The University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra (UQSO) presents a musical exploration of human endurance and spiritual transcendence. Under the baton of the Kinnane Professor of Music Paul Dean, UQ’s young musicians explore Shostakovich’s monumental Symphony No. 5 alongside the luminous devotion of Poulenc’s Gloria.

Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is part enigma, part emblem. Written during Stalin's reign of terror, this musical masterpiece transforms personal and political struggle into music of overwhelming emotional force. Complementing Shostakovich’s testament to human resilience, Poulenc’s Gloria radiates a sacred joy. Couched in French neo-classicism, this work for soprano, massed choir and orchestra celebrates faith and reverence.

The UQ Chorale and UQ Singers will be joined by their partners St Peters Lutheran College and Brisbane Boys’ College in the Gloria’s exhilarating massed choir. The performance also features two rising stars of the next generation, UQ Bachelor of Music students Eline van Bruggen, soprano, who will feature as soloist in Poulenc’s Gloria, and Angela Zhang, composer, whose new work will receive its world premiere by the UQSO.

Join The University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Paul Dean as they venture into some of the most potent sound-worlds of the last 100 years of music.