Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just when you thought it was impossible to fit another event into northern Tasmania's summer schedule, along comes Symphony Under the Stars, which was held in Launceston last Saturday at the beautiful City Park. Council staff had the park looking sensational despite recent major events like Festivale, Tasmania's premier food and wine festival.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra was established in 1948 and gives 60 concerts annually. This concert in Launceston was based on themes of romance and French composition. It included pieces written by French composers Gabrielle Faure and Charles Gounod, as well as Russian composer Tchaikovsky. Soprano Maya Boog dazzled with songs from Edith Piaf. The packed City Park venue enjoyed an evening of orchestral music from one of Australia's best orchestras.

Congratulations to all of the gifted TSO musicians, managing director Nicholas Heyward, chief conductor and artistic director Marko Letonja, the Launceston City Council and everyone else involved in this magnificent event. I acknowledge also my colleague the member for Lyons who so capably represented the Minister for Arts, Senator George Brandis, at this wonderful event. I encourage people to visit the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra website at tso.com.au to check out forthcoming concerts. And, while you are in the best state in Australia, enjoy the very best music, food and wine on offer.