Love Echoes: Queer Classical Magic at Randwick Town Hall

Let’s get one thing straight — this isn’t your grandma’s symphony. The Australian Queer Orchestra is flipping the classical script with Love Echoes, a one-hour chamber concert that marries lush strings with unapologetically queer stories. Think Tchaikovsky’s heart-wrenching Pathétique Symphony colliding with his secret love letters — yes, narrated live — and you’ve got the emotional core of this bold, beautiful event.

Featuring premiere works from Australian queer composers Christina Green and William Yaxley, the program delivers a stunning mix of reverence and rebellion. Tim Verdon’s arrangements of Hildegard von Bingen and Ethel Smyth add historical depth, while Saint-Saëns’ Scene from La Foi gets a modern twist. This isn’t just music — it’s a celebration of queer resilience, creativity, and love, echoing through centuries.

Conducted by the brilliant Ryley Gillen, the AQO brings a fresh, vibrant energy to the classics while honoring the legacies of LGBTQIA+ artists who paved the way. Whether you’re a classical nerd, a queer culture enthusiast, or just in it for the vibes, this concert is a must-attend.

Got questions? Hit up the orchestra or check out their website. Tickets? Grab yours here — $50 for adults, $40 for concessional patrons.

Accessibility? Randwick Town Hall offers a clear path and accessible toilets — no barriers here.

Program:

• Hildegard von Bingen O magne Pater (arr. Tim Verdon)*
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Love Echoes (6th Symphony themes, arr. Ryley Gillen with narration)*
• Christina Green Land, Sea, Sky
• Ethel Smyth 2 Interlinked French Folk Melodies
• Camille Saint-Saëns Scene from La Foi (arr. Ryley Gillen)*
• William Yaxley Kirralaa for Chamber Orchestra*

*denotes premiere performance

Conductor: Ryley Gillen