President’s Christmas Message

Christmas is once again upon us! The time for great food, great company and a new pair of socks has arrived for 2021.

Covid-19 has again impacted upon all of our lives however the Ipswich City Orchestras have delivered a variety of concerts through the Ipswich Region and the Greater Scenic Rim.

We congregate throughout the world at festive events, church services and carols to celebrate the gift of Christ’s birth or simply enjoy the company of friends and family.

We are incredibly fortunate to share with you another curated program of classical and contemporary Christmas music performed by our wonderful musicians.

From all of us here at Ipswich City Orchestras we wish you and your families a very safe and Merry Christmas.

Christopher Trace
LL.B. (Hons) GDLP MBA MQLS
President

Artistic Director – Patrick Burns

It is with great joy and greetings of the season that we present to you our Spirit of Christmas concert.

Whilst the music of Christmas is often a cause for joy and celebration, today’s concert also provides room for pause and reflection. In a year that has been trying and turbulent, especially for the arts community, it is wonderfully fitting that we are able to welcome back Adrian Head, who conducted our Bush Fire Relief concerts at the beginning of the year.

We are also joined by eight wonderful local soloists, along with the musicians of the musicians of the Ipswich City Orchestra as we celebrate some of the quieter and more evocative music of Christmas.

We are also excited to continue our spotlight on Australian composers, as we share with you a selection of music by a composer well known to Ipswich audiences, Sandra Milliken.

Thank you so much for joining us and continuing to support these incredible local artists and may today’s concert herald in a festive season that is truly full of comfort and joy.

Stefanie Smith
Guest Conductor

Stefanie Smith is a Freelance conductor based in Brisbane where she works regularly with Queensland Symphony Orchestra undertaking a broad range of duties, Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra and Brisbane Symphony Orchestra as well as a number of ensembles across the state.

Stefanie has acted as assistant conductor for the Opera Beatrice and Benedict and as a sessional academic at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University where she assists with condcuting duties with the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra and teaches the undergraduate conducting courses.

She is the founder and conductor of the ensemble Consorte Eclettica, which supports emerging local artists in South-East Queensland, premiering and performing chamber orchestra works in collaboration with other art forms.

As a DMA candidate at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Stefanie is researching the careers of emerging Australian conductors.