The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Conductor, Johannes Fritzsch leapt onto the podium with a sweep of the baton, the iconic eight notes from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony electrified the audience under a red-lit hue. He speared at the cellos and swiped at the heads of the first violins to launch the QSO into their momentous 75th year in spectacular style.

Johannes Fritsch conducts the Queensland Symphony Orchestra during the QSO Favourites concert, February 2022. Photo © Peter Wallis.

Beethoven described his Fifth Symphony as “fate knocking at the door,” highlighting the conflicting dynamics of human will over adversity mimicked by the keys of C major tussling with C minor. It seemed fitting as there is an air of renewed optimism amongst the Arts after several years of adversity caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

QSO Co-Concertmasters Warwick Adeney and Natsuko Yoshimoto are looking forward to a bright future through the QSO Connect initiative, using orchestral music to unite and inspire people by visiting classrooms and remote communities. The QSO also highlighted their dedication to encourage First Nation artists with last year’s premiere of didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton’s haunting Apii Thatini Mu Murtu (To sing...