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) in a group.

The orchestral string groups listed here have concerts you can go to and are often looking for players . (See also fiddle groups and worship bands for other playing opportunities)

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 and knew of. Each offers unique musical experiences and opportunities for both audiences and musicians and differing ranges of abiility and commitment.

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 your group is not listed here and has publically listed concerts and/or playing opportunities or information needs correcting contact me Reciprocal links appreciated.

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. Indooroopilly Chamber Orchestra
    • Overview: A chamber ensemble with a long-standing local presence, focusing on smaller classical works.
    • Website: ICO
  6. Early Music society of Qld

EMSQ have a number of groups and workshop events..and instruments for hire https://www.emsq.org.au/

  1. Queensland Medical Orchestra

8. Qld Law Orchestra

9. Qld Korean Orchestra

https://qko.org.au

Brisbane Southside Orchestras Area

  1. Brisbane City Pops Orchestra (BCPO)
    • Location: Often performs at SunPAC in Sunnybank.
    • Website: BCPO
  2. AusOriental Orchestra
  3. Southside Youth Orchestra (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)
  5. Bardon Strings

Brisbane Chamber & Event Ensembles

  • Paradiso Strings – Professional string quartet for weddings/events and candelight concerts in great locations.
    Website: Paradiso Strings

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
    • Overview: Ensemble performing classical works several times annually.
    • Location: St Andrew’s Anglican Church, South Brisbane

Also check in with local churches in your area, many would welcome a strings player for Sunday services.

Fiddler Dan