Enlightenment comes to Queensland as Brisbane breathes new life into Baroque blockbuster.

Following on from the dispiriting announcement last year that the acclaimed annual Hobart Baroque festival would not go ahead for a third year, it seems that arts impresario Leo Schofield has pulled off a major fundraising feat enabling the event to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes – only this time in Queensland.

“It was conceived for Hobart of course, but if the powers that be won’t recognise that, what can you do?” Schofield told Limelight over the phone from Tasmania, where ironically he was paying a visit to thank former supporters. The organisers are clearly thrilled that Queensland has recognised the importance and significance of the event. “I have had a five-year association with Brisbane as consultant to QPAC on their ground-breaking International Series,” says Schofield. “The city aspires to be the cultural capital of Australia and in recent years has made huge strides towards that goal. Queenslanders certainly understand the value of cultural tourism which is why a unique festival of early music has such appeal.”

Full details of Brisbane Baroque’s first program won’t be unveiled until next Monday, but they have already announced...