Year in Review 2015

YEAR IN

Review Queensland Performing Arts Centre 2015

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A renowned and celebrated arts centre

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Thank you for taking the time to look at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) 2015 Year in Review.

2015 has been a significant year for QPAC. This year, the Centre has reflected on and celebrated 30 years as Queensland’s leading centre for live performance. Over those 30 years, QPAC has welcomed more than 20 million people through its doors, presented more than 26,000 performances and events, worked with the best local, national and international companies and artists, curated festivals and events that create rich experiences for our audiences and make Brisbane an attractive place to live, work and visit.

At QPAC, the metrics of our successes are measured beyond tangible numbers. QPAC is a centre that serves many functions – meeting place, community centre, performance space, Queensland icon, learning centre and destination. The benefits of participating in the arts are often intangible: the sense of connection to a broader community; the feeling of being uplifted, challenged or moved by a performance; or learning and discovering something new. Though these are often harder to measure, they are the experiences and memories that people have with us over 30 years; and it is important in how we continue to talk about the work we do.

CURRENT CHAIR CHRIS FREEMAN AM (THIRD FROM LEFT), JOINED FORMER CHAIRS* (L–R) HENRY SMERDON AM, DON COATES, DON MUNRO AM, MARIE SIGANTO AM AND ROB KELLY AM TO CELEBRATE QPAC’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY. *JAN POWER ABSENT.

In this milestone year we also consider what the future holds, and I am certain that QPAC will continue to be a space for the people of Brisbane to come to for enriching and engaging experiences.

I commend and thank my fellow board members, QPAC’s Chief Executive John Kotzas and his executive team and dedicated staff who work together to make QPAC a renowned and celebrated arts centre.

Chris Freeman AM Chair

Photographer Darren Thomas

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The future is exciting 2

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Congratulations QPAC on your 30th anniversary!

2015 was a landmark year for QPAC as it celebrated 30 years as Queensland’s leader in presenting exceptional performing arts from our own backyard and around the world, and as home to the state’s leading arts companies.

In celebrating its 30th anniversary in style, QPAC presented musical favourites Dirty Dancing, Anything Goes, Strictly Ballroom and a new production of Les Misérables, and set record attendances with 1.4 million people from July 2014 to June 2015.

QPAC also hosted Clancestry Clancestry, its annual celebration of country, which shares the knowledge, lore and cultural practices of the world’s First Nations Peoples and is supported by the Queensland Government’s Backing Indigenous Arts initiative, which works to build a sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry in Queensland.

For 30 years, QPAC has been the place where many Queenslanders have had their first experience attending a live performance, a magical experience that transports us in the way that only arts can.

QPAC has had a role in fostering the careers of many of our artists who have performed on its stages.

I applaud the diversity and richness of QPAC’s programming with its impressive line-up ranging from local talent to international stars.

I take this opportunity to thank the Board and staff at QPAC for their dedication and commitment.

Looking ahead, I know there are many opportunities for QPAC, the Cultural Precinct and South Bank to collaborate and grow. I look forward to seeing what is in store for QPAC in 2016 and beyond.

Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier and Minister for the Arts

Photographer Emily Clasby

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Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is one of Australia’s leading centres for live performance. Welcoming 1.4 million visitors to around 1250 performances each year, we embrace the best in live performance – the world renowned alongside the emerging, local and new – and connect to the stories and ideas at the heart of each production. Through the warmth and expertise of our staff, we have become a trusted curator, presenter and host; a place to come together to relax, reflect, share stories and celebrate.

QPAC is located in the vibrant cultural and educational precinct at South Bank that encompasses the Cultural Precinct (QPAC, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland) as well as Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, Opera Queensland, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Theatre Company, Merivale Street Studio, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This precinct is unique in Australia in size and character.

At the heart of QPAC’s activities is the aim to cultivate excellence in cultural thinking, planning and delivery and help build the success of art in Queensland. QPAC strives to be a place that is readily accessible, filled with people learning, exploring and having fun.

Our Venues QPAC has four theatres suitable for a range of performance styles: Lyric Theatre (2000 seats) is designed primarily for opera, ballet and large-scale theatre events such as musicals; Concert Hall (1600 seats) is a versatile space, designed primarily for orchestra performances and also used for contemporary music, stand-up comedy and presentations; Playhouse (850 seats) is primarily designed for theatre and dance; and Cremorne Theatre (312 seats) is an intimate and versatile black box theatre space.

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QPAC’s vision is for a world where the performing arts matter to everyone

Photographer Amanda Davenport

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2015 marked 30 years since QPAC was officially opened to the public by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent on 20 April 1985.

2015 has been more than a celebration of the opening of our theatres. Throughout the year we have acknowledged the importance of our partnerships, our place in the Brisbane Cultural Precinct and the performing arts industry globally; we have also achieved many significant milestones and laid important foundations for our future.

Over the last 30 years QPAC has formed many partnerships that have truly established the performing arts in Queensland. We are part of a larger artistic community and we work with people and organisations across many sectors to produce experiences and outcomes for our audiences.

The 30th anniversary year program of events celebrated such partnerships

QPAC Official Opening, 20 April 1985

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and featured dedicated seasons with Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Theatre Company, Southern Cross Soloists, Expressions Dance Company, shake & stir theatre co, Harvest Rain, Camerata of St John’s and Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts (ACPA).

As a leading performing arts venue we have grown our capacity to attract some of the world’s best artists and performances to Queensland.

In 2015 we welcomed David Lynch in Conversation, The Sixteen, the inaugural Brisbane Baroque festival, Women of the World Festival, Brisbane Festival, Renée Fleming, The Gallipoli Symphony, Fluff and La Soirée; all whose artists or performances have made an impact to the arts scene globally.

