Step Inside the Music 2027

" From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was not going to be a traditional concert. Instead of sitting at a distance from the performers, we were placed right amongst the musicians, close enough to feel every vibration and truly experience the music from inside the ensemble itself. It created such a personal connection to the performances and made the whole day unforgettable." JF

A full day immersive experience featuring three magical performances

If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be part of an orchestra, this is your chance. For a musician, the music swirls around between each instrument, the vibrations course through your body and the joy of harmony comes from within.
It's an extraordinary feeling and we want to share it with you.

Featuring three concerts, all in different seating configurations that give you an immersive, unique experience that has become one of Ensemble Q's most loved events. Attend the whole day, let yourself travel from one concert to another, take a stroll along the beach at lunchtime and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles and treat in the afternoon tea break.

This event is all about you and your enjoyment, so grab a ticket and immerse yourself.

2027 is all about birds and nature

There are many beautiful works written about birds, from Vivaldi and Scarlatti to modern Australian composers. We're exploring many of them and commissioning a very special bird-influenced work by six emerging Queensland composers. Set in the beautiful surrounds of Sandgate Town Hall, you will definitely leave with a smile on your face.

2027 Featured artists

Andrew Haveron, violin*

Anne Horton, violin

Roger Benedict, viola

Trish Dean, cello

Phoebe Russell, bass

Joshua Batty, flute

Huw Jones, oboe

Paul Dean, clarinet

David Mitchell, bassoon

Nick Mooney, horn

with

Rory Smith, cello

Musicians and composers from The University of Queensland

Mini Q

*Concertmaster, Sydney Symphony Orchestra

This event also features a fantastic four-tiered mentorship model that features the highest level musicians in Australia working alongside emerging artists, tertiary students and four particularly talented 14 year old students (Mini Q). Watch the video below to see how well this works and the impact that Step Inside the Music has.

"I left this amazing day of music-making feeling totally refreshed and exhilarated. We were treated to a veritable musical feast, a diverse program of old and new music (including recently composed music and a world premiere) performed by top musicians in their fields alongside young, emerging musicians. It was musical democracy at its best! The program was brilliant: not only did we hear much-loved favourites beautifully performed, we enjoyed a kaleidoscope of new musical works to amuse and entertain, positively confirming that new composition is alive and well. Adding to this richness, we sat in various configurations amongst the performers, up close and personal with the musicians, feeling the dynamic of being at the heart of music-making. It's such a clever idea, making excellent use of Sandgate Town Hall. It was wonderfully executed and a worthwhile use of musicians' talents. Congratulations all around!" Vicki

A sublime program of works including Mozart's Symphony No 40 and Biber Sonata Representiva, directed by Sydney Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster, Andrew Haveron

Presented in orchestral seating format

Fly high with the birds in this fun and feathery program of Respighi, Scarlatti, Ligeti, Berio, Dean and Bonshek.

Presented in the round.

Vivaldi's Goldfinch Concerto is performed by the esteemed flautist Joshua Batty, a new bird-inspired work by six of our most talented young composers, then an all-star cast led by SSO Concertmaster Andrew Haveron in a fantastic festival-concluding performance of Tchaikovsky's magnificent Souvenir de Florence.

Each performance is designed to run for approximately 60 minutes, and start at:

11.30am

Lunch

1.30pm

Wine, bubbles & cake (and stretch your legs)

and 3.30pm

Finish - 4.40pm