Who Are We?
The Queensland Pops Orchestra celebrated its 30th Anniversary year in 2014. Patrick Pickett is the Director and Conductor of this iconic Queensland Orchestra.
This per service call 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.
Some of the regular players have been with the group since near its inception. Concert Master Glenn Murray took over from Julie-Ann O’Reilly after she had held the position for 23 years. The Orchestra can take on every shape, size and genre, from a String Quartet to a Big Band. The Glenn Miller Tribute Band is also one of its groups.
The Smaller Parts
The Orchestra forms part of a larger company – Australian Musicians and Orchestral Services. Within this company there are three other ensembles that contribute to the whole of company capability. This includes:
- Queensland Festival Philharmonic Orchestra
- Queensland Pops Orchestra
- Queensland Pops Big Band, and
- The Glenn Miller Tribute Band
Its Foundations
The Pops has thrived since its founder the late Colin Harper MBE AM established the orchestra to bring high quality entertainment to a wider part of the community who enjoyed music of the highest quality but that spoke to the popular classics, opera, musical theatre and the many cultural traditions that had established themselves in Australia. These principles continue to evolve as this melting pot of cultural musical experiences bloom on the Queensland horizon.
In 2013 the Pops has re-emerged under its new owner, conductor and music director Patrick Pickett. With training and experience that encompassed a 37 year military musical career, university lecturing, professional conducting, arts management and leadership, philanthropy and public speaking he brings immediate and exciting change to the capabilities of the Pops.
Our Goal
This website will remain current as the new era of the Pops takes flight. Provide us with your comments, recommendations and most of all your encouragement and we move forward and we will continue to respond in a positive way to ensure you are fully engaged in the growth of the company. We hope you can come and hear this wonderful orchestra. You will be moved by the power and passion that drives Patrick’s program design and hear it come to life under his commanding presence. You won’t be disappointed.
He will take you to the depths of your soul and then raise you up to the mountain tops with triumphant finales. You will be entertained and impressed. You may well take the program booklet home in your hands but you will take much more home in your heart.
The Queensland Pops Orchestra – Great Orchestra – Great Entertainment