Many of these events involved working with our precinct here at South Bank.

The vision of an arts hub for Brisbane

by the state government and architect Robin Gibson all those years ago is certainly paying dividends in the artistic vibrancy of Brisbane and attracting cultural tourism to our state.

It was therefore also fitting to see our structures selected for heritage listing in our anniversary year.

By the end of June 2015 QPAC reached a record annual attendance of 1.4 million, five major musical theatre productions hit the stage in 2015 (The Lion King, WICKED, Anything Goes, Strictly Ballroom and Les Misérables) and the Centre’s Facebook page clicked over 100,000 fans.

Looking forward we take from our past experiences and know that what we see in the way our audiences interact with our Centre and live performance today will be very different in another 30 years. At QPAC we are excited and driven by this.

“The object of the Queensland Performing Arts Trust Act is for QPAC to be a centre that contributes to the social, cultural and intellectual development of Queenslanders.

And this is as relevant now as it was 30 years ago.�

Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier and Minister for the Arts

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A broad relevant program that offers high quality artistic experiences 8

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QPAC presents around 1250 performances each year, or around three performances a day. Curating this program relies on domain knowledge, discipline, research and leadership. It is a multidimensional process of exchange between audiences, stakeholders, communities and experts.

Every performance is unique, singular to that one moment in time – creating moments that matter for our audience is our goal every time the curtain is raised.

Photographer Darren Thomas

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QPAC is a destination for families and young people over the holiday period

QPAC’s annual program encompasses a diversity of live performance experiences that span multiple art forms and are created for a wide range of audiences.

In January, our program focuses on young audiences and families and groups seeking cultural activity and entertainment during the holiday period.

As well as the theatre program for January 2015 which included the world premiere of The Illusionists 1903, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo (for which the Cremorne Theatre was transformed into a prehistoric grotto) and The Lion King, QPAC created an outdoor adventure space for children and families with Cubbyland.

The Illusionists 1903 was a co-production between QPAC and Producers Simon Painter and Tim Lawson Photographer Dylan Evans

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From the exclusive QPAC International Series through to touring companies and artists, QPAC’s international program links Brisbane to the world’s greatest stages. There is a growing desire from Australian audiences to experience the preeminent artists of our time in all areas of live performance including drama, contemporary dance and music in all its forms.

QPAC is recognised internationally as a performing arts centre with outstanding facilities and highly skilled staff. Our expertise combined with the enthusiasm of our audiences makes Brisbane a sought after part of artists’ tour schedules from around the world.

QPAC presented a one night concert from Italian composer and performer Ludovico Einaudi. Many of the audience in this sold out performance were attending QPAC for the first time, and were enthusiastic in their praise of Einaudi.

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The best artists from Australia and the world to our stages Ludovico Einaudi. Photographer Darren Thomas

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QPAC collaborates with our neighbours in the Cultural Precinct and South Bank to contribute to Brisbane being an exciting place to visit and attractive place to live

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QPAC is situated within Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct and is part of a broader arts and educational precinct at South Bank. The co-location of so many institutions is unique in Australia and while each organisation has its own objectives and outputs, there is a common purpose for all to enrich the lives of Queenslanders through arts, culture, education and entertainment.

QPAC and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art collaborated to present film maker David Lynch in Conversation at QPAC with David Stratton during QAGOMA’s David Lynch Retrospective exhibition.

The Conversation was sold out within hours of going on sale and broadened audience’s interactions with the exhibition.

Precinct images courtesy of Brisbane Marketing

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More than what you see on stage QPAC creates multidimensional experiences – what you see on stage is part of a broader experience curated to enhance your visit to QPAC. We are constantly seeking ways to expand the reach and increase the immediacy of conversations with audiences through social media and streaming. These new and emerging technologies have, and will continue to dramatically impact the way we experience live performance. QPAC is utilising the digital environment to amplify the reach of our onsite programs, support audience dialogue and deliver content.

In 2015, QPAC was the first Australian performing arts centre invited to be a part of the Google Cultural Institute. The Institute is an online resource dedicated to making the world’s arts collections and centres accessible and open.

Three decades after opening we have an increased focus the way our spaces impact on audience experience. Throughout 2015 we refreshed the look and feel of foyers and public spaces around the building with a view to enhancing the QPAC experience.

Photographer Mindi Cooke

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QPAC is part of an active and exciting arts industry in Australia

QPAC works with artists, performers and companies locally, from Australia and internationally to present and produce exceptional arts experiences. During our 30th anniversary year, we partnered with many organisations to co-present works celebrating the strength and diversity of the arts sector in Australia.

In April QPAC was an associate presenter of the inaugural Brisbane Baroque Festival.

Faramondo. Photographer Darren Thomas

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Transporting audiences to another time or place is part of the magic of live performance Over recent years QPAC has pushed the boundaries of our spaces to create new environments that welcome audiences into a time and place that reflects the performance they have come to witness. From creating a musical stage with proscenium arch in the Concert Hall, a circus ring in the Lyric Theatre, a pop up theatre on our staircases to a theatre in the round on the Playhouse stage, QPAC has taken audiences to a new place with a lot of backstage ingenuity and a little bit of old fashioned theatre magic. All of this promotes the flexibility of QPAC’s multi-functional spaces and enables the Centre to welcome new styles of performance.

In May, the Playhouse stage was transformed into an intimate salon-style circus space, with the audience seated entirely on stage in a variety of ‘posh’, ringside and stalls seating surrounding the action.

Photographer Prudence Lipton

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What’s your QPAC memory?

