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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • What’s On
  • 2026
  • Carnival of the Animals
Carnival of the Animals
  • Classical Music

sxscarnivaloftheanimals26 Carnival of the Animals Southern Cross Soloists Classical Music Southern Cross Soloists Carnival of the Animals

14 Jun 2026, 3pm
Concert Hall
Buy Tickets
$92 *
* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
1 hour 10 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

Overview

Birds flock, kangaroos hop. A swan glides elegantly by.

Camille Saint-Saëns captures the natural world with wit and delight in his Carnival of the Animals, performed here in Michael Leunig’s uniquely Australian adaptation, complete with representations of his iconic drawings.

The program begins with an immersive natural soundscape, featuring music by American composer John Luther Adams and First Nations composers Brenda Gifford and Nardi Simpson.

The ensemble is joined by the Grinberg-Viney piano duo, a “barnstorming” (The Australian) and “unforgettable” (Los Angeles Times) ensemble. 

Program

John Luther Adams songbirdsongs
Brenda Gifford Djana (Talk) and Gambambara
Nardi Simpson of stars and birds
Camille Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals with poetry and images by Michael Leunig

Program subject to change.

  • Listening to the ensemble pour gold onto the audience ... a truly visceral experience.
    Australian Stage Online Review of SXS Chamber Music Festival 2025
  • Brisbane-based Southern Cross Soloists has become one of Australia’s premier chamber music outfits.
    Phil Brown InDaily / InReview
  • ... 30 years of proudly cultivating a constellation of virtuosos as one of Queensland’s foremost chamber ensembles.
    Dr Gemma Regan Limelight, review of Pearls
  • ... Southern Cross Soloists have become one of Australia’s premier chamber ensembles.
    Stage Whispers Review of Magic, Mystique and Melancholy

Important Information

Plan Your Visit to the Concert Hall

Essential information for visiting QPAC, getting here, and the Concert Hall.

Concert Hall Visual and Sensory Guide

The Concert Hall Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 5MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

Official ticketing service for QPAC

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Concession

Senior and pensioner card holders.

Youth

Under 35 years of age at the time of booking, ID required. 

Family

Great discounts available for families of 4.

Must purchase tickets in increments of 4 for the same performance and within the same transaction. Must select “Family” in your basket from the dropdown option.

Great discounts available for groups of 6+.

Admission $82.80

Make a group booking

Great discounts available for school groups of 6+. 1 free teacher per 6 students.

Admission $20

Make a school booking

Artists

  • Chamber Ensemble Southern Cross Soloists
  • Featured Soloists Grinberg-Viney Piano Duo

Gallery

  • The Southern Cross Soloists performing Perfumes of the East in 2024
  • The Southern Cross Soloists with Chris Williams performing Perfumes of the East in 2024
  • The Southern Cross Soloists performing Magic, Mystique and Melancholy in 2024
  • The Southern Cross Soloists performing Magic, Mystique and Melancholy in 2024
  • The Southern Cross Soloists performing Magic, Mystique and Melancholy in 2024
  • The Southern Cross Soloists performing Magic, Mystique and Melancholy in 2024

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