With the global pandemic halting international tours, Brisbane audiences are getting the unique chance to experience world-class operatic talent on our very own doorstep. Soprano EVA KONG, mezzo soprano MILIJANA NIKOLIC, tenor ROSARIO LA SPINA, tenor KANG WANG, and baritone JOSÉ CARBÓ are all temporarily back in Brisbane until international travel becomes safe again.

Revel in a rousing opening with all the singers performing the popular ‘Drinking Song’ from Verdi’s La traviata. Enjoy complete scenes from Puccini’s La bohème including the famous ‘Love Duet’; the scene from Verdi’s Rigoletto which features the famous Quartet; the passionate ‘Habanera’ from Bizet’s Carmen; the divine ‘Flower Duet’ from Delibes’ Lakmé; the ever popular ‘In the Depths of the Temple’ from Bizet’s The Pearlfishers; finishing with the stirring Sextet from Donize’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

Brisbane Symphony Orchestra will be playing with The Smith Street Band, on Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd May. Starting The Smith Street Band’s 2021 returning to the stage after their fifth studio album ‘Don’t Waste Your Anger’ debuted at #1 on the aria album charts. The Melbourne band will bring to the stage their high energy, rhythmic guitars, and trademark vocals, fusing string orchestra with contemporary rock, to create a unique musical experience.

Brisbane Symphony Orchestra is excited to be performing with lyrical singer-songwriter and aria-nominated artist Vera Blue, known for her ethereal stage presence and soaring vocals. Playing on Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th of March, the set will combine Vera’s folk-tinged moody electronica with orchestral accompaniment from BSO, making use of the Fortitude Music Hall’s grand acoustics.

The Brisbane Symphony Orchestra will be led by conductor Antoni Bonetti, the orchestra conductor and violinist. Antoni Bonetti says, “what an honour and privilege to support the wonderful voice of Vera Blue, with her songs of magic and charisma.”

Brisbane Symphony Orchestra are delighted to announce our first concert of 2021 “Exuberance and Passion”. Sparkling with musical gems such as the Overture to “Russlan and Ludmila” by Glinka, Dvorak’s Symphony No.8 and the Polonaise from “Eugene Onegin”, the Orchestra are celebrating a return to their normal concert season programming in 2021.

Another cause to celebrate, is the announcement of our new Chief Conductor. After thirty years with the orchestra, founding conductor and now Conductor Laureate, Antoni Bonetti AM, will be sharing the helm with our new Conductor, who will help to shape the future directions of the orchestra into it’s 4th decade.

To comply with the venue COVID plans we are unable to provide printed program notes at the door as is customary. We'll let you know when the notes are finalised. A link will be made available where you can download a .pdf copy of the notes to either print out or to peruse on your own device during the concert.