To celebrate QPAC’s 30th anniversary the ABC612 Morning show dedicated its entire 2.5 hour show to QPAC on 10 June. Broadcasting live from the very heart of the building – QPAC’s Green Room – the program focussed on the people that work at the Centre: those who help make the organisation a success. 12 interviews were conducted with staff from wardrobe, production, patron services, publicity, ticketing and stage door. Listeners were encouraged to phone / text / tweet their memories of QPAC over three decades during the live broadcast.

QPAC encourages our visitors to share their QPAC experience via social media. Highlights from 2015:

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“We want to be a centre that is an open, accessible, relevant public space. A centre of change and energy, where people’s experience of live performance stays with them long after they have left and ultimately makes a difference to our communities.”

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas

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Photographer Emily Clasby

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QPAC is a place dedicated to the experience of live performance. Our building, the experiences we create and our connectedness to communities are all part of what makes us a great place. Over our 30 year history QPAC’s stepped roofline has become a recognisable part of the Brisbane skyline. Underneath that iconic silhouette, our theatres, spaces and facilities enable us to collaborate with and present the world’s best artists as well as the emerging and the new.

30th Anniversary Exhibition

Front Yard Music

From 24 March until 26 September 2015 QPAC opened an exhibition in its Tony Gould Gallery to give audiences a rare glimpse into the vibrant history of QPAC and also Brisbane’s South Bank as a cultural destination.

QPAC’s ‘Front Yard’ on the Melbourne Street Green showcased an eclectic mix of country, world and contemporary live music every Friday night from 19 June, featuring local artists including selected SEED artists, as part of the QPAC and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) partnership,

Public Day of Celebration On Sunday 19 April 2015 QPAC hosted a public celebration day for its 30th anniversary, weaving together the things that make QPAC great; artists, audiences and live performance.

The day featured an official address by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, back stage tours and free live performances on the Melbourne Street Green and in the Cascade Court. Artist Gus Eagleton, renowned for urban street art, was also commissioned to create a unique large scale installation inspired by the building and QPAC’s role as one of the city’s key public spaces as the day unfolded.

Lunchtime Live QPAC’s Lunchtime Live, transformed Brisbane’s Friday lunch hour from 24 April to 13 November 2015, with bite sized 30 minutes of free entertainment. The initiative welcomed all people to QPAC to experience a new vibrancy across their performing arts centre. Each week a different genre was presented throughout QPAC’s unique spaces inside and out.

30 for 30 QPAC has many very loyal patrons who have visited the Centre frequently since the day it opened but as the Centre planned for its future in 2015 it was an opportunity for us to invite the next generation of patrons to participate and reap the rewards of live performance; and start their relationship with QPAC perhaps for the next 30 years.

A special offer to encourage younger audiences to participate in the arts was made available from early 2015 with every major performance season at QPAC there were 30 tickets for $30 for people aged 30 and under.

Storytelling Since its official opening in 1985, QPAC has established a sense of place within Brisbane’s vibrant Cultural Precinct, both as a physical building and within the hearts and minds of Queenslanders.

In 2015 the people of Queensland were invited to share their fond memories, cherished memorabilia, photos, news clippings and videos from their experiences at QPAC with the #myQPACstory on Twitter or Instagram. The items were then displayed on QPAC’s website.

Sunday performs at Front Yard Music in July 2015

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Celebrating 30 years of collaborating with our local industry 57% of our programming is local. In 2015, QPAC co-presented outstanding works with local companies.

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CAMERATA OF ST JOHN’S

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Opportunities to learn about and through the performing arts are indispensable in building strong individuals and societies

Arts participation has individual, interpersonal and community benefits that have immediate impacts and ones that accumulate over time.

Through a range of programs and activity delivered onsite and online throughout the year, QPAC supports our audiences in making meaning from their experiences and promoting arts literacy.

Professor Judith McLean, Chair in Arts Education (QUT/ QPAC) and QPAC’s Scholar in Residence led a team of artists, educators and psychologists to deliver a two day Women in Leadership program as part of the Learn by Living Series created by QUT and QPAC. In 2015 our fortnightly Watercooler Chats have been broadcast via Periscope and tweeted with #QPACchat.

In addition, QPAC’s biannual Story magazine brings together writers and artists to delve deeper into the ideas on stage and behind the scenes.

Photographer Rebecca Lamoin

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In November, QPAC brought together two of Australia’s most accomplished arts executives in an open conversation about cultural precincts. Michael Lynch CBE AM and Justin Macdonnell chatted with Professor Judith McLean in front of an audience of people from the Cultural Precinct, Government, university and educator sectors, arts industry and interested members of the public. The mindmap adjacent is a visual representation of that discussion.

QPAC is demonstrating the importance we place on being an arts centre that promotes the idea of art, storytelling and community.

Photographer Darren Thomas

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Cultural exchanges between visiting and local artists expands horizons and opens us to new possibilities

The QPAC experience extends beyond the performance on stage. Where possible, QPAC expands the experience out from the stage into other aspects of the Centre. In July, QPAC hosted Italian chamber music group I Musici. As well as a superb one night concert, an Italian feast was presented during Good Food Month in the Lyrebird Restaurant. Taking inspiration from I Musici’s version of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the Lyrebird prepared a menu to showcase seasonal food.

The pairing of experiences – food and music – was part of QPAC’s food as culture initiative. For the musicians their experience was expanded by their exchange with local chamber music group Camerata of St John’s as well as a private masterclass for QPAC staff. These interactions between visiting and local arts practitioners are important in sharing knowledge and expanding the others horizons.

Photographer Darren Thomas

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QPAC is situated on the land traditionally known as Kurilpa.

