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2020 was a challenging year for all of us, we felt it keenly in aviation and we also heard it from our friends in the arts.
Brisbane Airport continues to be a proud partner to many arts and culture not-for-profits due to the phenomenal cultural development that they bring to our city and the visitors they draw in from all around Australia and the world.
Last year, our arts partners projected their inherent creativity into solving the problem of continuing to bring arts and culture to our community without large audiences gathering together, turning to virtual performances, online cultural education classes and in-real-life performances built for intimate audiences where social distancing could be maintained. The dedication to their cause and connection to their community was inspiring to be a part of during a turbulent year.
As our arts partners announced their 2021 seasons, a beacon of normalcy, fun and hope was lit. Here's cheers to full theatres, teeming galleries, interstate visitors in our audiences and a 2021 of uninterrupted arts and culture events in Brisbane. We'll be in the audience showing our support, will you?
Winter events in Brisbane - June - August 2021
Gallery of Modern Art: European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Now until 17 October 2021
Spanning 500 years, ‘European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’ offers a breath-taking journey from the 1420s and emerging Renaissance to conclude at the height of early twentieth century post-impressionism. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows visitors to experience works by painters such as Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Monet, direct from The Met’s collection – one of the finest collections of European painting in the world, the majority of which rarely leave permanent display in New York.
Queensland Theatre: Prima Facie - by Suzie Miller
Billie Brown Theatre, South Brisbane
14 July - 7 August 2021
A tour de force indictment of the legal system.
One woman stands centre stage: Tessa, a criminal lawyer at the top of her game, who knows the law permits no room for emotion.
To win, you just need to believe in the rules. And Tessa loves to win, even when defending clients accused of sexual assault. Her court-ordained duty trumps her feminism. But when she finds herself on the other side of the bar, Tessa is forced into the shadows of doubt she has so ruthlessly cast over other women.
Turning our courts of law into a different kind of stage, human rights lawyer-turned-playwright Suzie Miller’s taut, rapid-fire and gripping one-woman show exposes the shortcomings of a patriarchal justice system where it’s her word against his.
Opera Queensland: The Marriage of Figaro
Playhouse, QPAC
15 - 31 July 2021
This is the opera that changed the direction of the art form and one of the greatest love stories ever told. From the very first moment, utter chaos unfolds, but at the centre is Susanna, the bride-to-be, coolly and brilliantly navigating the mayhem, ably supported by her future husband.
This production sets the story in a time where what was understood as power is crumbling as a new world emerges. It could be 1786 or is it 2021?
Opera Queensland Studio Series: A Poet’s Love – Shaun Brown, Sarah Crane and Alex Raineri
Opera Queensland Studio, South Bank
6 - 7 August 2021
Join soprano Sarah Crane, baritone Shaun Brown and Alex Raineri for a celebration of poetry and song through two seminal song-cycles.
Gustav Mahler’s transcendent Rückert Lieder cast a uniquely magical spell, transporting the audience to an incorporeal, heavenly plane whilst Schumann’s Dichterliebe embodies more earthly sentiments, a collection of songs that speak of dreams and fairy tales.
Presented in partnership with Brisbane Music Festival, A Poet’s Love embodies the very essence of romanticism.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Breathtaking Tchaikovsky - Passion and Tragedy
Concert Hall, QPAC
6-7 August 2021
Nine days before the great Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky passed away, he premiered his last great symphony – the Symphony No.6.
It is known as the ‘Passionate’ symphony in Russian, or the rather more tragic ‘Pathétique’ in French. The slow, meditative ending of this symphony was unusual for its time, but its emotional power has only grown with the years.
Also featured in this concert is Liszt’s monumental first concerto for piano and orchestra, performed by the formidable Piers Lane. Liszt was one of the geniuses of the piano in the 19th century, but he also knew how to share the stage with an orchestra, so this work is a spectacular showcase for pianist and orchestral musicians alike.
Conducted by QSO Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser Johannes Fritzsch, this will be an unforgettable experience for everyone in the Concert Hall.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Around the World - An Orchestral Globetrot
Concert Hall, QPAC
29 August 2021
One of the fascinating things about orchestral music is how it has taken on different flavours around the world. Irrepressible host and conductor Guy Noble will take your ears around the world in a collection of music from every corner of the globe.
