The University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra (UQSO) invites you to experience Orchestral Visions, an afternoon of bold symphonic storytelling under the baton of Paul Dean, Kinnane Professor of Music, in his highly anticipated debut with the orchestra.
This captivating program opens with Peter Sculthorpe’s Kakadu—a powerful musical journey inspired by the vast and evocative Australian landscape. With sweeping melodies and rich orchestration, Sculthorpe captures the spirit and drama of the natural world like few others. The concert continues with the effervescent Symphony No. 8 in G major by Antonín Dvořák—a joyous celebration of nature, folk rhythms, and lyrical charm.
A highlight of the afternoon will be the dazzling Double Flute Concerto by Franz Doppler, featuring standout UQ students Amanda and Belinda Wong. This sparkling showpiece reveals both the technical brilliance and graceful expressivity of the flute, brought to life by two remarkable young performers.
Join us for this exciting new chapter in UQSO’s story—a celebration of artistic excellence, emerging talent, and the power of live orchestral music.
Sunday 1 June, 2pm
Tickets: Free to attend
Location: GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building (49), UQ St Lucia
Duration: 2 hours (with interval)
Refreshments: Pre-concert refreshments (bar snacks) will be available for purchase from 1:15pm (EFTPOS only), and during the concert interval.
Paul Dean
Clarinettist Paul Dean is widely regarded as one of Australia's foremost musicians in his multiple capacities as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, composer and Artistic Director. He is currently the Kinnane Professor of Music at The University of Queensland, co-Artistic Director of Ensemble Q with the cellist, Trish Dean. He was a founding member and Artistic Director of Southern Cross Soloists and the Bangalow Music Festival, before his appointment as Artistic Director of the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne. As a composer Paul has won the coveted Paul Lowin Prize in 2022 for his Symphony No 1 ‘Black Summer’ and an APRA 2023 Award for his Double Bass Concerto. He has been engaged as Composer in Residence for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has been commissioned to write works for major artists and orchestras including the Australian World Orchestra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, Queensland Youth Symphony, and for major international artists including Jack Liebeck, Michael Collins and Torlief Thedeen.
Amanda Wong
Amanda is a spirited flautist in her final year studying under the guidance of Patrick Nolan at The University of Queensland (UQ). In 2024, she made her soloist debut with the Indooroopilly Chamber Orchestra. In recent years, Amanda has played in principal and guest principal positions with the UQ Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Youth Orchestras, Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra’s Young Mannheim Symphonists National Academy, and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a current member of the Queensland Youth Symphony and had the privilege of embarking on their 2023 international tour to Austria, Germany and Singapore, performing in prestigious venues such as the Musikverein and Mozarteum Concert Hall.
In addition to flute performance, Amanda is also pursuing an Arts degree with an extended major in Writing. Her short story, Origins was published in the Jacaranda Journal Edition 11.1. Amanda looks forward to exploring the artistic possibilities of the flute in her final year at UQ.
Belinda Wong
Belinda is a vibrant flautist in her final year studying under the tutelage of Patrick Nolan at The University of Queensland (UQ). She is currently undertaking a dual degree in the Bachelor of Music (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and Criminology.
Last year, Belinda made her concerto debut with Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 (QYO2). She has toured with Opera Queensland and Queensland Symphony Orchestra to perform in the Festival of Outback Opera in Winton and Longreach. In 2023, she won the 4MBS Musica Viva Sid Page Memorial Prize in Chamber Music playing as first flute with the Jacaranda Flute Collective.
Belinda currently holds the position of principal flute in the UQ Symphony and QYO2. Belinda is excited to perform Franz Doppler’s Concerto for Two Flutes alongside her twin Amanda and colleagues from the UQ Symphony Orchestra.
Presented by The University of Queensland’s School of Music
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