Flagship performing arts companies back to QPAC
A number of Queensland’s major performing arts companies are returning to QPAC this weekend with a program that will run all the way to Christmas.
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They have been warming up with small shows recently, but now QPAC is getting serious, announcing the return of our major arts companies to the stages.
Thanks to recovery funding from the Queensland Government, Queensland’s flagship arts companies will perform at QPAC in a program entitled Queensland’s Own which begins this Sunday with two concerts by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Queensland’s Own, which will run through to December 20, will feature performances by Opera Queensland, Queensland Ballet, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Theatre , and Circa and represent a significant step in QPAC’s reopening since its closure in March this year due to COVID-19.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said an investment of $350,000 from the state government would enablearts companies to return to the stage and reinforced Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.
“This investment is part of the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package and means these companies will perform once again on the QPAC stage, showcasing their incredible talents,” Minister Enoch said.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Queensland audiences and the new program will also support around 2000 employment opportunities for artists and arts workers. This is great news for the arts sector which has been terribly impacted by venue closures since March.”
QPAC chief executive John Kotzas said the announcement was a very welcome light at the end of the tunnel for an industry hard hit by COVID-19 closures and that it was an important step forward in the industry’s recovery.
He said half empty theatres should really be regarded as half full.
“When you look around the world that’s not a bad result,” Mr Kotzas said.
“We’re fortunate in Queensland to have our very own nationally and internationally acclaimed arts companies and we feel it’s a natural progression for them to be part of this next phase of QPAC’s reopening as we move towards our theatres operating at 50 per cent capacity in a COVID Safe environment.
“The recent success of our sold out QPAC Unlocked program shows there is appetite for people to get out and enjoy live performance again and that’s great news for our industry but also the other sectors and businesses that are impacted by our closure.”
Mr Kotzas said during difficult times the arts have always flourished and that it was an opportunity to “find inspiration and hope”.
He said the health and wellbeing of its patrons, staff and artists was the top priority in planning for the upcoming program and said the Centre would be operating under its approved site-specific COVID Safe plan which was available for people to check on the QPAC website.
Queensland’s Own will kick off with classical music from the movies with Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Reel Classic on Sunday with more QSO concerts to follow.
In Encore, Opera Queensland returns to the stage, captivating audiences with a soul-stirring collection of much-loved arias, duets and ensemble pieces performed by acclaimed local singers including Eva Kong and Rosario La Spina who will be joined by rising star, Opera Queensland’s 2020 Young Artist Rebecca Cassidy from October 23-24.
Queensland Theatre will present the Queensland premiere of Mouthpiece by Kieran Hurley from October 31 to November 14, starring acclaimed Queensland actor Christen O’Leary (Ladies in Black, North by North West, End of the Rainbow).
After a sold-out season at Lights On at the Powerhouse, a program which was supported by the Queensland Government’s venue pilot program to trial COVID-safe venue reopenings, Queensland Ballet will continue its 60th anniversary celebrations, presenting a collection of short ballets created by its own dancers in isolation around the theme of love, in Queensland Ballet for 60 Dancers: 60 Stories from December 10 to 12.
The Queensland’s Own showcase program will conclude with two sensational circus productions by award-winning contemporary circus ensemble, Brisbane-based Circa. Humans is on from November 18-22 and that will be followed by the popular family production Carnival of the Animalsfrom December 16 to 20.
Tickets are on sale for subscribers now or the general public on Friday, September 25, from 11am. Visit qpac.com.au or phone 136-246.