Kurilpa has long been a place of culture and a meeting ground for cultural exchange The Queensland Performing Arts Trust Act 1977 calls on QPAC to affirm respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. QPAC has a strong commitment to supporting, developing and showcasing programs, performances and discussions that uphold this affirmation.

In August, QPAC’s program focussed on the cultures, art, history and contemporary challenges of First Nations Peoples. A sold out concert by Gurrumul was heralded as ‘magical’, Bangarra Dance Theatre returned to the Playhouse with their production Lore, QPAC and Queensland Theatre Company co-produced Country Song in the Cremorne Theatre, and the biennial Mabo Oration was delivered by Dr Dawn Casey. QPAC’s festival celebrating First Nations arts and culture – Clancestry – took place in November and December 2015.

Photographer Darren Thomas

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“Her invitation to the audience to sing along to I Could Have Danced All Night resonated so well it ended with an encore”

The Australian

Renée Fleming is one of the world’s leading opera singers. She has performed on the most famous stages around the world and sung the leading roles in numerous operas. In 2015, she made her second appearance at QPAC. The concert was a highlight on QPAC’s 30th anniversary calendar. Receiving high praise from critics around Australia it was perhaps Renée’s encore of I Could Have Danced All Night (from My Fair Lady Lady) in which she invited the audience to sing along that truly stole the show. This invitation drew an impressive response from the many singers in the full house including Lisa Gasteen and approximately fifty voice students from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Following the concert Renée commented on QPAC being a ‘fantastic venue’. QPAC’s facilities are increasingly recognised worldwide as being of a high standard.

Known as the ‘People’s Diva’, in 2014 Fleming was the first opera singer to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl, and was selected to perform on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the Queensland Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012. After more than a decade Fleming returned to QPAC in September 2015 to a fully sold Concert Hall.

Photographer Timothy White

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Sustainability means building ďŹ nancial and organisational resources that promote agility, vitality and responsiveness While celebrating QPAC’s 30th anniversary we also looked forward to the coming decade. Our ambition is to be equipped for real innovation, able to engage the new, invest in learning and be comfortable with complexity and difference. A sustainable organisation is also one that is vital...one that delivers on its mission, creates public value, is resourced to adapt and change...an organisation that reinvests in itself.

This year our commercial services continued to perform strongly, QPAC launched a new membership program and a new partnership and philanthropic strategy.

Natalie Weir’s 7 Deadly Sins L-R Elise May, Jack Ziesing, Benjamin Chapman, Rebecca Hall, Cloudia Elder. Photographer Chris Herzfeld

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QPAC is a Brisbane icon Open House is an annual national event that encourages people to explore and discover the buildings in their cities that they see and pass by every day. For QPAC this means providing a glimpse into the inner workings of the Centre. The day involves a number of performances in public spaces and a very successful series of guided backstage tours. Combined with this year’s Brisbane Open House day was the launch of Arts Queensland’s Culturalist app designed to provide user generated tours and experiences of the Cultural Precinct to its users.

Both initiatives are successful in their broad appeal to many people who may not see performances or events at QPAC but are interested in the space as an iconic Brisbane institution.

Photographer Emily Clasby

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Queensland has great stories to tell The performing arts are collaborative by nature. Over QPAC’s 30 year history, the Centre has worked with countless artists and companies to produce and present exceptional live performance experiences. In November, a world premiere new musical theatre work – Ladies in Black – produced by Queensland Theatre Company opened in the Playhouse. New works helps to tell our stories and create new pathways and legacies for future generations.

Ladies in Black was presented by Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC. Photographer Rob Maccoll

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QPAC celebrates many cultures

QPAC fulfils many roles – as a venue, a producer, an investor, a presenter and a public place. QPAC is positioned on land traditionally used as a meeting and cultural place. That the land continues to be used for this purpose is significant. QPAC is a place for people to gather, to bring and tell their stories, experience and create art. Through community led programs such as Clancestry, A Celebration of Country Country, QPAC dedicates the Centre and its resources to showcasing the arts and cultural practices of First Nations Peoples with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Photographer Darren Thomas

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1992 – Inaugural Out of the Box festival for children aged 8 and under 1996 – Brisbane Dance Gala 1991

1991 – Les Misérables (returned in 2015)

Dancing on the Walls of Paris (commissioned by QPAC and working with local artists)

1996 – Phantom of the Opera (longest running season at QPAC)

1989 – Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 1988 – World Expo on Stage

1987 – Inaugural season of Concert Hall Organ

1986 – Victoria de los Angeles

1985 – First performance of Spirit of Christmas with QSO 1985 – Opening 48

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Highlights from

1998 – Playhouse opening 2001 – Queensland Sings: A Centenary Celebration 2001 – Cloudstreet

2004 – The Odyssey (with company in residence Zen Zen Zo)

2002 – Renee Fleming (returned in 2015) 2006 – Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in recital

2009 – Paris Opera Ballet

2011 – Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (first live simulcast)

2011 – Mary Poppins

2012 – QPAC International Series – Hamburg

QPAC’s 30 years For more, visit celebrating30qpac.com.au

2013 – QPAC International Series – Bolshoi Ballet

2013 – Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

2013 – Clancestry

2014 – QPAC International Series – American Ballet Theatre

2014 – The Lion King (biggest selling show at QPAC to date) 2015 – Celebrating 30

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JANUARY LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 25 January The Lion King Disney

CONCERT HALL 4 – 11 January The Illusionists 1903

QPAC in association with Tim Lawson and Simon Painter

11 – 25 January THRILLER LIVE

Ambassador Theatre

30 – 31 January Horrible Histories Barmy Britain

QPAC and AKA by arrangement with The Birmingham Stage Company

PLAYHOUSE 2 – 11 January Giggle and Hoot and Friends QPAC

14 – 17 January The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Theatre of Queensland

24 – 31 January Boston Marriage

Queensland Theatre Company

CREMORNE THEATRE 3 – 18 January Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 24 – 25 January Australia Day Barbie on the Green Department of the Premier and Cabinet

FEBRUARY LYRIC THEATRE 11 – 28 February WICKED! Wicked Australia / The Gordon Frost Organisation

CONCERT HALL 1 February Horrible Histories Barmy Britain

QPAC and AKA by arrangement with The Birmingham Stage Company

3 – 4 February Shen Yun Falun Dafa Association of Australia, QLD Branch Inc.

