The orchestra is one of 12 institutions to have been recognised for its contribution to the history and development of the state.

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra has last night been honoured as a Queensland Great. Announced annually on Queensland Day, the Queensland Greats Awards acknowledge the efforts and achievements of extraordinary Queenslanders for their contribution to the history and development of the state. As is traditional, the QSO will receive a commemorative plaque to be displayed with other Greats recipients at Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane. The Orchestra joins a shortlist of institutions that have been recognised over the award’s 17-year history, with only 82 individuals and 11 institutions having received the honour.

With internationally acclaimed Music Director Alondra de La Parra and Chief Executive David Pratt at the helm, the company is this year celebrating 70 years of making music for and across Queensland. In its time, the QSO has presented more than 180 live performances each year to more than 1.6 million people.

“The Queensland Symphony Orchestra is transforming into an orchestra for the 21st century – an orchestra that’s relevant, that connects with all people, across all geographies, cultures, backgrounds and ages, and an orchestra that the world wants to listen to. We are thrilled, excited and so humbled to be named a Queensland Great – on behalf of every single orchestra member, from the First Violin to our dedicated backstage team and the people on whose shoulders we stand, thank you,” said Chief Executive David Pratt.

“The QSO is Queensland’s largest performing arts organisation. What’s extraordinary is that we create and deliver unique musical experiences across this huge state. Highly trained professional musicians – at home in any great concert hall on the planet – travel to all corners of Queensland to connect with Queenslanders, to ensure all Queenslanders can experience the power of live music. There are not many other orchestras in the world that deliver on taking their music to their people,” he said.

“Not only that, this orchestra is committed to cracking stereotypes wide open. No longer does the orchestra only play classical music; our QSO performs music from the Harry Potter movies and the David Bowie canon to works of the great composers to new music from exciting young creators – beat boxers and story tellers.”

“Again, we say thank you – and come and join us in making extraordinary music!”