Experience exceptional classical music with the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, bringing together talented musicians since 2011 for captivating performances across Queensland and New South Wales.
Japanese Story
GCCO welcomes Tokyo-based artists Curtis Patterson and Bruce Huebner for Japanese Story, blending Western classical strings with the evocative sounds of shakuhachi and koto. This collaboration offers a fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Concert: Friday, 17 April 2026 - 6 PM
Workshop: Saturday, 18 April 2026 - 10 AM
Testimonials
“Directing the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra was an absolute delight. Having conducted orchestras all over the world, I can say that this group stands among the very finest. Their innate musicality, generosity of spirit, and sheer enthusiasm made every moment in the rehearsal room and on stage deeply rewarding.
Led by their outstanding concertmaster, Margaret Blades, the orchestra plays with an energy that is truly infectious. What struck me most was their remarkable responsiveness—the speed, sensitivity, and openness with which they embraced and adapted to my interpretation was nothing short of exhilarating.
There is a real sense of artistry here: warmth of sound, elegance of phrasing, and a genuine flair that brings the music vividly to life. Just as importantly, they are a pleasure to collaborate with— engaged and wholeheartedly committed.
I very much hope to return to work with this remarkable ensemble again. They are, quite simply, a jewel of the Gold Coast.”
— Richard Davis
“Founder Anna Stoddart had every reason to smile last night at Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra’s sellout concert. Karol Kowalik on cello, harpist Remi Hirayama, lead Margaret Louise Blades, dancers from Danielle's Studio of Dance and Vox Bond (the University’s staff/student choir) all contributed to a memorable evening - including bongo drum for good measure! Good on Bond University for supporting. It’s ensembles like this that we must ensure benefit from the 2032 Cultural Olympiad.”
— Ian Walker
“The Title of the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra’s stunning performance “Vivaldi Madness” did not foreshadow what the orchestra delivered: The GCCO took us on a journey deep into the Baroque epoch with Vivaldi’s Concerto Ripieno and the Mandolin Concerto in C Major with soloist Joel Wood. Even the suboptimal acoustics of the beautiful Abedian School of Architecture could not dim the brilliance of the scores and the musicians who delivered an absolute treat. Before we could get too comfortable, we were transported from the Baroque to the dance floors of Buenos Aires, seconds later deep in Russia, and then back to the Baroque, due to Leonid Desyatnikov’s magical arrangement of Astor Piazzolla’s Estaciones Portenas. Besides the many exciting and unusual uses of the chamber orchestra’s instruments, Magaret Blades’ incredible Violin directed the journey. Joined by the Vox BOND choir, the evening concluded with Vivaldi’s Gloria RV 589 that masterly was blended into Bill Wither’s “Lean on me” and left us all wondering what next the GCCO will offer us.”
— Dr Jens Tampe
“Bringing poetry to life through music is always an emotional journey. I’m honoured to premiere these beautiful works with the talented musicians of GCCO and celebrate the universality of song.”
— Gaynor Morgan
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