9 February ACO The Four Seasons

Australian Chamber Orchestra

10 February All Hallows’ School Inaugural Mass All Hallows’ School

11 February Ludovico Einaudi In A Time Lapse QPAC

14 February QSO Gala Opening Ode to Joy Queensland Symphony Orchestra

24 – 28 February Billy Connolly Duet Productions Pty Ltd

PLAYHOUSE 3 – 15 February Boston Marriage Queensland Theatre Company

18 – 28 February Mother and Son Queensland Theatre Company

CREMORNE THEATRE 12 February Guy Pearce and Darren Middleton 123 Agency

24 – 27 February Everybody Loves Lucy QPAC

QPAC VARIOUS 14 February Valentines Busk QPAC

MARCH LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 31 March WICKED! Wicked Australia / The Gordon Frost Organisation

CONCERT HALL 1 March Southern Cross Soloists Concert Bella Espana QPAC and Southern Cross Soloists

3 March Michael Palin

Lateral Marketing and Management

4 March MVA Tafelmusik House of Dreams Musica Viva Australia

5 March QSO Education Concert Song to Symphony Queensland Symphony Orchestra

7 March With Honour We Serve

Queensland Pops Orchestra

8 March QSO Music on Sundays 1 At the Ballet Queensland Symphony Orchestra

8 March The Sixteen Queen of Heaven QPAC

9 March Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club QPAC

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PLAYHOUSE LOUNGE 4 March 2015 Educators Performing Arts Market QPAC

11 March Sinead O’Connor

APRIL

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LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 19 April WICKED!

12 March CMC Awards 2015 Foxtel

Wicked Australia / The Gordon Frost Organisation

13 March QSO Masterworks 1 Fritzsch and Schlomo Mintz

20 April Cosentino

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

14 March QSO Maestro 1 Fritzsch and Schlomo Mintz Queensland Symphony Orchestra

14 March David Lynch In Conversation QPAC and QAGOMA

19 – 22 March Pirates of Penzance Harvest Rain

23 March ACO Reflections on Gallipoli Australian Chamber Orchestra

24 – 27 March Ross Noble A List Entertainment

28 March QYO Masterpiece 1Best of Brass Queensland Youth Orchestra

PLAYHOUSE 1 – 15 March Mother and Son Queensland Theatre Company

19 – 31 March La Sylphide

Live Nation Australasia

CONCERT HALL 2 April QSO Maestro 2 QSO and Mischa Maisky Queensland Symphony Orchestra

9 April Nana Mouskouri Farewell Tour McManus Pty Ltd

11 April Heavenly Handel Brisbane Baroque and QPAC

12 April Max Emanuel Cencic Brisbane Baroque and QPAC

18 April QSO Maestro 3 QSO and Sarah Chang Queensland Symphony Orchestra

19 April The Pink Floyd Experience Spiritworks Pty Ltd

27 – 28 April Noel Fielding Adrian Bohm Presents

30 April The GPS Music Showcase 2015

Queensland Ballet

The Great Public Schools Association of Queensland Inc.

CREMORNE THEATRE 4 March 2015 Educators Performing Arts Market

PLAYHOUSE 11 – 30 April Brisbane

QPAC

Queensland Theatre Company

25 – 26 March Ruby Wax – Sane New World

CREMORNE THEATRE 9 – 15 April Fluff: A Story of Lost Toys

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

LYRIC THEATRE LOUNGE 4 March 2015 Educators Performing Arts Market QPAC

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MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 6, 13, 20 & 27 March Front Yard Music

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30 April The Host

Expressions Dance Company and QPAC

CASCADE COURT QPAC 30th anniversary celebration QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 10, 17 & 24 April Front Yard Music QPAC

19 April QPAC 30th anniversary celebration QPAC

24 April Lunchtime Live QPAC

MAY LYRIC THEATRE 7 – 16 May La Traviata

Opera Queensland

15 May Anh Do A-List Entertainment

26 – 31 May Dirty Dancing – The Musical Skyline Theatricals Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL 2 May Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash and John Denver Tribute Maiorana Marketing Pty Ltd

7 May Noel Fielding Adrian Bohm Presents

8 May Paloma Faith Live Nation Australasia Pty Ltd

11 May Vivaldi Unwired Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

12 May Dreaming Too Loud: An Evening with Geoffrey Robertson QPAC

14 May APIA Good Times 2015 Premier Artists

15 May Lunchtime Live QPAC

16 May Viva Italia Supremo!

Queensland Pops Orchestra

17 May Don Juan QPAC

19 May Vivaldi Unwired Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

20 May The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra: 80th Anniversary Concert Tour Spiritworks Pty Ltd

22 May QSO Masterworks 2 QSO, Alondra and Sergio Queensland Symphony Orchestra

23 May QSO Maestro 4 QSO, Alondra and Sergio Queensland Symphony Orchestra

26 May Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea Live Nation Australasia

28 May The Glenn Miller Orchestra ATA Allstar Artists Pty Ltd

29 May The Beatles – 50 Years On Maiorana Marketing Pty Ltd

30 May QYO Masterpiece 2 London Symphony Queensland Youth Orchestra

31 May Symphonic Dances from the West Side – Bernstein meets Carl Orff University of Queensland School of Music

PLAYHOUSE 1 – 2 May Brisbane Queensland Theatre Company

7 – 24 May La Soirée QPAC

28 – 31 May Legends Meerkat Theatricals Pty Ltd

CREMORNE THEATRE 1 – 9 May The Host

Expressions Dance Company and QPAC

16 May Damien Leith: The Parting Glass – An Irish Journey The Harbour Agency

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 1 & 8 May Lunchtime Live QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 8, 15, 22 & 29 May Front Yard Music QPAC

