Certain things in life just work together in perfect harmony, like (lots of) butter and vegemite on toast, or a live symphony orchestra playing the soundtrack to your favourite film.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has just dropped their 2025 season schedule, and it’s packed to the brim with blockbuster cinema performances and special events spanning everything from Shakespeare to Skyfall.
Whether you’re a movie buff, a live music lover or just on the lookout for something different to do in Brisbane, QSO has something on offer almost every month of the year to keep you entertained.
Just close your eyes and imagine watching that final battle scene in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on the big screen with the added drama of a live orchestra. Now that’s immersive cinema at its finest.
Here's what to check out this season:
- Skyfall In Concert
- Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 In Concert
- Art Of The Score: The Music Of Hans Zimmer
- Brief Encounter
- Cinematic: The Oscars
- Home Alone In Concert
- The Snowman in Concert
Skyfall In Concert
If you’d prefer action over acrobats, Skyfall in concert may be the ticket for you. Watch epic scenes play out (hello Skyfall Lodge showdown) on the big screen while Thomas Newman’s BAFTA-winning film score is performed for you live by QSO.
Action-packed from the very beginning, the Orchestra will bring the unforgettable score to life, including Adele’s masterpiece title track.
The Details
When: 4 April
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Get your ticket here.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 In Concert
The last piece of the Harry Potter puzzle—the eighth and final film. Sit back and experience the Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 as you’ve never seen it before, with the celebrated score by Alexandre Desplat performed by QSO.
Follow along as Harry and the crew battle it out with Voldemort to protect Hogwarts, and allow yourself to get swept up in the epic highs and lows of this beloved flick.
The Details
When: 5 April
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Get your ticket here.
Art Of The Score: The Music Of Hans Zimmer
We think it’s pretty fair to dub Hans Zimmer the king of movie scores. And if you think you don’t know his work, yes you do. Ever heard of a little film by the name of Pirates of the Caribbean? Humming along to the theme song in your head right now? Yep, that’s him.
With work spanning the 80s, 90s, noughties and beyond (The Lion King, Inception, The Dark Knight), this is an epic experience for movie buffs and music lovers alike.
The Details
When: 23 - 24 May
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC
Get your ticket here.
Brief Encounter
Experience a classic romance on the big screen, set to the soundtrack of a live orchestra to elevate those big emotions. This 1945 British drama follows the story of a doctor and a housewife who share a brief encounter on a train platform. Intrigued? This one might be for you.
The Details
When: 19 - 20 July
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC
Get your ticket here.
Lior And Westlake
The ARIA Award-winning duo behind the classical album Compassion, Lior and Nigel Westlake will hit QPAC’s Concert Hall this August.
After being drawn to Lior’s voice, Australian composer Nigel Westlake initiated the collaboration that resulted in the celebrated album. Accompanied by the Orchestra, let Lior’s ethereal voice wash over you and transport you to another place.
The Details
When: 9 August
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC
Get your ticket here.
Cinematic: The Oscars
Back for its sixth consecutive year, this event is one for the hardcore cinephiles among us. As the name suggests, this is an Oscar-worthy night showcasing iconic film scores performed live in concert by QSO—who'll be dressed to impress in movie-themed costumes.
We’re talking scores from The Lord of the Rings, Jaws and West Side Story to name a few. The perfect night out for lovers of music and cinema.
The Details
When: 24 - 25 October
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC
Get your ticket here.
Home Alone In Concert
Before you know it, it’ll be December again. Get into the festive spirit with this holiday classic. Featuring renowned composer John Williams’ charming score performed live to the film playing on screen by the talented QSO musicians.
A perfect night out for the whole family, enjoy this iconic 90s cinema moment with the added excitement of a live performance.
The Details
When: 5 - 6 December
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Get your ticket here.
The Snowman In Concert
Although we don’t see snow here in December, that doesn’t mean you can’t find pockets of a snowy wonderland during the holiday season.
Based on a 1978 picture book and the Oscar-winning film of the same name, The Snowman is coming to the convention and exhibition centre to enchant audiences with a frosty new holiday tradition.
The Details
When: 19 - 20 December
Where: Queensland Conservatorium Theatre, Griffith University
Get your ticket here.
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Images: Supplied.