Brisbane Orchestras for Strings

I’m continually amazed that almost every other week I find out about another string group in Brisbane. Ranging from professional, semi-professional, keen amateur there truly is something for everyone if they are looking to play the classics (or something more modern) as a group.

Brisbane Orchestras : The famed QYO at work

Here is a curated list of orchestras in the Brisbane area, Logan Redlands and West I could uncover doing some searches. Each offers unique musical experiences and opportunities for both audiences and musicians.

If you are looking for someone to play at your event many of these groups are performance orientated and looking for performance opportunities.

NOTE: If you group is not listed here or informaytion needs correcting contact me

Brisbanes Professional & Youth Orchestras

  1. Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO)
    • Overview: Queensland’s state orchestra, renowned for its diverse programming, including classical masterpieces, film scores, and educational outreach.
    • Website: Queensland Symphony Orchestra
    • Professional Orchestra – very few opening
  2. Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra
    • Overview: A prominent string ensemble based in Brisbane, established in 1987 by string educator Elizabeth Morgan AM. Became professional in 2005. Performs without a conductor, emphasizing collaboration.
    • Performance Style: Conductor-less, chamber-style collaboration.
    • Repertoire: Classical to contemporary, with cross-artform collaborations.
    • Community Engagement: Regional tours, workshops, and educational projects.
    • Tends to be for developing professional players with a few senior players.
    • Website: Camerata
  3. Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO)
    • Overview: A premier youth orchestra program with eight ensembles and over 500 musicians.
    • Website: Queensland Youth Orchestra
    • Audition only. Includes junior strings ensemble for developing players.

Brisbanes Community Orchestras

  1. Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO)
  2. Brisbane Symphony Orchestra (BSO)
  3. Brisbane City Pops Orchestra (BCPO)
    • Overview: Performing for over 50 years, BCPO offers classical, light opera, and jazz repertoire. Regular shows at the Schonell Theatre.
    • Website: BCPO
  4. Brisbane Concert Orchestra (BCO)
    • Overview: Queensland’s longest-running community orchestra with lively, accessible performances.
    • Website: BCO
  5. Amadeus Orchestra Brisbane
    • Overview: A small ensemble known for expressive classical and contemporary performances.
    • Website: Amadeus Orchestra
  6. Indooroopilly Chamber Orchestra
    • Overview: A chamber ensemble with a long-standing local presence, focusing on smaller classical works.
    • Website: ICO
  7. Queensland Medical Orchestra

Brisbane Southside Orchestras Area

  1. Brisbane City Pops Orchestra (BCPO)
    • Location: Often performs at SunPAC in Sunnybank.
    • Website: BCPO
  2. AusOriental Orchestra
    • Overview: Dedicated to Chinese musical traditions. Regular performances at Sunnybank Plaza.
    • Info: Experience Sunnybank
  3. Southside Youth Orchestra (SSYO)
    • Location: 2770 Logan Rd, Sunnybank, QLD 4109.
    • Contact: 0468 756 998
    • Website: SSYO

Logan Southside Orchestras

  1. Logan City Symphony Orchestra (LCSO)
    • Overview: Logan’s flagship orchestra. Debuted with “A New World of Music for Logan.”
    • Website: Logan City Orchestras
  2. Logan City Orchestras (LCO)
    • Overview: A growing umbrella group supporting multiple ensembles in Logan.
    • Website: LCO

Redlands & Moreton Bay Orchestras

  1. Redland Sinfonia
    • Overview: Community orchestra in Redland City with diverse repertoire.
    • Website: Redland Sinfonia
  2. Moreton Bay Symphony Orchestra (MBSO)
    • Overview: Based in Clontarf, performing classical and modern repertoire.
    • Website: MBSO
  3. Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra (BRYO)
    • Overview: Youth ensembles including Scherzo Strings and Vivace Chamber.
    • Website: BRYO
  4. Western Suburbs String Orchestra (WSSO)
    • Overview: For primary-aged string students.
    • Website: WSSO
  5. Bardon Strings
    • Overview: Ensemble for adult beginner to intermediate string players. Rehearses at Lavalla Centre, Paddington.
    • Website: Bardon Strings
  6. Orchestra Concertino

Brisbane Chamber & Event Ensembles

  • Ensemble Cherubim – Focuses on chamber music development.
    Website: Ensemble Cherubim
  • Paradiso Strings – Professional string quartet for weddings/events.
    Website: Paradiso Strings
  • Pianta Strings – Event and recording-focused ensemble.
    Website: Pianta Strings
  • Martini Strings – String ensemble active in Brisbane for 25+ years.
    Website: Martini Strings
  • Quartz Quartet – Versatile event quartet established in 2013.
    Website: Quartz Quartet

Brisbane Church and Faith-Based & Community Ensembles

  • St Andrew’s Community Orchestra
    • Location: St Andrew’s Anglican Church, South Brisbane.
    • Contact: Graeme Cliffe – 0418 607 765, Lesley Richardson – 0417 721 008
  • Orchestra Corda Spiritus
    • Overview: Professional ensemble performing classical works several times annually.
    • Location: St Andrew’s Anglican Church, South Brisbane
  • Australian Christian Orchestra (ACO)
    • Overview: Christian ecumenical orchestra with national reach.
    • Website: ACO
  • Brisbane City Temple Band
    • Overview: Salvation Army band active since 1885.
    • Location: Brisbane City Temple Corps

Fiddler Dan