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Business and arts leader Chris Freeman is to take on the role of Chair of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra from January 2018, combining with internationally acclaimed Music Director Alondra de la Parra and Chief Executive David Pratt.

Looking to reach new performance benchmarks, Queensland Symphony Orchestra is this year celebrating 70 years of music making across Queensland, making it the perfect time for the announcement, which came from the current Chair, Greg Wanchap.

The outgoing Wanchap advised “Queensland Symphony Orchestra is transforming into an orchestra for the 21st century - an orchestra that’s relevant, that connects with all people, across all geographies, cultures, backgrounds and ages.

“It’s important that this transformation maintain momentum and with Chris’s appointment, this is assured.”

With 15 years of highly successful leadership in arts administration, board stewarding and Chair positions, Freeman’s input into leadership of the arts nationally has seen him as the  immediate past Chair of QPAC and the Major Brisbane Festivals as well as past Chapter Chair of the Australian Business Arts Foundation, member of the Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts Panel and past Director of the Brisbane Biennial.

Freeman forged his business reputation as the Chief Executive of the global development company Mirvac in Queensland, and in the last role as Executive Chair (UAE and UK). He is a member of the Urban Futures Board, the State Government Infrastructure Taskforce, is Chair of Translink Transit Authority and Tennis Australia Ltd and is an Adjunct Professor at The University of Queensland.

Passionate about the development and future of Queensland, he is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Institute of Banking and Finance and the Development Institute of Australia. He is also passionate about the future and development of the arts in Australia, with his commitment able to be seen across 30 years of leadership and involvement.

Freeman (pictured) said Queensland Symphony Orchestra was already the talk of concert halls around the world, with conductors, artists and leaders turning their eyes to Brisbane to track innovation in orchestra programming, management, vision and curation of company culture.

He explained “Queensland Symphony Orchestra is the state’s largest performing arts organisation.

“What’s extraordinary is that the company creates and delivers unique musical experiences across this huge state. Highly trained professional musicians - at home in any great concert hall on the planet - travel to all corners of Queensland to connect with Queenslanders, to ensure all Queenslanders can experience the true power of live music.

 “There are not many other orchestras in the world that deliver on taking their music to their people.”

“Not only that, Queensland Symphony Orchestra is cracking stereotypes open. The Orchestra looks to music from both the great composers and from exciting young creators, and tells stories through music.” 

15th August 2017 - AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC BREAKS TOWNSVILLE ATTENDANCE RECORD 

19th July 2017 - SURVEY SHOWS 98% OF AUSTRALIANS ENGAGE WITH THE ARTS

4th July 2017 - QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING 

19th June 2017 - AUSTRALIA’S MAJOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS WELCOME REPORT ON ORCHESTRAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

25th October 2016 - REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN OPERA WARNS AGAINST USE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS FOR ‘COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES’ 

9th December 2014 - MUSIC HEAVYWEIGHTS JOIN QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BOARD 

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