Queensland Pops Orchestra

Celebrating 40 years in the Brisbane music scene.

This “pops” orchestra plays popular classics and new arrangements of old favorites.

This iconic professional freelance orchestra produces quality entertainment, with singers, dancers and virtuoso musicians so each concert is a delight to the senses.

Welcome to the Queensland Pops Orchestra website!

Our orchestra employs the finest freelance musicians in Queensland to provide the widest stylistic and genre capabilities. These are outstanding musicians that play such a significant role within the wider music community of Queensland in both the established ensemble and emerging groups.

Patrick Pickett Conducts the 40th Anniversary NYE concerts

Borealis String Quartet

Pipe Major Bruce Grice

William Bourchier

Nina Korbe

See What People Had To Say

Chris Patrick

The older we get, the less surprised we are at what life is willing to throw to us; and when we least expect it, an opportunity to enjoy – and relive something that has been part of Brisbane’s musical landscape for forty marvellous years – comes out of the blue. Yes!!! It’s on for young and old: the triumphant return of the Queensland Pops Orchestra, on stage at the Concert Hall QPAC, for Brisbane’s jewel in the crown: a special NYE 2024 40^th Anniversary appearance by one of Brisbane’s most beloved musical institutions.

As the old saying goes, you can’t keep a great conductor and entertainer – in this case, the QPO’s Chief Conductor, Patrick Pickett CSM – down. Patrick is intensely proud of the Pops Orchestra’s 40-year legacy of thrilling generations of Brisbane concert goers, and he promises a night of nights not to be missed.

L Pearsall:

“I always enjoy live orchestras and it was certainly a large one at the last performance. I even appreciate opera when the singers have such lovely voices as those who sing with Qld Pops. I think Debra O’Toole is a lovely, versatile singer. I also enjoyed the Beatles medley at the end. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the Beatles music as much as I did. I was always an Elvis fan in my youth and still enjoy his voice. I’ve always liked swing and the dancers were a nice addition too.

Am looking forward to A Celtic Gathering. I haven’t been to any of the Qld Pops Celtic performances in the last few years although I’ve been to most of the others. I’m always sorry when the Qld Pops concerts end but return home with a smile and it stays with me at least until I go to work on Monday!”

Michael Pinnock:

“My wife and I have been enjoying the Qld Pops Orchestra since its formation. We recall many highlights. But on Saturday we feasted on what we both agreed was probably the finest concert we have ever seen in Brisbane, beating even the superlative Main Event (Warlow/Farnham) in 1998.

Cherin Lee’s playing is so exceptional (let alone at 15!) it will remain in our minds a Master Class never to be excelled; Silvie Paladino and Jason Barry-Smith showed they are the best voices in Australia, and your orchestra is at a peak. Where do you go next when you have climbed the musical Everest?

Congratulations and thank you. We haven’t stopped talking about this presentation since. Wonderful music; an experience to savour for years to come.”

Become A Friend of The Pops

Since 1983 the Friends of the Pops has been a vital part of the Queensland Pops Orchestra. Being a member of this unique group of music and fun loving people provides benefits to both the members and the Orchestra.

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