QYO Presents VISONS OF THE SUPERNATURAL at the Baton of Simon Hewett

In a time shaped by global uncertainty, rising tension and an increasingly complex social landscape, the role of the arts in young people’s lives has rarely felt more urgent. For Queensland Youth Orchestras Artistic Director Simon Hewett, the answer to how young people can navigate this environment lies, at least in part, in music. He speaks with both professional insight and personal conviction, describing music not simply as an artistic pursuit but as an essential tool for emotional resilience, focus and self-expression in a rapidly changing world.

Hewett believes that engaging with music offers young people something increasingly rare, the ability to slow down, concentrate deeply and reconnect with themselves. As a father of three, he sees the pressures facing younger generations firsthand, from global instability to the everyday anxieties of modern life. In this context, he argues that the sensory and immersive nature of music provides a powerful counterbalance. Rehearsing and performing can help restore a sense of equilibrium, allowing young people to process emotions in a constructive and meaningful way while also building discipline and confidence.

This philosophy is central to the work of Queensland Youth Orchestras, the state’s leading training ground for emerging orchestral musicians aged between eight and 25. For decades, the organisation has provided a structured pathway for young performers, offering access to multiple ensembles and performance opportunities that mirror professional practice. At the same time, it fosters a strong sense of community, where connection and collaboration are as important as technical excellence. Many of Australia’s leading musicians have passed through its programs, and the organisation continues to act as a gateway to national and international arts careers.

That mission will be on full display on 21 March, when Hewett conducts the opening concert of QYO’s 2026 season at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Titled VISONS OF THE SUPERNATURAL, the program draws on the emotionally charged works of Romantic-era composers including Hector Berlioz and Franz Schubert. The repertoire has been carefully selected to explore the extremes of human emotion, reflecting themes of life, death, fear and hope through vivid orchestral storytelling.

For Hewett, the Romantic period represents a pivotal moment in musical history, when composers began to explore emotion and psychological complexity with a new level of openness. He notes that these works remain strikingly relevant, offering audiences and performers alike a way to engage with feelings that can be difficult to articulate in everyday life. The program promises a dynamic and immersive experience, taking listeners on a journey through contrasting emotional landscapes that feel both dramatic and deeply human.

For the young musicians performing these works, the experience is both technically demanding and personally meaningful. Among them are 22-year-old horn player Thomas Ferreira-Montague and 20-year-old trumpet player Emma Daniel, who are each building their own artistic identities within the QYO framework. For Daniel, music offers a form of expression that goes beyond language. She describes it as a universal medium that allows performers to communicate complex emotions that words often fail to capture, creating a shared understanding between musicians and audiences.

Daniel also points to the thematic relevance of the repertoire, noting that many of the works explore a tension between darkness and hope that resonates strongly in today’s world. Through performance, she is able to inhabit both the composer’s intentions and her own emotional response, creating an experience that is both personal and collective. Ferreira-Montague similarly describes music as a space where he can step away from external pressures and focus on something larger than himself. For him, QYO has provided not only a creative outlet but also a practical insight into the realities of a professional music career.

Through rehearsals, performances and mentorship, he has developed the skills and understanding needed to pursue his ambition of becoming an orchestral horn player. Like many young musicians, he is navigating a competitive and demanding field, and the experience gained through QYO has been instrumental in shaping his pathway. Hewett is keenly aware of these pressures and emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective. He encourages his musicians to embrace imperfection, to learn from setbacks and to approach their craft with both dedication and self-compassion.

This focus on wellbeing alongside excellence is a defining feature of QYO’s approach. The organisation aims not only to produce highly skilled musicians but also to support the broader development of young people as confident, resilient individuals. The collaborative nature of orchestral performance fosters teamwork and communication, while the discipline required to master an instrument builds perseverance and focus. These are qualities that extend far beyond the concert hall, equipping participants with skills that are valuable in all areas of life.

In 2026, Queensland Youth Orchestras marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Over six decades, it has become a cornerstone of Queensland’s cultural landscape, nurturing generations of musicians and contributing to the vibrancy of the state’s arts sector. Its alumni have gone on to achieve success both locally and internationally, yet many maintain a strong connection to the organisation, reflecting the lasting impact of their experience.

QYO also plays an important role as the custodian of Brisbane’s historic Old Museum, a heritage-listed building that serves as both a rehearsal space and a cultural hub. With ongoing plans to upgrade the facility and develop new contemporary music spaces in partnership with the Queensland Government, the organisation is looking towards a future that builds on its rich history while expanding its capacity to support emerging artists.

As VISONS OF THE SUPERNATURAL of the Supernatural approaches, the significance of QYO’s work feels particularly clear. In a world where young people are often navigating uncertainty and complexity, the opportunity to engage deeply with music offers both an outlet and a sense of connection. It is a reminder of the enduring power of the arts to bring people together, to express what cannot be said and to provide moments of clarity and understanding.

VISONS OF THE SUPERNATURAL

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