American classical music is filled with rags to riches stories of impoverished immigrants who went on to inspire not only classical music, but entirely new genres of music worldwide, from jazz, blues and ragtime to rock ‘n’ roll. Starting with Caroline Shaw’s Pulitzer Prize winning string quartet Entr’acte, The New World features Anton Dvořák’s famous Largo from his iconic New World Symphony that took inspiration from African American spirituals and went on to embody the quintessential ‘American sound’. This American melting pot of cultures created a rich source of inspiration that went on to inspire a new class of composers including George Gershwin, Aaron Copland and Arty Shaw. Likewise in South America, the son of Italian immigrants Astor Piazzolla would go on to revolutionise the tango.
Making his performance and composition debut with Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) is Grammy award-winning guitarist, John Jorgenson alongside SXS Didgeridoo Soloist in Residence, Chris Williams for the SXS Didgeridoo Commissioning Project.
Caroline Shaw Entr'acte
Dvořák Going Home
Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto
Copland Three Scenes from Rodeo
Jorgensen/Williams New Work*
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Piazzolla Fuga I misterioso
Guest composer and soloist John Jorgensen guitar
*SXS Didgeridoo Commissioning Project
Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) are the stars of Australian chamber music. Since 1995, SXS have firmly established themselves as one of Australia’s pre-eminent classical music ensembles.
In 2022, SXS will deliver a program of intoxicating virtuosity in its 13th QPAC Concert Series as a Company in Residence at QPAC. Composed of leading virtuosic soloists from across Australia, SXS creates and performs dynamic, unique, and world-class musical experiences for audiences of all ages.
SXS are committed to nurturing First Nation's representation in their arts practices to promote cultural understanding. Their renewed focus for 2022-2032 is to respond to this commitment by creating the ‘SXS Didgeridoo Commission Project': a legacy of new Australian works for didgeridoo and small ensemble with our Artist in Residence, Wakka Wakka didgeridoo soloist Chris Williams.
For their 2022 Season, Southern Cross Soloists will commission three new 8-10 minute works for didgeridoo and small ensemble to be premiered in their 2022 QPAC Concert Series. These commissions form part of a legacy project that is committed to creating a substantial canon of works for didgeridoo and small ensemble over the next 10 years.
To find out more visit: southernxsoloists.com/dcp
Celebrate the festive season with Bach's sublime Christmas Oratorio, conducted by Benjamin Bayl.
Don’t miss the beloved Christmas romcom, The Holiday presented live in concert this festive season with the film’s legendary Hans Zimmer score played live-to-film by Southern Cross Symphony.
An evening of love, laughter, drama and la dolce vita with The Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program.
Led by the talented Jason Barry-Smith, you’ll enjoy a Christmassy evening of music making and merriment, singing along to well-known tunes and celebrating the magic of music with friends old and new.
Qld Pops takes the stage for Brisbane’s jewel in the crown: a special 40th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Gala Concert, returning in 2024.
Celebrating timeless beauty and energy, this is a favourites concert not to be missed.
Second show just announced! Join Max Richter as he performs works from The Blue Notebooks and from his newly released album, In A Landscape.
Karin Schaupp premieres Gerard Brophy’s Guitar Concerto.