You’ll imagine the icy beauty of Finland as Sibelius’ Finlandia rings in your ears, enjoy a fireworks show with an English monarch and feel the magic of Totoro, one of Japan's most-loved animated characters, and much more!
Queensland Theatre: Trent Dalton’s BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE, adapted for the stage by Tim McGarry
Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
30 August - 18 September 2021
The blockbuster Australian novel comes alive onstage.
Eli Bell’s childhood in the outer Brisbane suburbs is far from the idyllic 1980s haze some kids would remember. His alcoholic dad has shot through, his mum is in jail, his stepfather’s dealing heroin, his brother Gus is a mute who swirls cryptic messages in the air with his finger, and his babysitter Slim is a convicted killer and infamous escapee from Boggo Road Gaol.
Beset by chaos on all sides, it’s a run-in with the local crime king and his henchman that sets the 13 year old with the old soul on a journey to find out what kind of man he is going to be.
Boy Swallows Universe is adapted from the smash hit novel inspired by Brisbane author Trent Dalton’s own childhood. It’s an exhilarating story of magic and madness, of beauty and brutality, of joy and heartbreak, and of the power of love to triumph over the darkest of circumstances.
Spring events in Brisbane - September - November 2021
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
QPAC
2 - 26 September 2021
Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is coming to Brisbane… for the first time EVER… this September!
The 1971 film adaptation starring Gene Wilder, now celebrating it's 50th anniversary, has been much loved by children and families. This new musical production combines Dahl’s bewitching yarn and the magic of the original film score with songs including “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” featured throughout.
Experience the wonders of Willy Wonka's incredible inventions, costumes, sets and more, more, more in this everlasting showstopper!
Season dates: 2 - 19 September 2021. Book your tickets now
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Queensland's Finest - A Trio of Talent
Concert Hall, QPAC
3 & 4 September 2021
This concert is a showcase of three of Queensland’s brightest musicians - featured together for the first time - Dane Lam, Sebastian Lingane and Jayson Gillham.
Conducted by Dane Lam, acclaimed both here and overseas, this performance includes a brand new composition by talented young composer, Sebastian Lingane, who was the winner of QSO’s 2019 Compose Program.
They are joined by Australian pianist Jayson Gillham who won the Montreal International Music Competition in 2014, performing Beethoven’s Fourth Concerto with “absorbing and relentless elegance” (Montreal Gazette).
You can also enjoy Richard Strauss’ tone poem Till Eulenspiegel – a musical tale of a mischief-maker represented with equally mischievous music.
Brisbane Festival
Various locations around Brisbane
3 - 25 September 2021
Step into the sunshine, come together and celebrate this spring at Brisbane Festival.
The Brightly Brisbane program celebrates the city with an awe-inspiring line-up of premiere productions, cutting edge collaborations, commissioned new work, award-winning performances and surprising venues.
From 3 to 25 September across the city – you are going to want to be part of this party!
Explore the Festival at brisbanefestival.com.au
Opera Queensland: Joseph Calleja - The Maltese Tenor
Concert Hall, QPAC
9 September 2021
Joseph Calleja is one of the most exciting lyric tenors in the world today, a superstar at all the world’s greatest opera houses and concert halls.
His extensive discography includes a thrilling Verdi album and a hugely popular tribute to Mario Lanza, whilst his performance of Puccini’s famous “Nessun dorma” at The Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall was nothing short of electrifying.
In this, his eagerly anticipated debut Australian tour, the Maltese born singer will be joined by two of Australia’s best loved artists, soprano Amelia Farrugia, who is also of Maltese heritage, and internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane, in an unforgettable performance.
Presented by Andrew McKinnon in association with Opera Queensland.
Opera Queensland: Jess Hitchcock - Songs That Made Me
The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
12 September 2021
Singer-songwriter, Jess Hitchcock performs a collection of songs that explore and celebrate her impressive rise to fame.
Jess performed with Kate Miller-Heidke at the 2019 Eurovision song contest in Israel and in the same year collaborated with Paul Kelly on his Making Gravy tour, leading to the release of their track, ‘Everyday My Mother’s Voice’.