PLAYHOUSE GREEN 29 May Lunchtime Live QPAC

JUNE LYRIC THEATRE 3 – 28 June Dirty Dancing – The Musical Skyline Theatricals Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL 10 June Painted from Memory – the Music of Bacharach and Costello QPAC

12 June Tom Burlinson performs Sinatra at the Sands QPAC

13 June Buddy Holly in Concert

Maiorana Marketing Pty Ltd

14 June QSO Music on Sundays 2 Movie Masterpieces Queensland Symphony Orchestra

19 June QSO Masterworks 3 Demidenko Plays Brahms Queensland Symphony Orchestra

20 June QSO Maestro 5 Demidenko Plays Brahms Queensland Symphony Orchestra

23 – 28 June Through A Glass Onion Duet Productions Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 12 & 26 June Lunchtime Live QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 5 June Lunchtime Live

CREMORNE THEATRE 4 – 31 July Country Song

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

QPAC

PLAYHOUSE STALLS FOYER 22 June LPA Helpmann Awards Nominations Event 2015 QPAC

JULY LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 19 July Dirty Dancing – The Musical Skyline Theatricals Pty Ltd

25 – 31 July Anything Goes

Opera Australia and John Frost

7 – 8 July Mister Maker

PLAYHOUSE 2 – 13 June Legends

Meerkat Theatricals Pty Ltd

25 – 30 June Peter Pan

Queensland Ballet

CREMORNE THEATRE 11 – 20 June Cabaret @ Cremorne QPAC

11 August Tommy Emmanuel

5, 12, 19 & 26 June Front Yard Music

23 June QPAC Choir Showcase Concert 30 Years of Musicals

Southern Cross Soloists and QPAC

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Opera Queensland in association with QPAC

4 July An Evening with Chris Botti

28 June Southern Cross Soloists Concert 2 French Revelations

Queensland Ballet

9 August QSO Music on Sundays 3 Maestro’s Choice

QPAC

22 June ACO Egarr and the Golden Age

QPAC

PLAYHOUSE 1 – 11 July Peter Pan

The Laughing Samoans

Trimao Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL 3 July Jimmy Barnes Flesh + Wood Tour 2015

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Queensland Music Festival

8 August The Laughing Samoans Fink About It

23 – 31 July Candide

21 June Women in Voice at WOW Brisbane QPAC

31 July James Morrison with special guests Megan Washington and Marian Petrescu

Premier Artists

QPAC

QPAC

9 – 12 July Ballet Revolucion

Queensland Theatre Company and QPAC

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 10 July Lunchtime Live QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 3 July Lunchtime Live QPAC

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 July Front Yard Music QPAC

PLAYHOUSE LOUNGE 17 July Lunchtime Live QPAC

STUDIO 2 24 July Lunchtime Live QPAC

AUGUST LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 16 August Anything Goes

ATA Allstar Artists Pty Ltd

Opera Australia and John Frost

17 July QSO Maestro 6 QSO, Morrison and Meyer

CONCERT HALL 1 August Mondo Rock with special guests

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

18 July I Musici An Italian Odyssey QPAC

21 – 23 July QUT Graduations

Queensland University of Technology

29 July Unrepresentative Swill

Queensland Music Festival and QPAC

30 July Rubber Soul Revolver Spiritworks Pty Ltd

Zaccaria Concerts and Touring Pty Ltd

2 August Gurrumul The Gospel Songs QPAC

4 August Dylan Moran Off the Hook Adrian Bohm Presents

5 August I Fagiolini

Musica Viva Australia Pty Ltd

6 August Grimethorpe Colliery Band Andrew Kay and Associates

13 August QSO Masterworks 4 QSO and Pinchas Zukerman 14 August Elvis I’ll Remember You

Maiorana Marketing Pty Ltd

15 August QSO Maestro 7 QSO and Pinchas Zukerman Queensland Symphony Orchestra

16 August Dylan Moran Off the Hook Adrian Bohm Presents

17 August ACO Brahms 3

Australian Chamber Orchestra

18 – 20 August Dylan Moran Off the Hook Adrian Bohm Presents

21 August Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers Maiorana Marketing Pty Ltd

22 August QYO Masterpiece 3 The Firebird Queensland Youth Orchestra

27 August Julia Morris I Don’t Want Your Honest Feedback Live Nation Australasia Pty Ltd

28 August Songs of Hope and Healing QPAC

29 August Come Swing Again Queensland Pops Orchestra

30 August Brisbane Sings 2015 Queensland Show Choir Inc.

PLAYHOUSE 1 August Candide Opera Queensland in association with QPAC

6 – 15 August Lore Bangarra Dance Theatre and QPAC

10 August The Mabo Oration 2015

QPAC and Anti Discrimination Commission Queensland

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21 – 29 August Seven Deadly Sins

10 September Paul Lewis Masterclass

13 September Reading of Gross Indecency

CREMORNE THEATRE 1 – 8 August Country Song

Brisbane Festival

Brisbane Festival

12 September QSO Maestro 8 QSO and Simone Young

16 – 19 September Le Cargo

Queensland Theatre Company and QPAC

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Brisbane Festival

13 – 29 August Dracula

14 September Toni Braxton

23 – 26 September Beautiful One Day

Expressions Dance Company and QPAC

shake & stir theatre co.

