A Message from QYO Artistic Director Simon Hewett
Dear QYO Players and Families,
For QYO veterans and newcomers alike, 2023 promises to be an incredible year. We can look forward to inspiring rehearsals, workshops, tutorials, great concerts, collaborations, tours, and the exciting possibility of plans for the restoration of The Old Museum. And for the first time in many years we welcome a new ensemble into the QYO family. All QYO groups are fortunate to work with some of Australia’s leading conductors and music educators. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Cherie Deacon to our conducting team. Cherie brings extraordinary experience working with young string players to QYO, and I am looking forward enormously to her performances with JSE 2.
I personally am looking forward to my first international tour with QYS. One of the highlights will surely be our performance in Vienna’s fabled Musikverein Concert Hall – home of the Vienna Philharmonic. QYS will have the honour of being the first Australian symphony orchestra, professional or amateur, to perform in this famous venue.
For decades QYO has provided young Queenslanders with exceptional musical training. More importantly, we bring together young people who share a love of music. QYO alumni frequently talk about the lifelong friendships that were forged during their time at QYO. I hope the friendships formed during 2023 will be just as long lasting.
Simon Hewett
