Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra to play QPAC in 2023

A legendary conductor will lead one of the world’s most famous orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, at two upcoming QPAC concerts, which are expected to sell out within hours. This is everything we know so far.

The London Symphony Orchestra is one of the world’s greatest and it is coming to Brisbane next year for two concerts conducted by the legendary Sir Simon Rattle.

The LSO’s 2023 Australian tour kicks off at QPAC on April 28 and 29 and then goes on to Melbourne and the Sydney Opera House.

QPAC chief executive John Kotzas says it will be a special visit.

Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra is Brisbane bound. Picture: Mark Allan

“We’re seeing them at the end of Sir Simon Rattle’s tenure so this will be his swan song in a way,” Mr Kotzas said.

“This is the first time since Covid that we’ve been able to get such a big company here. We’re talking about more than 100 people.

The LSO conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. Picture: Mark Allan

“With the lauded Sir Simon Rattle conducting the Orchestra in his last season with LSO, and his first appearance at QPAC, this is certainly the classical music event of the year and one not to be missed.

“The last time the LSO played at QPAC their concert sold out in under 48 hours, and we expect to see the same demand for this return season.”

Tickets go on sale Wednesday.

QPAC boss John Kotzas. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Mr Kotzas points out that the LSO is known by millions worldwide as the orchestra that gave us the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie themes so you don’t have to be a classical movie buff to enjoy their music.

This will be the first Australian tour by the LSO since 2014 and only their fourth trip Down Under in their 120-year history.

The LSO made its Australian debut in 1966 and also toured in 1983.

It is Sir Simon Rattle’s third visit to Australia.

Sir Simon Rattle said he was glad to be coming back.

“It is always wonderful to be in Australia, and even more so after recent years – the feeling of sharing and experiencing live music together is something truly special,” he said.

“The program we’ve chosen to bring to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne includes some of my personal favourites, and shows the great range, skill and musicianship of this world-class Orchestra at its best.”

The LSO conducted by Sir Simon Rattle at the Barbican Hall, London. Picture: Mark Allan

The first program features John Adams’ Harmonielehre, Claude Debussy’s La Mer and Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé Suite No.2.

The second program features a single work - Gustav Mahler’s epic Symphony No.7, which Rattle describes as “one of Mahler’s most astonishing and surprising and certainly his most forward-looking symphonies.”

“It is exactly the kind of piece that will show the LSO in all its glory,” he said.

Of the 144 musicians coming two are Australian – Naoko Keatley (violin) and Belinda McFarlane (violin). This is the largest contingent the LSO has ever toured here.

Queensland Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said there was an Olympic theme to the visit.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch says the London Symphony Orchestra’s visit is one of Olympic proportions.

“The London Symphony Orchestra was the official orchestra of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ceremonies, so there is a fitting connection for Queensland as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when our arts and culture will be showcased on a global stage,” Ms Enoch said.

Established in 1904, the LSO is Resident Orchestra at the Barbican in the City of London and recognised among the world’s top orchestras.

As well as recording some of film music’s most memorable soundtracks it has a successful recording label, learning and community program, and streaming service with a global reach.

Tickets on sale from August 17.qpac.com.au