OB News and Events
PRESS RELEASE - 30 January 2026
Brisbane's new professional orchestra:
Welcome 'Orchestra Brisbane' (OB) as the newest professional orchestra and arts organisation to join cultural life in Brisbane and Queensland.
Founded by Artistic Director, Conductor and International Trumpet Soloist, John Foster the Orchestra will be striving to reach some of the highest artistic standards ever heard in this part of the world. When reached for comment he stated;
"Orchestra Brisbane is founded on a simple but powerful principle: Brisbane deserves its own orchestra; a cultural institution that its people can identify with, take pride in, and experience as a reflection of the city’s growing identity, diversity and ambition".
As an active professional orchestra OB will be contributing to the artistic life of our city through performance, collaboration and community engagement. Our work encompasses symphonic repertoire, opera, ballet, film music, commercial productions and civic events, supported by a growing roster of outstanding professional musicians.
PRESS RELEASE: 2 February 2026
Orchestra Brisbane appoints Margaret Blades as Inaugural Concertmaster
Orchestra Brisbane is proud to announce the appointment of distinguished Australian violinist Margaret Blades as the inaugural Concertmaster of Orchestra Brisbane.
Margaret Blades brings to the orchestra an outstanding record of artistic achievement across orchestral and chamber music performance. Throughout her career, she has held leading roles with several of Australia’s most respected orchestras and has appeared as a guest leader with major ensembles across the country. In addition to her orchestral work, Margaret is a highly regarded chamber musician, having performed in festivals and concert series throughout Australia and collaborating with many of the nation’s leading artists. She is widely recognised for her virtuosity, musical insight, technical excellence, and collaborative leadership.
This appointment of the Concertmaster position marks an important milestone in Orchestra Brisbane’s artistic growth and long-term vision for musical excellence and leadership within the ensemble.
Orchestra Brisbane Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, John Foster said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Margaret Blades as Orchestra Brisbane’s inaugural Concertmaster. Margaret comes to us having already had a stellar orchestral and chamber music career leading many of Australia’s finest Orchestra’s and Ensembles and I’m sure her artistry and leadership will be a huge source of inspiration to both the musicians and the audiences of Brisbane going forward.”
Orchestra Brisbane looks forward to the artistic leadership, and musical excellence Margaret will bring to the orchestra and to audiences across Brisbane and beyond.
Media Contact:
Matthew Farrell – Orchestra Brisbane
PH: 0402588249 E: admin@orchestrabrisbane.com
Web: www.orchestrabrisbane.com
