Lakeside Rhythms in the Amphitheatre

Join the UQ School of Music at the Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre to enjoy for an array of live music peformances by the beautiful UQ lakes. Join us for 1, 2 or all the performances! 

• 11–11:25am Saxophone Sojourns: From Classical to Contemporary
• 11:30–11:55am Clarinet Cosmos: Patterns in Blue
• 12:00–12:25pm Flutes in the Wind
• 12:30–12:55pm Beats and Beyond: Exploring Percussion
• 1–1:30pm Fanfares and Flourishes: The St. Lucia Brass

These performances are presented as part of 'Spectrum', The University of Queensland School of Music's annual music festival at UQ St Lucia, and proudly associated with UQ Arts.

Important event information

Entry is general admission and this is an outdoor event. Please register if you plan to attend. We recommend bringing a picnic blanket and some snacks so you can enjoy the music and some refreshments by the beautiful UQ lakes.  

Parking: Casual parking is available at UQ St Lucia. More information about parking at UQ. St Lucia campus is conveniently accessible by bus and ferry. More information about public transport options.

Enquiries: engagement@hass.uq.edu.au

Concert details 

Saxophone Sojourns: From Classical to Contemporary
11am – 11:25am

Join the UQ Saxophone Ensemble for an extraordinary concert experience under the direction of internationally renowned saxophonist Dr Emma Di Marco. This dynamic and innovative modular ensemble unites students from the UQ School of Music, the broader UQ community and exceptional local high school musicians in a vibrant ensemble where emerging talent meets seasoned expertise. The ensemble is celebrated for its adventurous programming and artistic expressivity, consistently pushing the boundaries of the saxophone's capabilities across a rich spectrum of musical styles. This exciting programme demonstrates both technical prowess and musical innovation. Experience Gustav Holst's beloved "Second Suite in F for Military Band" and Mendelssohn's intricate "Octet Op. 20," both specially arranged for saxophones. The performance will also feature Shostakovich's exhilarating "Festive Overture" alongside contemporary works including Rob Buckland's rhythmically vibrant "Mojito" and Andy Ball's evocative "Chimera." Adding further colour to this diverse programme are Astor Piazzolla's passionate "Libertango," reimagined by Dr Di Marco, and Matthew Walton's inventive "Pastiche for Saxophone Ensemble," which playfully fuses multiple musical ideas. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the bold artistry and collaborative spirit that has made the UQ Saxophone Ensemble such an exciting musical collective.

Clarinet Cosmos: Patterns in Blue
11:30am – 11:55am
The University of Queensland School of Music proudly presents a performance by Patterns in Blue – our clarinet ensemble, newly named after John Gilfedder's celebrated clarinet choir masterpiece. We are thrilled to welcome internationally renowned clarinettist, composer and educator Paul Dean to lead the UQ Clarinet Ensemble. With his distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor, Dean brings unparalleled expertise and artistic vision to leading this group. Under his direction, the ensemble will explore a rich tapestry of repertoire that showcases the clarinet's remarkable expressive range and virtuosic capabilities. From classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, including Gilfedder's evocative "Patterns in Blue," audiences can expect performances of outstanding musicality and technical brilliance.

Flutes in the Wind
12 – 12:25pm
Join us for an enchanting afternoon as SignWaves, The University of Queensland's dynamic flute collective, presents “Flutes in the Wind" – a captivating journey through the versatile world of flute music. Under the expert direction of Patrick Nolan, this remarkable ensemble will transform the amphitheatre into a resonant chamber of harmonic exploration. Since their formation in 2020, SignWaves has established a reputation for performances of extraordinary character and textural richness across diverse venues including cathedrals, art galleries, atriums and outdoor settings. This concert showcases an eclectic programme spanning intimate solo pieces to majestic full flute choir arrangements, demonstrating the remarkable range and expressive capabilities of this beloved instrument. The amphitheatre setting provides the perfect acoustic environment to experience the nuanced tones and ethereal qualities that make flute music so captivating.

Beats and Beyond: Exploring Percussion
12:30pm – 12:55pm
The UQ Percussion Ensemble delivers sonically diverse performances that showcase both collective virtuosity and individual talent. Their repertoire features an array of percussion ensemble works alongside engaging solo compositions. At the heart of their approach lies complex rhythmic structures, melodic fluency, exceptional ensemble communication, and instrumental power. Student musicians present works spanning a variety of styles and eras, showcasing their skills on diverse instruments. The ensemble benefits from the expert guidance of David Montgomery, Angus Wilson and Jacob Enoka, with instructors occasionally joining performances, creating valuable opportunities for collaborative music-making that bridges the student-teacher relationship through shared artistic expression. This performance features an exploration of colourful percussion sounds including handheld curiosities and tom toms.

Fanfares and Flourishes: The St. Lucia Brass
1-1:30pm
The University of Queensland School of Music proudly presents the St. Lucia Brass in a showcase of exceptional musicianship and captivating repertoire from UQ's premier brass collective. St. Lucia Brass brings together outstanding musicians from across the university community, creating performances of remarkable technical brilliance and expressive depth. Their diverse programming celebrates the rich heritage of brass music while exploring its contemporary possibilities. Experience the majestic renaissance polyphony of Giovanni Gabrieli alongside the dramatic intensity of Richard Wagner's orchestral masterpieces. The ensemble's performances showcase virtuosic works by Anthony De Lorenzo, the sweeping orchestral textures of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and the bold, modern energy of Dmitri Shostakovich – all reimagined for the distinctive sonorities of brass instruments.