QPAC

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

Buy Tickets

$49 - $131 *

* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.

2 hours

including interval, subject to change without notice

Explore new musical frontiers as you take a deep dive into the thrilling soundworld of the theremin, the world’s first electronic instrument

The theremin is utterly unique. It’s a sound you’ve definitely heard, even if you've never heard of it. Following the success of our sold-out tour of A Clockwork Orange & Beyond comes this series showcasing the range and power of the world’s first electronic instrument.

Richard Tognetti directs an eclectic program starring Carolina Eyck, the internationally renowned superstar of the theremin. When Eyck plays, she stands poised, hands aloft, making intricate moves but touching nothing. Out pours a melody that speaks of other worlds. It looks, and sounds, like magic.

The theremin can create a thousand different colours and moods. Come with us as we experience them all: serenity and beauty, longing and danger, mystery and wonder. From the swinging sounds of The Beach Boys and the unmistakable Star Trek theme, to a new commission from Australian composer Holly Harrison, and closing with the riotous thrumming of the Flight of the Bumblebee, this is a concert full of fun that will take you to other worlds.

This event is part of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 Season. View the full program here.

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach Orchestral Suite No.3 in D major, BWV1068: II. Air
Holly Harrison New work (World Premiere) ^
Jacques Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld: Can-can
Camille Saint-Saëns The Carnival of the Animals: Selections; Danse macabre, Op.40
Brett Dean Short Stories: IV. Komarov’s Last Words^
Mikhail Glinka A Farewell to St Petersburg: X. The Lark
Erwin Schulhoff Five Pieces for String Quartet
Jörg Widmann 180 beats per minute (Australian Premiere)
Carolina Eyck Fantasias: Oakunar Lynntuja (Strange Birds) (Australian Premiere)
Brian Wilson Good Vibrations
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Flight of the Bumblebee
And selections from the soundtracks to:
Miklós Rózsa’s Spellbound, Jonny Greenwood's There Will Be Blood, Alexander Courage’s Star Trek, Ennio Morricone’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Jim Parker’s Midsomer Murders.
^Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra

Listen to a sneak peek of the program on Spotify below!

About ACO

The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on an adventure to create truly transformative experiences.

This event was previously called Bach to the Beach Boys and Beyond.

The Concert Hall Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 5MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Concession

Includes Veterans’ Affairs pensioners, and Centrelink-issued Pensions and Commonwealth Healthcare cardholders. Seniors Cards are not eligible for concession prices.