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19-589: Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Simon Hewett since 2020, QYO has 470 members aged from 9 to 24 in three symphony orchestras, two concert bands, two junior string ensembles (as of 2023), a chamber orchestra and a big band. Each group has its own annual program of rehearsals, tutorials, concerts and, in some cases, music camps and tours. The leading orchestra, the Queensland Youth Symphony conducted by Simon Hewett, tours internationally every four years and performs an annual concert series at

38-471: A commitment that continues today. Lisner stepped down as Artistic Director in 1974 and was replaced by Harry Haythorne , who was previously Assistant Director of the Scottish ballet. During his tenure, Haythorne presented works by Australian choreographers including Graeme Murphy , Garth Welch , and Don Asker, and had Hans Brenaa stage La Sylphide and other Bournonville ballets. His contract with

57-645: A new major performing arts centre, in addition to a new location for the Queensland Museum and State Library . It was opened by the Duke of Kent in 1985. Although originally opened as the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, after years of resisting the popular mis-naming of the building, it was officially changed to the “Queensland Performing Arts Centre” and all signage was altered to match. Opening with only 3 stages,

76-410: A wide variety of performance including dance, musicals, theatre, opera, comedy and contemporary and classical music concerts featuring leading Queensland, Australian and international actors, dancers, musicians, artists and companies. In addition, QPAC co-produces and invests in some of Australia's most innovative and successful shows and free outdoor programs. In recent years, QPAC has presented some of

95-660: Is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre and is located on the corner of Melbourne Street and Grey Street in Brisbane 's South Bank precinct. Opened in 1985, it includes the Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Playhouse and Cremorne Theatre. QPAC was designed by local architect Robin Gibson in the mid-1970s, after State Cabinet formally recognised in 1972 the need for a new Queensland Art Gallery and

114-608: Is the immensely popular Cloudland , a tribute to Brisbane's post-war era set in the once famous Cloudland Ballroom . Under his directorship, Queensland Ballet undertook three tours to Europe (2006, 2007, and 2009), to great public and critical acclaim. The company also toured to Singapore in March 2007, Japan in 2009, and China in 2011 to perform Alice in Wonderland and The Little Mermaid . During his tenure, Klaus also established training programs which are now an integral part of

133-537: Is the premier ballet company of Queensland , Australia, and is based in Brisbane . It is one of only three full-time, professional classical ballet companies in Australia. The company has had six previous Artistic Directors, and is currently led by Greg Horsman . In 2023, the company consists of 60 dancers, including 12 Jette Parker Young Artists. Queensland Ballet’s founding Artistic Director, Charles Lisner , trained with Edouard Borovansky and danced with

152-598: The Queensland Performing Arts Centre and The Old Museum. Each October, around 640 musicians audition for QYO before a panel of professional musicians and over 500 musicians are offered positions in orchestras. Performing members of QYO must re-audition for a place each year alongside new applicants. The John Curro National Youth Concerto Competition (NYCC) was established in 1976 by QYO founder John Curro (1932-2019). Open to string players (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) in Australia under

171-744: The Borovansky Australian Ballet prior to traveling to London to continue his dance studies with the Sadlers Wells Ballet School . He later joined The Royal Ballet , Convent Garden. In 1953, Charles returned to Australia to open the Lisner Ballet Academy, which became the Lisner Ballet Company in 1960. The company was re-named Queensland Ballet in 1962 and became one of the first ballet ensembles in Australia to tour regionally,

190-788: The Lyric Theatre, the Concert Hall and the Cremorne Theatre, the Centre was designed with expansion in mind. In 1998 the Playhouse was opened, ending the original extension plans. A fifth and final theatre (seating 1500–1700) was announced in late May 2018 with a budget of $ 125 million. It was under construction as of 2018 . In 2017, QPAC hosted more than 1.3 million visitors to more than 1,200 performances. Each year QPAC hosts over 1,200 performances across its four theatres and outdoor spaces. The centre's versatile venues accommodate

209-748: The QPAC First Nations Program which recognises the significant role First Nations Peoples have contributed and continue to contribute to Queensland’s historical, creative and cultural landscapes. QPAC is the performance home for Queensland's leading performing arts companies – Queensland Ballet , Queensland Theatre Company , Opera Queensland , Queensland Youth Orchestras and Queensland Symphony Orchestra . In addition, QPAC regularly hosts many of Australia's leading performing arts companies including The Australian Ballet , Sydney Dance Company , Australian Chamber Orchestra and Bangarra Dance Theatre . (Under Construction) In May 2018,

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228-554: The Queensland Government and QPAC announced funding had been secured for The New Performing Arts Venue to be located on the Playhouse Green, adjacent to the current complex. The new theatre was projected to be completed by late 2022, and planned to seat a minimum of 1,500 patrons. Groups with programs at QPAC include: Queensland Ballet Queensland Ballet , founded in 1960 by Charles Lisner ,

247-624: The age of 18, the NYCC is the most prestigious competition of its kind in Australia. Up to four Recitalists are selected to perform recitals, and rehearse and perform as members of the Queensland Youth Symphony during Finals Week. Three finalists are selected to perform their concerto with the Queensland Youth Symphony at the Finals Concert each October, from which an overall winner is chosen. Queensland Performing Arts Centre The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (also known as QPAC )

266-487: The company ended in 1978. A former Principal Dancer of Queensland Ballet, Harold Collins was appointed Artistic Director in 1978, and led the company until his retirement in 1997. During that time, he presented memorable productions, among them Jacqui Carroll's Scheherazade and Carmina Burana and Collin's Salome , Carmen and Romeo & Juliet . Following Lisner's vision, Collins continued to commission new Australian works in contemporary and classical styles, and forged

285-448: The company's operations, providing pathways for talented young people who are committed to a career in dance. In 2012, Li Cunxin , acclaimed former dancer and author of the best-selling autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer , was appointed as the new Artistic Director. Having no desire to choreograph himself, Li became the first curatorial director in the company's history. Li has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to growing

304-456: The end of 2023. Rockhampton -born former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet , Leanne Benjamin was appointed Artistic Director in 2024. Queensland Ballet averages six main-stage productions per season, in addition to smaller, more intimate performances and regional tours. They have performed Ben Stevenson OBE’s The Nutcracker annually since 2013. The company regularly performs at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) as well as in

323-493: The enduring relationship between Queensland Ballet and the Queensland Dance School of Excellence. François Klaus was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer of Queensland Ballet in 1988. Over fifteen years, Klaus contributed nearly 100 new ballet works to the company's repertoire, from new productions of classic ballets to works designed especially to appeal to families. Included in his repertoire

342-724: The size and calibre of the company, having programmed adventurous works into their repertoire, incorporated additional international tours, and founding the development of the Queensland Ballet Academy and Thomas Dixon Centre . In August 2015, the company performed Peter Schaufuss ' La Sylphide at the London Coliseum . In November 2018, they embarked on a China tour, performing Liam Scarlett 's A Midsummer Night's Dream to audiences in Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, and Xi'an. Li retired for health reasons at

361-646: The world's leading artists and companies in the QPAC International Series including Paris Opera Ballet in 2020, Bolshoi Ballet in 2019, La Scala Theatre Ballet in 2018, The Royal Ballet in 2017, Bolshoi Ballet in 2013, Hamburg Ballet , Hamburg State Opera and Hamburg Philharmonic in 2012 and American Ballet Theatre in 2014. QPAC produces the Out of the Box Festival for children 8 years and under, and Clancestry program, as part of

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