Experience exceptional classical music with the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, bringing together talented musicians since 2011 for captivating performances across Queensland and New South Wales.
French Connection
From the beloved Intermezzo of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana to the soulful elegance of Mikhail Glinka’s Drei russische Lieder, the program traces a fascinating thread between Russian and French musical worlds. Charles Gounod’s timeless Ave Maria (after Johann Sebastian Bach) offers a moment of serene reflection before the shimmering colours of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Fantaisie for violin and harp.
A highlight of the program is the virtuosic and expressive Duo by Maurice Ravel, a work shaped by the very Russian influences that inspired him. The concert closes with the exquisite Cantique by Nadia Boulanger, bringing a luminous, intimate conclusion.
Performed by three outstanding artists—Emily Granger (harp), Margaret Blades (violin), and Karol Kowalik (cello)—this program celebrates not only beautiful repertoire but the artistic connections that transcend borders and generations.
Concert: Sunday, 5 July 2026 - 4 PM
German Giants
German Giant explores the richness and drama of the German-Austrian tradition through three towering masterpieces. The program opens with Mozart’s Oboe Quartet, featuring Nicholas Donnelly with Alison Fletcher, Nigel Bardsley, and Katherine Hopkins in a display of elegant, lyrical brilliance. This is followed by Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 2, performed by Ayesha Gough, Hugh Won, and Katherine Hopkins, a work of striking intensity and fiery passion. The afternoon culminates in Brahms’s monumental Piano Quintet, uniting the full ensemble for a finale of symphonic depth and sweeping emotional scale. Together, these works highlight the extraordinary beauty of chamber music at its most intimate and grand.
Concert: Saturday, 30 May 2026 - 4 PM
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Testimonials
“Take to Ito’s five day residency with the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra was a truly exciting and enriching experience! It is unusual to have a meaningful collaboration between Japanese and Western instruments due to the considerable differences in their traditions. The Orchestra’s special chemistry, along with their spirit for adventure however, allowed for a real synthesis between East and West - the shakuhachi, koto and many strings of the Orchestra shining brighter than ever on stage at Bond University. Thanks to all for a spectacular musical exchange at Gold Coast - we can’t wait to be back again!”
— Také to Ito
Curtis Patterson/koto & Bruce Huebner/shakuhachi
“Japanese Story was a strikingly successful program, built around a rare cross-cultural collaboration. Bringing together Western strings with the traditional Japanese koto and shakuhachi, the performance created an innovative sound world. The ethereal lines of the shakuhachi and the delicate resonance of the koto blended seamlessly with the chamber orchestra. The fusion of Eastern and Western traditions highlighted the orchestra’s commitment to innovative programming.
The responsiveness between all the performers was coupled with a genuine sense of shared artistic purpose. The visiting Japanese musicians clearly relished their time on the Gold Coast and their rapport with the orchestra. It was my pleasure to participate and share my love of Japanese music with the local community and I will treasure the experience forever.”
— Jeanette Ohmae
“Directing the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra was an absolute delight. Having conducted orchestras all over the world, I can say that this group stands among the very finest. Their innate musicality, generosity of spirit, and sheer enthusiasm made every moment in the rehearsal room and on stage deeply rewarding.
Led by their outstanding concertmaster, Margaret Blades, the orchestra plays with an energy that is truly infectious. What struck me most was their remarkable responsiveness—the speed, sensitivity, and openness with which they embraced and adapted to my interpretation was nothing short of exhilarating.
There is a real sense of artistry here: warmth of sound, elegance of phrasing, and a genuine flair that brings the music vividly to life. Just as importantly, they are a pleasure to collaborate with— engaged and wholeheartedly committed.
I very much hope to return to work with this remarkable ensemble again. They are, quite simply, a jewel of the Gold Coast.”
— Richard Davis
“Founder Anna Stoddart had every reason to smile last night at Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra’s sellout concert. Karol Kowalik on cello, harpist Remi Hirayama, lead Margaret Louise Blades, dancers from Danielle's Studio of Dance and Vox Bond (the University’s staff/student choir) all contributed to a memorable evening - including bongo drum for good measure! Good on Bond University for supporting. It’s ensembles like this that we must ensure benefit from the 2032 Cultural Olympiad.”
— Ian Walker
“The Title of the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra’s stunning performance “Vivaldi Madness” did not foreshadow what the orchestra delivered: The GCCO took us on a journey deep into the Baroque epoch with Vivaldi’s Concerto Ripieno and the Mandolin Concerto in C Major with soloist Joel Wood. Even the suboptimal acoustics of the beautiful Abedian School of Architecture could not dim the brilliance of the scores and the musicians who delivered an absolute treat. Before we could get too comfortable, we were transported from the Baroque to the dance floors of Buenos Aires, seconds later deep in Russia, and then back to the Baroque, due to Leonid Desyatnikov’s magical arrangement of Astor Piazzolla’s Estaciones Portenas. Besides the many exciting and unusual uses of the chamber orchestra’s instruments, Magaret Blades’ incredible Violin directed the journey. Joined by the Vox BOND choir, the evening concluded with Vivaldi’s Gloria RV 589 that masterly was blended into Bill Wither’s “Lean on me” and left us all wondering what next the GCCO will offer us.”
— Dr Jens Tampe
“Bringing poetry to life through music is always an emotional journey. I’m honoured to premiere these beautiful works with the talented musicians of GCCO and celebrate the universality of song.”
— Gaynor Morgan
