4MBS Festival of Classics

CLICK HERE FOR 2023 EVENTS!

Early bookings now open for major events.

See below for a snapshot of the 2022 4MBS Festival of Classics!

View the full programme here.

Programme Summary (upcoming concerts):

The theme of the 2022 Festival was ‘The Great Romantics’. Its opening concert on 8 May coincided with the 150th anniversary of The Queensland Choir. The Festival of Classics ran from 8 May 2022- 29 May 2022, with performances from The Queensland Choir, Ipswich City String Quartet, Gold Coast Piano Quartet, Alex Raineri, Ensemble Q, John Granger Fisher and much more: including Kids’ Cushion Concerts!

Full 2022 program (including past concerts):

The Queensland Choir presents A Choral Celebration –

4MBS Festival Opening Concert

BRISBANE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
THE QUEENSLAND CHOIR
LEANNE KENNEALLY-WARNOCK, soprano | SHIKARA RINGDAHL, mezzo
VIRGILIO MARINO, tenor | LEON WARNOCK, baritone
Narrated by EUGENE GILFEDDER | Conducted by KEVIN POWER
Queensland’s premier chorus celebrates its 150th anniversary with a light-hearted look
at its past! Hear familiar choral masterpieces and now-forgotten gems by Handel, Haydn,
Mendelssohn, Rossini, Elgar, Grainger, Coleridge-Taylor and others. See historical photos
on the big screen, and enjoy narration of significant events from the Choir’s past with
characterisations of a few of the colourful personalities involved by outstanding actor
EUGENE GILFEDDER.

Programme:                                                              

Handel: Zadok the Priest     

Romberg: ‘The Master’s Hand’ from The Lay of the Bell

Coleridge-Taylor: ‘Opening section’  of  Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast 

Rossini: ‘In sempiterna saecula, Amen’ from Stabat Mater

Elgar: ‘They had no vision amazing’ from The Music Makers

Haydn: ‘The Heavens are telling’ from The Creation

Mendelssohn: ‘Thanks be to God’ from Elijah

Jefferies: National Anthem

Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry

Williamson: ‘A Song of Hope’ from The Dawn is at Hand

Handel: ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Messiah 

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Balcony: Adult $65 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $55 | Children and Students $20
Stalls: Adult $60 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $50 | Children and Students $15

Verdi and Puccini Respond to Wagner – Talk

Join us for an illustrated talk by 4MBS Lecturer in Residence PETER BASSETT.
The ‘Wagner versus Verdi’ debate surfaced in the latter half of the 19th century when rival camps were at
their most vociferous. Young Italian composers were increasingly looking to northern Europe for inspiration, and Giuseppe Verdi was not immune to this trend – although he was reluctant to admit it. Giacomo Puccini, on the other hand, embraced the example and influence of Richard Wagner with enthusiasm. This was a seminal period in the development of opera in some of its most powerful and evocative forms.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $20 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $15

Romantic Piano Quartets- Gold Coast Piano Quartet
*Postponed*

*This event has been postponed until June. Date TBA*

NIGEL BARDSLEY, violin | NICK STEFAN, viola BELINDA MANWARING, cello | SARKA BUDINSKA, piano
FRANZ SCHUBERT Adagio and Rondo in F major, D487
GUSTAV MAHLER Piano Quartet in A minor
JOSEF SUK Piano Quartet in A minor, op. 1
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS Barcarolle op. 108

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $30 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $25

The New Romantics with John Granger Fisher

Internationally acclaimed pianist JOHN GRANGER FISHER will bring to life four new works by Brisbane composers BETTY BEATH, PAUL BONETTI, ELAINE SEETO and ALEXANDER VOLTZ. Inspired by the great Romantic composers, these new works have been commissioned by 4MBS Classic FM. PLUS works by CHOPIN and LISZT.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $25 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $20

