When the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) Connect Ensemble performs in Bundaberg this week, Associate Principal Trombone Ashley Carter will not only be playing some of the great classical pieces and the Wagenseil trombone concerto, but he will also be performing to his hometown crowd.

 The talented Bundaberg-born trombonist (pictured) will be joined by 12 of his QSO musician colleagues to perform two concerts, including one alongside the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra. The visit also includes a very special We’re Sharing the Joy performance at the Healing Garden at Bundaberg Hospital for patients and staff.

QSO’s We’re Sharing the Joy is a give-back program where members of the Orchestra perform for Queenslanders who need it or deserve it most. Launched in 2020, the program has extended across the state and has brought the power of music to many. A brass trio, including Carter, will perform at the Healing Garden on Friday 4 November from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will be in Bundaberg this Thursday 3 November at 7.30pm, presenting an evening concert packed with classical favourites from Prokofiev, the king of Russian ballet, to Grieg’s tip-toeing masterpiece In the Hall of the Mountain King. The Ensemble will be joined by the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra in the second half of the concert, performing Sibelius’ stirring Finlandia and other works.

Tickets here: Classical Favourites - Bundaberg - Queensland Symphony Orchestra (qso.com.au)

We’re Sharing the Joy – QSO’s Brass Trio will perform at Bundaberg Hospital on Friday 4 November at 1.30pm

The trio will perform in the Healing Garden for patients and staff. Representatives from Queensland Health, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Queensland Symphony Orchestra will also be in attendance, including the QSO Chief Executive Yarmila Alfonzetti. Media are invited to attend.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood said it was exciting to partner with QSO for the We’re Sharing the Joy program, particularly in Bundaberg.  

“Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Health and Wellbeing program aims to boost the physical, mental and emotional health of Queenslanders through the medicine of music,” Dr Littlewood said. “Music has the power to lower high blood pressure, reduce feelings of stress and enhance our emotional state,” she said. “There’s a growing body of research that talks about the importance of music to our health and wellbeing, which we are so proud to support”.

Photo: Associate Principal Trombone Ashley Carter in Minjerribah