A concert fit for a King, a Governor and a new piano

On Friday 9 November 1906, a special concert celebrating the birthday of King Edward VII was presented here at Government House. This was also the first major performance featuring the Bechstein piano recently acquired from Berlin by Lady Chelmsford. A veritable 'who's who' of Brisbane's musicians performed a varied and brilliant program of opera arias, ballads, partsongs, piano and violin solos and a string quartet. A distinguished audience enjoyed the event in the company of the Governor and his retinue.

On the exact date 112 years later, using the same piano and venue, the enterprising vocal ensemble Soirées Musicales Quintette will recreate this Edwardian era program in its entirety. We invite you to a rare soirée as once enjoyed by Brisbane's music lovers.