What’s happening?
Queensland Symphony Orchestra will return to Gladstone in June and July 2026 as part of its regional touring program across Queensland.
The program includes community concerts, student workshops, music education sessions and outdoor performances across regional centres from May to August.
QSO arrives in Gladstone on 15 June for a week of education and engagement activities through the Gladstone Enrichment through Music Initiative, known as GEM.
The visit finishes with the free Gladstone GEM Community in Concert performance on 18 June featuring the 13 piece QSO Connect Ensemble.
Gladstone will also host Symphony Under the Stars on 31 July, led by conductor Tianyi Lu.
The concert program includes works by Copland, Joan Tower, Chausson and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
QSO Chief Executive Officer Michael Sterzinger said the touring program continues to connect regional communities with live orchestral music and education experiences.
Why it matters?
The Gladstone events give Central Queensland residents access to live orchestral performances closer to home.
The concerts and workshops also provide opportunities for local students, teachers and community musicians to work with professional orchestra performers.
Gladstone’s outdoor Symphony Under the Stars event has become a major live music event for families across the region.
Local Impact
Gladstone’s location makes the performances accessible for audiences travelling from Rockhampton and nearby Central Queensland communities.
The GEM Initiative has continued in Gladstone since 2012 through a partnership with Australia Pacific LNG operated by ConocoPhillips.
Local students and community musicians will again take part in workshops and performances alongside QSO musicians during the June visit.
By the numbers
- The 2026 regional touring program marks year three of QSO’s five year touring plan running from 2024 to 2028.
- QSO’s 2025 regional tour attracted more than 8,500 audience members across Queensland communities.
- More than 5,000 school students joined education concerts and workshops during last year’s touring program.
- A total of 31 students performed alongside QSO musicians in hometown performances during 2025.
- Gladstone’s free Symphony Under the Stars event drew around 3,500 people in 2025.
Zoom In
The Gladstone Symphony Under the Stars concert will feature conductor Tianyi Lu leading the orchestra through a program of classical and contemporary works.
The June GEM Community in Concert performance will showcase the 13 piece QSO Connect Ensemble alongside community engagement activities during the week.
Zoom Out
QSO’s 2026 regional tour also includes visits to Charleville, Chinchilla, Roma, Tara and Cairns.
The touring program combines public performances with music education, workshops and professional development activities across regional Queensland.
What To Look For Next?
More details about Gladstone venues, community performances and event schedules are expected closer to the June and July dates.
The return of the regional touring program is also expected to bring another strong turnout from Central Queensland audiences following last year’s events.
