Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Northern Lights & Southern Stars – NAFA 2025

Image - QSO

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Northern Lights & Southern Stars performance at Townsville Civic Theatre was a standout highlight of this year’s North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) program. Conducted by the esteemed Sam Weller, the concert offered a program that was both sophisticated and widely accessible. The selection of classical favourites, many of which have become embedded in our cultural memory through their use in film, television, and advertising, struck a chord with the audience, evoking nostalgia and familiarity. It was a thoughtful curation that reinforces QSO’s commitment to engaging both seasoned concertgoers and those newer to orchestral music.

Sam Weller - Conductor - Image: QSO

The evening was hosted by the charismatic Ed Le Brocq, who brought a sense of intimacy to the proceedings. His ability to connect with the audience and performers alike helped bridge the gap between the stage and the seats, making the experience feel inclusive and inviting.

The concert opened with My Australia, a stunning composition by Chloe Charody. Inspired by the voices of Australian children, the piece explores themes of reconciliation, inclusivity, and national identity. It was a poignant and powerful beginning, setting a tone of reflection and unity. Charody’s work is not only musically compelling but also socially resonant, capturing the diversity of our nation in a way that felt both contemporary and timeless.

A particularly memorable moment came when senior secondary students from local Townsville schools joined the orchestra for Grieg’s Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt. The piece, instantly recognisable to many in the audience, was performed with enthusiasm and poise. The opportunity for these young musicians to play alongside professionals was clearly a formative experience, and the applause from their supporters was heartfelt and generous.

Baritone Jake Lyle, hailing from Central Queensland, delivered two exquisite arias, one by Mozart and the other by Gounod, demonstrating both technical mastery and expressive range. His performances balanced drama with a touch of playfulness, captivating the audience and particularly delighting younger attendees. A brief Q&A with Le Brocq offered insight into Lyle’s artistic journey, adding a personal dimension to his appearance and deepening the audience’s appreciation of his craft.

Jake Lyle - Baritone Image: QSO

The evening concluded with a stirring encore: Lyle’s rendition of Toreador from Bizet’s Carmen. It was a commanding performance that brought the house to its feet, a fitting finale to a night of exceptional music-making. The orchestra’s string section, in particular, left a lasting impression. Even my son, a saxophonist in his school’s wind symphony, admitted that the strings were the standout element of the evening. Their precision, warmth, and emotive power elevated the entire performance.

Throughout the night, solo performances shone with clarity and passion, each contributing to a rich and varied musical tapestry. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s ability to blend accessibility with artistic excellence was on full display, and the concert will remain etched in memory for years to come.