Barton & Brodsky

William Barton with Brodsky Quartet

Concert Hall, QPAC


26 Feb 2026, 7pm
$79 - $99

A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.

2 hours

(including interval, subject to change without notice)

Barton & Brodsky

The pairing of incomparable didgeridoo/yidaki virtuoso William Barton together with the musicians of the Brodsky Quartet is a sensational combination resulting in a musical feast for audiences. The project unites icons of the classical canon with Barton’s own music, alongside Andrew Ford’s quartet written during the bushfires of late 2019. Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe resonates alongside New Zealand’s Salina Fisher and Brisbane's own Robert Davidson, with Janáček and Stravinsky keeping the energy and excitement of this remarkable program high from start to finish.
 
William Barton is Australia’s most celebrated didgeridoo artist. The sounds he creates from this apparently simple, elemental instrument are extraordinary; his performances generating awe. His virtuosity has earned him the honour of performing with prestigious orchestras that include the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle.
 
With over 50 years of music making to their credit, Britain’s Brodsky Quartet are phenomenal collaborators, joining forces with artists such as Elvis Costello, Björk, Dawn Upshaw and Katie Noonan. The Brodskys, who for a long time have been enthusiastic advocates of Sculthorpe’s quartets, fulfilled their long time wish to perform with William Barton through several collaborations in recent years, including a hugely successful tour of New Zealand.

Program

William Barton
Soundscape
Henry Purcell
Fantasia upon One Note in Three Parts Z.731 
Henry Purcell
Fantasia in D minor, Z.739
Peter Sculthorpe
String Quartet No.11, Jabiru Dreaming
Robert Davidson
Minjerribah
Leoš Janáček
String Quartet No.2, Intimate Letters
Igor Stravinsky
Three Pieces for String Quartet
Salina Fisher
Tōrino
Andrew Ford
String Quartet No.7, Eden Ablaze
Traditional
She moved through the fair
William Barton
Square Circles Beneath the Red Desert Sand


... a programme of surprises, a blending of cultures, histories and sounds in which five brilliant musicians gave generously of themselves and their stories, taking the audience with them and effortlessly opening new vistas and knowledge.

- Five Lines New Zealand

... a vindication of the musicians’ talent, and a historic occasion.

- Limelight (on Bach Barton Brodsky)

Having had the privilege of working with all of Australia’s elite musicians over such a long period of time I have no hesitation in saying that William Barton is the only one who I consider to be a genuine musical genius.

- Martin Buzacott, ABC Classical FM

Artists

William Barton

Didgeridoo / Yidaki

Krysia Osostowicz

Violin I

Ian Belton

Violin II

Paul Cassidy

Viola

Jacqueline Thomas

Cello

Important Information

Accessibility at QPAC

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through QPAC's Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here.

Presented by QPAC

Supported by the British Council

You may also like