Review – Beethoven on 19th August 2017

No need for any fancy title for this concert. Three solid pieces by one of the best known classical composers could be announced simply by his name. What a feast it was for Beethoven lovers. The BRO just seems to keep getting better. The works in this concert are very demanding in both technical skill and stamina and the ... More

Review – AFCM Queens Garden Concert on 30th July 2017

Keeping up a Tradition - Australian Festival of Chamber Music Queens Gardens Concert Does a concert in Queens Garden's each year for three years constitute a tradition? Let's hope so because we were treated to another high quality, varied and enjoyable concert organised by the AFCM this year at the end of July.  The ... More

Review – Bohemian Classics on 12th March 2017

The early start to this concert saw many true followers of the Barrier Reef Orchestra prepare for a night of musical delights by wining and dining at the theatre. A diverse crowd of parents and player relatives, along with regular and new music lovers, confirmed the Bohemian Classics as one of the BRO’s largest audienc... More

Review – BRO goes to the Opera on 22nd October 2016

REVIEW - Barrier Reef Orchestra Goes to the Opera In keeping with the title of the recital there was the sprinkling of bling and suits on show in the foyer and bar at the Civic Theatre prior to the orchestra’s last concert for 2016.  The audience numbered almost 500, including a good turnout of children for an ... More

Review – T150 Concert on 2nd April 2016

Those among us in the capacity audience in the Civic theatre to celebrate Townsville’s 150th anniversary had a real treat of a birthday present. The Variety concert would have had about 97% Townsville connected content and showcased what talent is in Townsville. Ex Kirwan boy Kurt Phelan was a charming host and made ... More

Review – Dreams and Dances on 8th March 2016

Dance and music go together like a, ahem, horse and carriage or in 2016 a iPhone and thumb! But unlike the old song you certainly can have one without the other and the Barrier Reef Orchestra’s first concert for the year Dreams and Dances definitely proved that. The first half of the program featured dance music in its ... More

Review – A Musical Feast on 7th November 2015

A musical feast was somewhat of a fabulous dinner dance with four lively dances of the Slavonic and Hungarian kind included. The opening Slavonic Dances Numbers 1 and 8 by Anton Dvorak were an indication of the feast to follow.  The rhythm and exuberance was conveyed so well we didn’t need to actually see the ... More

Review – World Music Concert on 5th September 2015

The World Music Concert was a breath of fresh air to Townsville music lovers who had just about reached classical music saturation following AFCM. Andrew Ryder poured his expertise and enthusiasm into this opportunity provided through Townsville City Council sponsorship. Andrew developed the concept for the concert; ... More

Review – AFCM 25th Anniversary Concert on 2nd August 2015

A very pleasant Sunday afternoon in Queens Gardens was attended by approximately three and half thousand satisfied music lovers. This free concert organised to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the AFCM was also a fitting opportunity for BRO to celebrate its 15th Anniversary with it’s first ever outdoor public performa... More

Review: Magic of Mendelssohn on 22nd June 2008

by Dr David Salisbury Overture to a Midsummers Night's Dream (Op. 21) From the opening choral like statement of the woodwinds to the very light and energetic answer of the violins the tone of the overture was one of suspense and anticipation of what was to come.  Conducted by John Hopkins OBE founding ... More