From her roots as a jazz singer, Jess takes us on a journey exploring musical theatre and opera, country and folk, jazz and pop. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the rising stars of the Australian music scene.
Presented in partnership with Brisbane Festival.
Queensland Ballet: Peter and the Wolf
Thomas Dixon Center
14 - 21 September 2021
Giggle and gasp as Queensland Ballet performs Peter and the Wolf in a world premiere. Children of all ages, parents and grandparents, can share in the musical wonder as orchestral instruments accompany the dancers in the reimagined telling of a favourite tale. There will be squeals of delight as young dancers in colourful, creative costumes tell the story of a courageous boy, a lovable grandpa, a rascally wolf, an unlucky duck and a graceful bird.
Opera Queensland Studio Series: Eastern Promises – Alexandra Flood and Alex Raineri
Opera Queensland Studio, South Bank
17 - 18 September 2021
After their sold-out performance with Opera Queensland in 2019, Australian duo Alexandra Flood and Alex Raineri return for an evening exploring the influence of middle and far eastern melody on the western classical music tradition.
On this journey they uncover how different composers have approached the female voice and framed female identity. A rich and detailed celebration of the feminine and the virtuosity of the female voice, featuring music by Debussy, Ravel, Szymanovski, Rachmaninoff, Glanville-Hicks and several others.
Opera Queensland: The Frog Prince
Opera Queensland Studio, South Bank
22 - 25 September 2021
The Frog Prince leaps into the 21st century with this new production by Opera Queensland and Brisbane’s shake & stir theatre co.
In this classic Grimm tale, a spoiled princess encounters a sassy frog and an unlikely friendship blossoms.
The stakes are heightened as the loyalty of the selfish princess is tested and the frog is magically transformed into a punkish prince. They embark on a fantastical and uplifting journey as they learn about acceptance and the importance of friendship.
Suitable for ages 12 and under.
Opera Queensland: La bohème
Opera Queensland Studio, South Bank
24 - 25 September 2021
Opera Queensland and shake & stir theatre co. present La bohème
This contemporary reimagining of Puccini’s masterpiece, designed for audiences aged 13+, explores how young people cope with the uncertainty and pressures of today’s world. Follow a group of misfit friends as they learn to survive, fall in love, find their voices and face adversity in a social media driven world.
Suitable for ages 13 +.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven and Sibelius - Musical Masterpieces
Concert Hall, QPAC
1 & 2 October 2021
“Classic” adj. - judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
The reason classical music remains so powerful to this day is because great composers often poured the emotions and experiences of their own life into their music. The resulting works of great beauty and passion still impact us years on. Australian violinist Grace Clifford will transport you into the world of Jean Sibelius with his finger-busting and evocative Violin Concerto.
This will be followed by the one and only ‘Beethoven 7’, a piece with such infectious rhythms and powerful emotions that you only need to hear it once to be swept away by it. This is a must-see concert in our 2021 season.
Queensland Ballet: Bespoke
Thomas Dixon Centre
8 - 23 October 2021
For lovers of contemporary dance, Queensland Ballet presents their annual season of Bespoke. Be immersed in this high-powered dance experience as dancers are pushed to their boundaries, stretching the imagination and introducing audiences to a new way of thinking about movement and storytelling. Brought to the stage by established choreographers and upcoming dance creators, Bespoke is innovative, edgy and captivating.
Queensland Theatre: Return to the Dirt - by Steve Pirie
Billie Brown Theatre, South Brisbane
16 October - 6 November 2021
In a year spent tending to the dead, a young man learns to live.
Steve never imagined he’d end up working in the funeral industry. But when he finds himself living back home in Toowoomba to save up for his wedding, it’s the only job he can get.
The year he spends working among the dead opens his eyes to what awaits us at the end and what it means to live.
With respect, wit and a nod to pop-culture, Steve takes us on a journey that celebrates finding your place in the world, the power of personal redemption and humility in the face of the big questions.
It’s a refreshing, honest and surprisingly uplifting invitation to start the conversations we all try to avoid.
Winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2020–21.
