease. The show will be led by Melbourne-based theatre director Alistair Smith, who directed the Queensland Conservatorium’s acclaimed production of Les Misérables in 2019.
Head of Performing Arts Professor Paul Sabey said audiences were in for a treat, with an all-singing, all-dancing cast of more than 70 performers.
“Audiences will be blown away by the sheer energy and talent on show,” he said.
Bachelor of Acting students will tackle classics including The Rover, and contemporary off-Broadway play, Mr Burns.
There are also a host of showcase events, industry collaborations and free concerts throughout the year from jazz, musical technology and popular music students.
In November, students from the Conservatorium will work alongside musicians from Opera Australia in a spectacular new incarnation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at QPAC. This opportunity is part of Griffith University’s partnership deal with Opera Australia.
Queensland Conservatorium students will also get the chance to gain valuable industry experience as part of Griffith’s partnerships with major arts festivals including Brisbane Festival and Bleach Festival.
AVÉ – Australian Vocal Ensemble led by Queensland Conservatorium alumnus Katie Noonan
This year’s Ensembles-in-Residence include the newly formed AVÉ – Australian Vocal Ensemble – a national acapella quartet celebrating Australian music led by Queensland Conservatorium alumnus Katie Noonan.
The group features internationally renowned artists Mezzo-Soprano Fiona Campbell (Perth), Tenor Andrew Goodwin (Sydney) and Baritone David Greco (Sydney).
“There is nothing like AVÉ in Australia,” Katie said.
“We plan on being an elite chamber ensemble of international excellence, but one that is warm and welcoming to all.
“We will champion new Australian works on every tour, engage with our First Nations Communities at every concert and engage with local communities at every concert.”
AVÉ will perform its debut concert at the Queensland Conservatorium Theatre next month, with the Welcome to Country performed by Yuggera, Turrbal, Nunukul, Gorenpul, Yugembir songman Shannon Ruska and Wakka Wakka musician David Williams.
Ensemble Q led by Queensland Conservatorium Head of Winds Paul Dean
Ensemble Q, led by Queensland Conservatorium Head of Winds Paul Dean, will also return as an Ensemble-in-Residence this season.
The chamber super-group features world class musicians, champions new music by local composers and gives talented young musicians a chance to perform through their mentorship program.