Italian Gala

Experience the passion, power and drama of Italy as Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) presents the Italian Gala at QPAC’s Concert Hall on Friday, 15 May.

Under the baton of Chief Conductor Maestro Umberto Clerici and joined by QSO Concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto, the orchestra takes audiences on a journey through the heart of Italian music. 

From Rossini’s playful The Barber of Seville to the powerful intensity of Puccini and Verdi, every piece captures the energy and soul of Italy.

The program features Vivaldi’s Triple Concerto for violin, cello and accordion, with Clerici taking a rare solo turn on cello alongside Yoshimoto and returning world-renowned accordionist James Crabb. The second half of the evening explores Italy through a cinematic lens with Astor Piazzolla’s Aconcagua and Nino Rota’s La Strada Suite.

Yoshimoto described performing the Italian Gala as a celebration of heritage Italian music, promising an evening full of excitement for audiences.

Good to know - The Italian Gala is part of QSO’s 2026 Concert Specials, which celebrate iconic music from film and the classical canon, offering audiences a unique and memorable experience that can be enjoyed alongside the Maestro, Morning Masterworks, Music on Sundays or Studio Sessions Series.

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