It was an entertaining, vibrant night at the ABC Classic live-streamed Symphonic Dances concert, as the Queensland Symphony Orchestra launched its 2027 season.

An interesting pre-concert panel discussion between ABC Classic’s Ed Le Brocq, QSO Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici and Director of Artistic Planning Matthew Wood laid out the QSO’s upcoming 80th year. It is a program of anniversaries, featuring a live-to-screen concert of the iconic Star Wars: A New Hope, marking its 50th anniversary; all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies, 200 years after his death; and music from composer John Adams, who is also celebrating his 80th birthday.

The packed program also features an epic 80th Anniversary Gala concert opening with Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture as a nod to their first concert in 1947.

Umbert Clerici and musicians of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Sam Muller Media

The musicians and Clerici were on top form, bursting into life with Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances. With a flamboyant sweep of the baton reminiscent of Bugs Bunny’s famous Baton Bunny scene, Clerici opened the dramatic Bohemian dance. His shoulders wiggled and hips bounced to the vibrant polka, slowed by a lovely brass interlude, before pouncing at the...