Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849)
Inspired is a celebration of music sparked by ideas beyond music itself - bedtime stories, dance, cinema, travel, culture and imagination. The UQ Wind Symphony brings these inspirations to life in an hour long program, featuring works by Julie Giroux, Christopher Sainsbury, Sally Greenaway, Jessica Wells, Eric Whitacre and Robert Sheldon.
At the heart of the concert is Giroux’s Symphony No. 4, “Bookmarks from Japan”, inspired by a gift of six bookmarks featuring famous works by Japanese artists. The evening also features third-year voice student Piper Ramsey in Eric Whitacre’s gentle work Goodnight Moon inspired by the much-loved children’s bedtime story of the same name.
UQ Wind Symphony
Re-established in 2024, the UQ Wind Symphony cultivates a vibrant culture of inclusion, connection, and artistic excellence. This auditioned ensemble is made up of approximately 50 talented musicians, primarily featuring members from The University of Queensland student community while also embracing skilled performers from the wider public. Committed to genuine collaboration and expressive performance, the UQ Wind Symphony is poised to become one of Australia's leading youth wind ensembles.
Conductor
Rachel Howley is a conductor, music educator and researcher. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts (Conducting) at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and has conducted some of Australia’s finest youth ensembles. In addition to the UQ Wind Symphony, she is the regular conductor of Queensland Youth Orchestra 3 and the Griffith University Young Conservatorium Wind Ensemble. Additionally, she conducts in the Queensland State Honours Ensembles Program and is a Queensland Wind Orchestra conducting team member.
Rachel has spent over 20 years in school instrumental music program leadership and is a respected clinician throughout Australia. In 2023, Rachel became a Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and in 2022, was named one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators.
A passionate advocate for inclusivity, Rachel's research focuses on the pivotal role of conductors in championing Australian female composers' wind band works. In 2018, she founded the Australian Women’s Wind Band Composition Award, which has contributed more than 50 new works by Australian female-identifying composers to the industry.
About GHD Auditorium Concert Series
Discover Exceptional Music at The University of Queensland's GHD Auditorium
The School of Music proudly invites you to experience a diverse array of concerts at the AEB GHD Auditorium. This dynamic venue is a cornerstone of the UQ community, consistently offering a platform for both students and professionals to present exceptional musical performances.
Over recent years, the GHD Auditorium has presented a remarkable lineup of unforgettable concerts, including the captivating Orchestral Visions concert in 2025, along with thrilling performances by the UQ Wind Symphony and the UQ Saxophone Ensemble. Each event transforms the auditorium into a vibrant space filled with the rich sounds of various musical genres, captivating audiences from the UQ community and the broader public.
Join us at the GHD Auditorium, where every performance promises to be a unique and unforgettable musical experience. Whether you're a classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the world of symphonies and modern classical works, our concerts offer something for everyone. Celebrate the talent, artistry and dedication of our staff and student musicians, that defines the UQ School of Music.