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 14 & 28 August Lunchtime Live QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 7 August Lunchtime Live QPAC

7, 14, 21 & 28 August Front Yard Music QPAC

STUDIO 1 21 August Lunchtime Live QPAC

SEPTEMBER LYRIC THEATRE 9 – 30 September Strictly Ballroom Strictly Business

18 September Lunchtime Live QPAC

CONCERT HALL 2 September From Broadway to La Scala Spiritworks Pty Ltd

3 – 4 September Swan Lake Russian Ballet Touring Pty Ltd

5 September Rise for the Oceans – A Celebration of the Sea

Soulfest International Pty Ltd

16 September Frank Sinatra A Celebration: 100th Anniversary Concert

30 September Lah-Lah LIVE in Concert

ATA Allstar Artists Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 11 September Lunchtime Live

18 September Thum Prints

Brisbane Festival

19 September Symphony For Me Brisbane Festival

22 September Swan Lake Russian Ballet Touring Pty Ltd

25 – 26 September A State of Grace – The Music of Tim and Jeff Buckley Brisbane Festival

PLAYHOUSE 5 – 8 September Coup Fatal Brisbane Festival

11 – 13 September The Importance of Being Earnest Brisbane Festival

15 – 19 September Macbeth

Brisbane Festival and OQ in association with QPAC

23 – 26 September FLEXN

Brisbane Festival and QPAC

25 September Brisbane Festival Conversations Brisbane Festival

29 – 30 September The Gruffalo’s Child

Brisbane Festival and QPAC

QPAC

6 September QSO Music on Sundays 4 Mighty Imperial Russia!

CREMORNE THEATRE 1 – 5 September Dracula

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

7 September Renée Fleming

QPAC and Brisbane Festival in association with Opera Qld

9 September Paul Lewis

Musica Viva Australia

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REVIEW > 2015

Brisbane Festival

shake & stir theatre co.

8 September Made in France Brisbane Festival

9 September Cabinet of Curiosities Brisbane Festival

QPAC

QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 4 & 25 September Lunchtime Live QPAC

4 – 26 September Front Yard Music Extended Play QPAC

STUDIO 1 6 September Brisbane Festival Conversations Brisbane Festival

OCTOBER LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 17 October Strictly Ballroom

13 – 16 October Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games Lunchbox Theatrical Productions Pty Ltd

17 October QSO Maestro 9 QSO and Schlomo Mintz Queensland Symphony Orchestra

18 October Kakadu

University of Queensland School of Music

21 October Dr Hook

Showcase Entertainment Group Ltd

24 October Rockwiz Salutes ARIA Hall of Fame Concert Rockwiz Touring

26 October Riccardo Minasi Italian Baroque Violin Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

27 October St Rita’s College Annual Thanksgiving Celebration 2015 St Rita’s College

28 October Clayfield College Annual Speech Night 2015

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 9, 16 & 23 October Lunchtime Live QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 2 October Lunchtime Live QPAC

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October Front Yard Music QPAC

NOVEMBER LYRIC THEATRE 10 – 29 November Les Misérables

Cameron Mackintosh Australia Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL 1 November Voices of Birralee 20th Anniversary Concert Voices of Birralee

3 November Brisbane Boys College Speech Night 2015 Brisbane Boys College

29 October All Hallows’ Night of Celebration 2015

4 November Iona College Junior and Senior School Speech Night 2015

30 October CSTD Dance Extravaganza 2015

5 November John Paul College Speech Night 2015

31 October QYO 2015 Finale Concert

6 November QSO Masterworks 5 QSO Plays Bolero

Clayfield College

All Hallows’ School

Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing

Iona College

John Paul College

Strictly Business

Queensland Youth Orchestra

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

22 – 31 October The Sleeping Beauty

PLAYHOUSE 1 – 3 October The Gruffalo’s Child

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Queensland Ballet in association with QPAC

