McGregor Summer School students showcase talents

McGregor Summer School Co-director of Music Shaun Dorney prepares for the grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with music students (from left) Hugh Hansen, Bryn Keane, Clare Dutton, Johan Kuyler, Tae Young, Mattea Lazarou, Anna Holland, Courtney Cook and Annabelle Thelander.

The USQ McGregor Summer School will come to a suitably epic end this Saturday as 130 music students perform Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture during the free McGregor Arts Festival.

The performance of the 1812 Overture has become a three-decade old tradition at the annual Summer School and this year will be particularly special as it marks the 200 year anniversary of the Battle of Borodino, about which the masterwork was written.

Co-director of Music at the Summer School, Shaun Dorney will conduct the McGregor Orchestra in this finale performance.

Mr Dorney has tutored at the McGregor Summer School for 35 years and said he never failed to be impressed by the talent shown by the students.

‘Year to year, the quality of the work produced by the students has been fantastic,’ Mr Dorney said.

‘It’s not just the musicians; the visual and creative arts students produce some real quality work.

‘Conducting the students is a lot of fun; I get a real big buzz from it and it allows me to do what I love.’

On top of the finale performance, visitors to the McGregor Arts Festival will also be treated to a variety of ensemble performances and are invited to check out an array of visual and creative arts exhibitions on display in the USQ Refectory and studios from 12noon.

Entry is free to all events and guests are invited to come early to enjoy lunch in the University’s picturesque quadrangle – BYO or food and drink available for purchase.

The McGregor music students and tutors will be also present a special showcase concert on Friday night at Toowoomba’s historic Empire Theatre, featuring the McGregor Summer School Symphony Orchestra, Stage Band, String Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Band and Choir.

The concert will feature over 130 talented musicians and singers and starts at 7.30pm, with tickets available at the Empire Theatre Box Office on 1300 655 299.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for concession and $13 for children under 12.

For more information on the McGregor Summer School, visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor or contact 07 4631 2755.

Contact Details:

Callum Johnson, USQ Media, +61 7 46 31 1163
Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 46 31 1114