Studio Series: Inspired By Night, Enharmonie Chamber Ensemble *Postponed*

TERTIA HOGAN, piano
ALLAN HALL, cello
LEE NORRELL, flute
A program of Nocturnes and other Miniatures from the Romantic Era, featuring works by Chopin, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Borodin and others.
CHOPIN Nocturne Op. 62 No. 2 in E ‘Lento’
SCHUMANN Drei Fantasiestücke Op. 73
MENDELSSOHN Song without Words Op. 109 in D
CHOPIN Nocturne (B. 49) (arr. Mirosaveljev/Ferrari)
Posth, in C sharp min, ‘Lento con gran espressione’
BORODIN Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 in D (arr.)
TCHAIKOVSKY Nocturne from 6 Pieces Op. 19 No. 4 in Dmin ‘Andante Sentimentale’ and works by Field, Goltermann, Mendelssohn and Kuhlau.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $30 |4MBS Sub/Conc $25 | F/T Student $10 / Child FREE

Romance in the Baroque – Arioso Chamber Ensemble

Songs of Love and Joy
JUDIT MOLNÁR, soprano | MARGARET CALEY, baroque violin
DANIEL CURRO, baroque cello | JANET BREWER, harpsichord
The many aspects of love, experienced through glorious Baroque arias from Monteverdi
to Pergolesi, and Handel’s joyful German Arias celebrating the beauty of nature, including
Purcell’s ‘Fairest Isle’ from King Arthur and Cleopatra’s divine aria from Julius Caesar –
‘Piangero la sorte mia’.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $35 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $30 | School Students $15

Opera on the Deck

Enjoy the beauty of the Maleny countryside from the deck of Ruddle’s Retreat before
an enchanting concert of opera’s magic melodies. The stunning scenery will form the
backdrop to our opera performers who will entrance you with renditions of Opera and
concert favourites, accompanied by piano. With sunset in mind, arrive at Ruddle’s Retreat
Maleny to enjoy canapes and a complimentary drink while soaking in the beautiful
surrounds. As twilight falls, take your seat and let the music work its magic, combining
with the night sky and the scenery to evoke an atmosphere like no other. Opera on
the Deck will conclude around 7:30pm, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy a meal
at one of Maleny’s fine restaurants and cafes. Make a weekend of it and book your
accommodation now because this will be a very special experience.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $60 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $55 | School Students $30

Romantic Marathon: Ensemble Q and Friends

Immerse yourself in a day of music from the Romantic era.
Sample individual concerts, or experience the entire journey!

11am – 12pm | CELLO OBSESSION
A celebration of works for cello ensemble, including:
RACHMANINOV Vocalise
WAGNER Feierliches Stück from Lohengrin
SAINT-SAËNS The Swan
FAURÉ Après un rêve
TCHAIKOVSKY Valse Sentimentale

12.30pm – 1.30pm | THE GREAT ROMANCE
CLARA SCHUMANN 3 Romances for Violin and Piano
SCHUMANN Fantasiestucke Op. 12 (selections)
BRAHMS Clarinet Sonata

2.30pm – 3.30pm | AFTERNOON DELIGHT
CHOPIN Nocturnes
GLAZUNOV Reverie Orientale for Clarinet and String Quartet
BORODIN Quartet No 2

4pm – 5pm | GRAND FINALE
ELGAR Serenade for Strings
Chanson de Nuit for Violin and Piano
Chanson de Matin for Clarinet and Piano
TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Per concert: Adult $25 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $20 | F/T Student $10
All day pass: Adult $90 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $75

A Classical Evening With Mirusia

Spend an elegant evening with internationally recognised Brisbane soprano
MIRUSIA, as she performs magnificent arias and songs from the world of classical
music and musical theatre. Discover for yourself why Mirusia was named the
‘Angel of Australia’ by popular Dutch violinist Andre Rieu.
Be charmed by the magical voice of Mirusia
accompanied by pianist SHANE CALDERBANK.

