The Queensland Philanthropic Orchestra is a unique, exciting and positive philanthropic initiative launched in 2007, successfully raising funds and media awareness for a high profile and well established Queensland charity.
This event is created principally for the purpose of giving back to the Queensland community.
Our goal is to:
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develop a partnership with sponsors to cover the cost of the orchestra and secure mutual benefits, and also apply for support through grants and foundations
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attract talented orchestra musicians who wish to make a difference in their community
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perform a program of music that appeals to a wide audience and fosters an appreciation of orchestral music
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donate 100% of the ticket price to a well established Queensland based charity
Morwenna Collett, Susan de Weger, Julie Newport and Andrew Robinson
Artistic Director & Conductor - Andrew Robinson (2007-present): Australian Young Conductor of the Year in 1997, Andrew was then awarded the Seiji Ozawa Conducting Fellowship at the Tanglewood Festival, Massachusetts, where he studied with Seiji Ozawa, André Previn and Jorma Panula. Andrew was appointed as Assistant Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a position he held for three years, conducting this top-flight orchestra at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
Andrew has worked extensively and successfully with several orchestras, including the New York City Ballet, State Orchestra of Victoria and Queensland Symphony and with world class artists, including the great conductor Zubin Mehta, Sir Roger Norrington, Anne Sophie von Otter, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Hilary Hahn and Thomas Zehetmair.
Director of Finance - Julie Newport (2007-present): Julie is an accomplished pianist and successful businesswoman, having run her own optometry practice in Bardon since 1993 and has been a keen musician all her life. Over the last 10 years, she has run several charity events from her home in Rosalie, where guests have delighted in her classical talents and emerging love for jazz.
Director of Events Coordination - Susan De Weger (from 2009): Susan de Weger a Horn player and events manager who works part time with the Spatial Sciences Institute as coordinator of their Continuing Development Program. She runs an emerging SMS technology company with her husband, is mum to two young boys and is Grants Writer for the her local C&K Kindergarten. Susan holds a Bachelor of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and has recently started playing the Horn again after a 13 year break.
Director of Operations - Morwenna Collett (from 2009):
Morwenna Collett is a keen flautist and arts administrator, who works as the Arts Development Officer for Dance and Music at Arts Queensland. She holds Masters and Bachelors degrees from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, spent seven years playing with the Queensland Youth Orchestra and has been a casual member of The Queensland Orchestra. Morwenna is also involved in charity work with MS Queensland.
Managing Director - Christian Bretmaisser (2007-2008): A naval officer who served in the Middle East and East Timor, Christian has since been involved in evaluating investment proposals, coaching project managers and sponsors developing business cases, and running business elements of large organisations. Performing on the piano in front of the Corporate Orchestra in October 2006 fired his long-standing love of music and passion for community service, and the Queensland Philanthropic Orchestra was born.
