Concert hall marks 13 years with a flourish

The Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) Concert Hall turns 13 this month and will be in the spotlight with a performance by Redland Coast’s own community orchestra.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Concert Hall, which opened in March 2008 alongside the existing Community Cultural Centre, was a magnificent community asset.

“The RPAC precinct, which includes an adjoining events hall and auditorium, has a well-deserved reputation as a leading concert and performance venue,” she said.

“The precinct provides opportunities for civic and community events and is the heart of cultural activity on Redlands Coast.

“While RPAC is used for many different music, theatre and dance productions throughout the year, it is perhaps at its most impressive when the Concert Hall is stripped back to its beautiful Tasmanian oak acoustic walls and used for orchestral performances.

“Nothing beats the majesty and emotion of classical music performed live, but when this takes place in such a fine Concert Hall, it truly is a gift for the senses.

“We have an active fine music audience on Redlands Coast and for them to be able to enjoy this type of music at its best without having to travel into Brisbane adds to the quality of life in our beautiful region.

“It also benefits local restaurants and cafes as many RPAC patrons make a night of it and enjoy a meal or a drink out before a concert.”

RPAC will be in full Concert Hall-mode this Saturday 27 March when Redland Sinfonia performs Passion Play.

Creative Arts Manager Bradley Rush said RPAC Concert Hall was renowned throughout south-east Queensland for its acoustic excellence.

“We have had the pleasure of presenting concerts from Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Southern Cross Soloists, Australian Chamber Orchestra’s ACO2 and the Australian String Quartet as part of our annual program over the years,” Mr Rush said.

“The feedback from these professional musicians about the RPAC Concert Hall has always been exceptional.”

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Warwick Adeney said he always looked forward to playing at the RPAC Concert Hall.

“I’ve played a few times at RPAC and feel thoroughly comfortable there, and so pleased that the Redlands has such an excellent facility,” Mr Adeney said.

“It was a joy to play solo with our orchestra there recently, and mix with some patrons afterwards.”

RPAC is also home to Redland Sinfonia, Redlands Coast’s own community orchestra.

Artistic Director and Conductor Dr Graeme Denniss has performed around the world and believes the clarity of sound and resonance at RPAC is extraordinary and has contributed to strong growth in audience numbers.

“There’s a wonderful feeling at the venue,” Dr Denniss said.

“Other orchestras and performers have now woken up to the fact that we’ve got this gem on the edge of Brisbane.”

Redland Sinfonia performed at RPAC before the Concert Hall opened and contributed to some of the early venue planning.

“I have no doubt that without RPAC we would be a much smaller group playing to smaller audiences,” Dr Denniss said.

Redland Sinfonia returns to the Concert Hall in June.

For details on upcoming performances at RPAC visit the website.