Griffith University hit the road with its music, visual arts and film programs, performing an epic concert and running a series of school workshops in Longreach.
Musicians from the Queensland Conservatorium (QCGU) performed a live accompaniment to the Luminescent Longreach show at the QANTAS Founders Museum.
The concert also featured a selection of movie music and Broadway hits, accompanied by animations and short films from Griffith Film School (GFS) students and alumni.
QCGU orchestral and musical theatre students performed alongside members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) while internationally acclaimed artist and Queensland College of Art (QCA) lecturer Justene Williams worked with performers from the Longreach School of Dance to perform her live work, A Metal Cry.
Bachelor of Musical Theatre student Tiffany Payne said a highlight was the concert at the QANTAS Founders Museum – an event that drew hundreds of locals from around the region.
“Working side by side with the QSO and musicians from Longreach was such a fulfilling experience,” she said.
“It reminded me of the importance of music and how it helps us connect.”
“I had so many people come up to me around town and share their personal experiences with the music – it made me feel really grateful.
“We worked with so many students who are passionate about creating music and art but haven’t had the opportunity to see professional performers and artists in action.
“I hope we were able to inspire them.”
QCA, QCGU and GFS ran three days of workshops for high school students from schools in the region.
QCGU Deputy Director Associate Professor Peter Morris said the regional arts event was designed to inspire the next generation of musicians, artists and filmmakers.
“To sit in on the workshops and see the rush that they got was amazing.”
“Some of these kids had only ever played music by themselves. The exhilaration of being on stage with 20 or 30 people all locking in and playing the same thing, is a powerful experience.”
Longreach State High School art teacher Thea du Plessis said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her students.
“Exposure to experiences like these are vital, because our students don’t always get an opportunity to express themselves artistically,” she said.
“The results were incredible.”