PREMIUM $95
A RESERVE | Adults $85 | 4MBS Sub/Con $80
B RESERVE | Adults $80 | 4MBS Sub/Con $75

The Ring as Theatre of Ideas – Talk

Join us for an illustrated talk by 4MBS Lecturer in
Residence PETER BASSETT. Wagner said The Ring of the Nibelung expresses the spirit of
a free people irrespective of all national boundaries. The Ring occupied Wagner for the
best part of a quarter of a century, and exploring its many insights and perspectives – and
fabulous music – is an inspiring adventure.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $20 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $15

Romance by the book

Chapter 1: The “Meet-Cute”
DONIZETTI Quel guardo il cavaliere…So anch’io la virtu magica from Don Pasquale
LISZT Oh! Quand je dors
Chapter 2: The Fall
DEBUSSY C’est l’extase
GRANADOS The Maiden and the Nightingale
Chapter 3: Trials and Temptations
PUCCINI Quando m’en vo from La boheme
GOUNOD Jewel Song from Faust
Chapter 4: The Breakup
WAGNER/LISZT Liebestod
DEBUSSY Nuit d’etoiles
SCHUMANN Der schwere Abend
Chapter 5: Happily Ever After?
SCHUMANN Widmung
STRAUSS Ich schwebe

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $50 | 4MBS Sub/Conc/FT Student $30

Nordic Romance with Ipswich City Quartet

HELEN CARVOLTH, violin/quartet leader
LAURA THOMPSON, violin
RAQUEL BASTOS, viola 
ALEXANDER MCPHERSON, cello
EDVARD GRIEG String Quartet no.1 in G minor
ALYS RAYNER Luce Quartet
Nordic Folk Tunes
arr. DANISH STRING QUARTET Den Toppede Høne / Tørvedansen
Vigstamoin
Ack Värmeland, du Sköna
Du Fredrik, du Fredrik

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $30 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $25

The Goethe Showdown

The gloves are off again and this year it’s Schubert versus Wolf. These two Romantic Greats go head-to-head in a showdown of Goethe text settings.
Join us for an evening of interest and antics as we compare each composer’s settings of the same
texts by the Romantic giant, Goethe.

Presented by award winning artists:

ANNIKA HINRICHS, soprano,
MORGAN ENGLAND-JONES, soprano and
CATHERINE GUINEVERE LYNAGH, piano.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $30 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $25

4MBS and SunPac Present: The Mighty Grieg Piano Concerto! Howard Ainsworth Memorial Concert with Orchestra Corda Spiritus

ORCHESTRA CORDA SPIRITUS conducted by CHEN YANG
JOHN GRANGER FISHER, piano
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 3 in Eflat major, Op. 97, ‘Rhenish’
GRIEG Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16
Join us in remembering the beloved Howard Ainsworth AM with this
performance of two of Howard’s favourite compositions. Howard was the
‘voice of classical music’ in Queensland for over 50 years, as a presenter
at the ABC and on 4MBS Classic FM.
Romantic era composers Schumann and Grieg were enjoying a happy time in their
lives when they created these popular works. Robert Schumann’s delightfully melodic
Symphony No. 3 was inspired by a peaceful trip he and his wife Clara took to the
Rhineland, in Western Germany. Edvard Grieg was in an idyllic part of Norway when
he wrote his popular Piano Concerto. With its dramatic and iconic opening notes, the
powerful and thrilling work ventures between an array of moods and colours.
Don’t miss experiencing this work with piano soloist JOHN GRANGER
FISHER, an internationally acclaimed pianist who has recently returned
to Brisbane. The 2022 4MBS Orchestra in Residence, ORCHESTRA CORDA
SPIRITUS, will be conducted by CHEN YANG, one of the most highly
regarded musicians in Queensland.

EVENT POSTPONED.
SunPAC Box Office sunpac.net.au or (07) 3323 9650
Tickets – Adults $30 | 4MBS Sub/Con $25 | F/T Student $15

The Romantic Cello

Sue-Ellen Paulsen, Cello and Mark Hooper, Piano

RACHMANINOFF Vocalise
FRANK BRIDGE Sonata for Cello and Piano
ROBERT SCHUMANN Drei Fantasiestücke Op. 73
Renowned for its beautiful expressive tone, the cello is
heard no better than in music of the Romantic era. Hear
one of Australia’s leading cellists, SUE-ELLEN PAULSEN,
recently returned to Queensland after many years as
Principal cello and soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony
Orchestra.
Former students of the Queensland Conservatorium
and studies in London and Vienna, Sue-Ellen and MARK
HOOPER, piano, have teamed up to share their breadth
and wealth of experience and musicality.