CONCERT HALL 1 – 4 October Into the Woods Harvest Rain

QPAC

8 – 10 October You Should Be Dancing Ashgrove Dance Studio

7 October Joan Baez

17 – 31 October The Odd Couple

Maggie Gerrand Presents Pty Ltd

Queensland Theatre Company

9 October Absolutely Everybody Loves Broadway

CREMORNE THEATRE 1 -2 October Lah-Lah LIVE in Concert

School of Hard Knocks Ltd

10 October Celtic Celebration

Queensland Pops Orchestra

11 October Shatner’s World Spiritworks Pty Ltd

12 October ACO Mozart’s Last Symphonies Australian Chamber Orchestra

QPAC

6 – 17 October Thank You For Being A Friend Matthew Management

7 November QSO Maestro 10 QSO Plays Bolero 11 November Brendan Grace – An Audience With His Grace Concert Events Ltd

15 November QSO Music on Sundays 5 Miracles and Magic Queensland Symphony Orchestra

16 November St Aidan’s AGC Annual Awards Ceremony 2015 St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School

17 November St Margaret’s Speech Night 2015 St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

18 November Brisbane Grammar School Speech Day 2015 Brisbane Grammar School

19 November Somerville House Speech Night 2015 Somerville House

21 November QSO Maestro 11 Messiah

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

22 November Southern Cross Soloists Concert 3 Great Legends Southern Cross Soloists and QPAC

24 November The Gallipoli Symphony Definitive Events Pty Ltd

25 November ACO Basel Chamber Orchestra

DECEMBER LYRIC THEATRE 1 – 31 December Les Misérables

Cameron Mackintosh Australia Pty Ltd

CONCERT HALL 1 December Chris Cornell Live Nation Australasia Pty Ltd

Australian Chamber Orchestra

5 December Kitty Flanagan

28 November QSO Season Finale QSO and Maxim Vengerov

6 – 11 December QUT Graduations

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

30 November Chris Cornell

Live Nation Australasia Pty Ltd

PLAYHOUSE 1 – 8 November The Odd Couple

Queensland Theatre Company

16 – 29 November Ladies in Black

Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC

23 November Cultural Precinct Conversation: Justin Macdonnell in conversation with Michael Lynch QPAC

CREMORNE THEATRE 5 – 7 November Knock Knock

Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts and QPAC

16 – 18 November Once Were Leaders Wander Productions

CONCERT HALL MAIN FOYER 13 November Lunchtime Live QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 6 November Lunchtime Live QPAC

6, 20 & 27 November Front Yard Music QPAC

A-List Entertainment

Queensland University of Technology

13 December Bright Stars Shone For Us Camerata of St John’s

18 – 19 December Spirit of Christmas QPAC

31 December New Year’s Eve Gala

Queensland Pops Orchestra

PLAYHOUSE 1 – 6 December Ladies in Black

Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC

10 – 23 December The Nutcracker

4 December Clancestry 2015 Conversation 3: Singin’ Up Sovereignty #SovereigntyX QPAC

4 December Clancestry 2015 Black Screen Film Program

QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE PO Box 3567, South Bank, Queensland 4101 T: (07) 3840 7444 W: qpac.com.au

QPAC

5 December Hype Night

Mad Dance House Pty Ltd

12 December Semester 2 Creative Theatre Production 2015 Australian School of Performing Arts, Film and Television

16 – 19 December A Very Kransky Christmas QPAC

MELBOURNE STREET GREEN 5 December Clancestry

Chair Christopher Freeman AM Deputy Chair Rhonda White AO Trust Members Kylie Blucher, Simon Gallaher, Sophie Mitchell, Mick Power AM Executive Staff Chief Executive: John Kotzas

QPAC

Executive Director – Programming: Ross Cunningham

PLAYHOUSE GREEN 4 December Clancestry 2015: Yerabora

Executive Director – Marketing and Communications: Roxanne Hopkins

QPAC

5 December Clancestry 2015: Community Day Concert QPAC

SOUTHBANK PIAZZA 6 December Clancestry 2015: Yawar QPAC

Executive Director – Development: Megan Kair Executive Director – Corporate Services: Kieron Roost Executive Director – Patron Services: Jackie Branch

Queensland Ballet

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

CREMORNE THEATRE 2 December Clancestry 2015 Conversation 1: Intersectionality + Indigeneity: Narratives of Black Australians who are #NotJustBlack

The Queensland Performing Arts Trust is a statutory body of the State of Queensland and is partially funded by the Queensland Government

2 December Clancestry 2015 Black Screen Film Program

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier and Minister for the Arts

QPAC

QPAC

3 December Clancestry 2015 Conversation 2: “The Whole World is Watching” The rise of Black Activism and the role of Black Media #Blaktivism

Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet: David Stewart

QPAC

3 December Clancestry 2015 Black Screen Film Program QPAC

FOLLOW US atQPAC

@QPAC

QPACTV

@ATQPAC

Front cover image: QPAC 30th Celebration. Photographer Emily Clasby

QPAC.COM.AU

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QPAC AT A GLANCE

1243

performances

57%

by

QUEENSLAND COMPANIES

259 seasons

+ featured on Google Cultural Institute

54

REVIEW > 2015

1,108,630

venue utilisation

981,418 ... paid attendance 324,922 ... unpaid attendance

93%

ENCOR

regional audiences

E!

6457 43,900 103,953

29% OUR AUDIENCE 0.5%

Overseas

4.7%

100,000 fans on social media

88%

1,306,340 ... total visitation

Australia

AUDIENCE

SATISFACTION

29.3%

Queensland

65.5%

Brisbane

CE AFTERWORD

QPAC is looking ahead to the next 30 years Over the past three decades QPAC has been a hub for creativity and performance; a Centre that promotes excellence and inspires the next generation of Queenslanders to be artists and arts leaders. What you see on stage is just one aspect of the art at play in QPAC each and every day. There are around 700 staff here who keep QPAC alive and active. From the person who greets you at the door and shows you to your seat, to the people who set lights and dress the performers, to our call centre staff and administrative team, we are here to serve our community and to create a place that buzzes with artistic energy.

Each day at QPAC we are driven to create a world where the performing arts matters to everyone. When you attend a performance at QPAC you are engaging and participating in making art. You are learning, exploring and sharing your experience; being entertained, uplifted, challenged and changed. You are part of a community that values and supports the arts. Like all communities, ours is one that is diverse, changing and complex; a group of people, who like us, knows that art does matter.

This year we celebrated a milestone: our 30th anniversary.

At the same time we have been looking ahead and laying the foundations for what the years ahead may entail. There will be challenges and opportunities on the horizon, and like the art we present every day we hope to face the future in a way that builds meaning for us and connects us to the strong and spirited community in which we reside.

There are many people that we thank for supporting us and collaborating with us to create art in Queensland. I look forward to working with many people in the coming years and ensuring QPAC remains a vibrant, connected and exciting place.

John Kotzas Chief Executive

Photographer Mindi Cooke QPAC.COM.AU

55

A world where the performing arts matter to everyone

In April QPAC was an associate presenter of the inaugural Brisbane Baroque Festival.

Heavenly Handel. Photographer Darren Thomas

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REVIEW > 2015

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