Opera Queensland: Aida
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
3 - 19 November 2021
Opulent costumes and sensational visual effects reveal the glorious splendour of Egypt as it’s never been seen before.
A country is ravaged by armed conflict is on the verge of collapse. Aida, a young prisoner of war in love with Radames, the General of the opposing army, finds herself torn between warring parties. We watch as they attempt to fulfil their desire in a world that refuses to allow it.
This Opera Queensland and Opera Australia co-production comprises a stellar cast, including acclaimed soprano Natalie Aroyan in the title role, powerful tenor Diego Torre as Radames and internationally renowned mezzo Elena Gabouri as Amneris.
Queensland Theatre: ROBYN ARCHER: AN AUSTRALIAN SONGBOOK, devised and performed by Robyn Archer
Billie Brown Theatre, South Brisbane
20 November - 4 December 2021
Australia as you’ve never heard it before.
Robyn Archer — Australian legend, industry pioneer and provocateur — has delighted audiences around the world with her powerhouse shows. Singing songs from the underground cabarets of the Weimar Republic, the salons of 19th century France and the folk clubs and Broadway stages of New York City, Robyn has conjured the works of Bertolt Brecht, Edith Piaf, Woody Guthrie and countless others. Now, she’s coming home.
Robyn’s wealth of musical knowledge is distilled into a fearless, political and personal celebration of the way song has shaped Australian identity. It’s a melodic road trip through more than 150 years of ‘other’ Australian song, as Robyn explores the music of her upbringing and the countless rhythms and voices that are woven into the unique sonic fabric of this country.
A trio of Australia’s finest musical artists join Robyn to transform the Bille Brown Theatre into a cabaret stage: piano accordion virtuoso George Butrumlis, actor and multi-instrumentalist Cameron Goodall of The Audreys on guitar, and composer Enio Pozzebon on keyboards.
Queensland Ballet: Dracula
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
26 November - 4 December 2021
It’s love at first bite. Dracula, the unearthly, seductive performance of Bram Stoker’s dark love story is presented by Queensland Ballet in co-production with West Australian Ballet. This neo-classical ballet is spellbinding and will take you on a journey across centuries into a dark world where true love never dies. After a sell-out season in Western Australia, captivating audiences with evocative set design and a modern interpretation, this enthralling tale comes to life on the Queensland stage.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Song to Symphony - Inspirational Folk Melodies
Concert Hall, QPAC
28 November 2021
Even though music for orchestra can sometimes be perceived as complex and elaborate, some of the greatest compositions drew on simple tunes of the day.
The final Music on Sundays concert for the year features a program of music inspired by folk songs. You’ll hear Brahms’ famous Academic Festival Overture, a joyous medley of drinking songs arranged for orchestra, Copland’s superb rendering of the tune 'Simple Gifts' in his Appalachian Spring, and Dvořák’s lyrical Silent Wood which started life as a piano piece.
In this concert, Dvořák’s music will be presented in a gorgeous arrangement for cello and orchestra, featuring QSO cellist Hyung Suk Bae.
Summer events in Brisbane - December 2021 - February 2022
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Four Last Songs - Season Closing Gala
Concert Hall, QPAC
3 & 4 December 2021
Music is uniquely placed to provide comfort and solace when other things cannot, and the final music composed by Richard Strauss is a breathtaking example.
At the age of 84, shortly before he passed away, he took four poems and set them to music. These songs for soprano and orchestra went on to become known as Strauss’ Four Last Songs, and to hear them live in concert is a moving and powerful experience. Performed by Australian soprano Emma Pearson, there is no better way we could finish off our concert year.
The concert also features one of Debussy’s great masterpieces, La Mer, an invocation of the sea so strong, you can almost smell the salt and hear the waves.
Queensland Ballet: The Nutcracker
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
16 - 23 December 2021
Be captivated by a magical Christmas Eve story, featuring a dance by the Sugar Plum fairy and a Waltz of the Flowers in the Land of Sweets. Share the festive tradition with family and friends as Queensland Ballet brings the lovable characters of The Nutcrackerto life. With all the elements of a buoyant Christmas Eve party; a family, a surprise magician with presents, toys, a young girl and a Prince, The Nutcracker has been delighting Brisbane audiences for eight seasons.
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