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $30 | 4MBS Sub/Conc $25 | F/T Student $15

Inner Worlds: Queensland Youth Symphony

Conductor – Simon Hewett
STRAUSS Also Sprach Zarathustra
STRAUSS Four Last Songs
LEANNE KENNEALLY, soprano
NICOLE MURPHY New Work World Premiere
QTIX 136 246
Adult $43 | 4MBS Sub/Con $36 | F/T Student $17

Kids Classics – Cushion Concerts with Mark Hooper

MR MARK’S CUSHION CONCERTS

Mark Hooper, piano
Featuring Cello with Sue-Ellen Paulsen
4MBS Performance Studio,
384 Old Cleveland Rd, Coorparoo
EVENT 20 | For 5 years old and under
Sun 29 May 9.30am (45 mins)
EVENT 21 | For 6 years old and over
Sun 29 May 2pm (45 mins)
MARK HOOPER (‘Mr Mark’) has been entertaining and educating children since he
was a music student at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Royal College of
Music, London. He has refined and polished the art of introducing children to musical
instruments and music ranging from classical to jazz and ethnic. We are now pleased to
offer an opportunity for children of two age groups to have regular ‘concerts’ with Mr
Mark and selected musicians.
On May 29, there will be concerts for children aged ‘3-5’ and ‘6’ and over.
Children need to be accompanied by an adult and bring cushions to sit on the floor.
The first features the ‘Cello’.
Do you know how many ways you can make music on a cello?? You might be surprised!

or call (07) 3847 1717 weekdays 9-5
Adult $25 | 4MBS Sub/Con $20 | Children $15

Special Radio Events

Tune into 4MBS Classic FM 103.7 for these radio programs
inspired by The Great Romantics!
MUSICIAN OF THE DAY
Featuring five of the Great Romantics
Mon 9 May, 9am-10am JOHANNES BRAHMS
Tue 10 May, 9am-10am CLARA SCHUMANN
Wed 11 May, 9am-10am GIUSEPPE VERDI
Thu 12 May, 9am-10am PIOTR TCHAIKOVSKY
Fri 13 May, 9am-10am RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
CONCERT HALL
Tue 3 May, 2pm-4pm The French Connection | Music from French Romantics:
Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Lalo and Berlioz
Fri 6 May, 2pm-4pm Orchestral works by Brahms, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky
CLASSICS UNLOCKED with Graham Abbott
Sat 7 May, 12noon-1pm An exploration of Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies
THURSDAY NIGHT COMPLETE OPERA
Thu 12 May, 8pm-10pm Smetana’s dramatic Dalibor
CONCERTO
Sat 21 May, 1pm-2pm Concerti by Arensky and Saint-Saëns
INVITATION TO THE DANCE
Sat 21 May, 6pm-6.30pm Music written for the dance by Schubert, Berlioz
and Tchaikovsky
DINNER CLASSICS
Sun 22 May, 6pm-7pm Music for dining by Bizet, Berwald and Liszt
SOIREE
Sun 22 May, 7pm-8pm An evening’s entertainment of music
by Brahms and Robert Schumann
MORNING MUSIC
Tue 24 May, 10am-noon By Brahms, Felix Mendelssohn and Schubert
CLASSICAL FAVOURITES
Sunday 29th, 10am-noon Familiar works by Suppé, Mendelssohn, Rossini, Widor,
Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Weber and Lecocq

Full Programme:

It is an honour to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM Governor of Queensland as Patron of 4MBS Classic FM, ahead of our 29th year of the 4MBS Festival of Classics.

On average, the Festival features 20-30 concerts in  10-15 venues, predominantly in Brisbane but throughout south-east Queensland. The Festival also extends to the airwaves, where we broadcast featured music programs surrounding that year’s theme.

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