Symphony of support for disaster victims

Two Queensland icons will combine this month to stage a special free lunchtime community flood benefit concert.

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra has joined with The University of Queensland to hold the “Healing Harmonies” symphonic concert at the UQ Centre, Union Road, St Lucia during Orientation Week on Friday, February 25 at 1pm.

UQ and the QSO – which were both affected by the floods — hope that the uplifting power of music will benefit the community.

The audience is expected to include flood-affected members of the community, as well as UQ students, staff and alumni.

Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Patrick Pickett CSM said an inspiring program of classics would be performed by Queensland’s premier symphony orchestra, designed to rebuild the hearts and souls of the community following Brisbane’s devastating floods.

ABC identity and versatile guest conductor and narrator Guy Noble, and a celebrity mystery guest will also be part of the concert highlights.

Mr Pickett said it had been shown in Australian research studies that the arts and cultural activities played an important role in community pride and identity, self-esteem, social cohesion and health.

“The thoughts of QSO’s staff and musicians are with those most affected by the floods,” he said.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield thanked the QSO executive, musicians, staff and Mr Noble for generously donating their talent and services.

“Community spirit has been a key to UQ’s rapid flood recovery, and this is a wonderful opportunity to give something back in collaboration with the QSO,” Professor Greenfield said.

“Many students who will join us in Orientation Week have been affected by the floods or Cyclone Yasi. They can be assured that they have the full support of their university and of fantastic partner organisations like the QSO.”

Although the concert is free, donations will be accepted at the event to support the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal and the UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Emergency Student Welfare Fund.

Seats will be limited as this is a free general admission event. People should register online at www.uq.edu.au/rsvp/healingharmonies) and patrons are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Transport to UQ: There will be extremely limited parking available on campus during this event. Brisbane City Council buses operate to the Chancellor's Place bus stop near the J. D. Story Building, St Lucia and the UQ Lakes bus station via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge – visit www.translink.com.au for timetable details.

Media: Rachael Wallis (QSO) (07) 3833 5042 or Jan King (UQ) 0413 601 248.