QPAC celebrates 25 years

Queenslanders have been applauding world-class performances at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) since 1985, and the tradition will continue in 2010 as the Centre celebrates 25 years of world class theatre, music, dance and family entertainment.

Chief Executive John Kotzas said 2010 is a symbolic year for QPAC, marking 25 years as the state’s leading performing arts centre.

“Over the past 25 years, Queensland has changed dramatically and Brisbane has developed into a dynamic urban centre. QPAC has played an important role in influencing and reflecting the city’s evolving identity over that time and its growing role in the Asia Pacific,” said Kotzas.

“We will celebrate the year with a rich program of contemporary and classical live performance across theatre, dance and music.”

This week, 25 years ago, QPAC’s Lyric Theatre hosted its first major public performance, a production of The Pirates of Penzance on 7 February. Since then, more than 13 million people have attended ticketed events at QPAC, with thousands more participating in free performances, workshops and outdoor events.

With over 20,000 performances having taken place in this time, QPAC has hosted artists from all over the world.

Avenue Q, FAME! The Musical, Calendar Girls and The Merchants of Bollywood are among the 25th Anniversary season in 2010.

For more information on QPAC’s 25th Anniversary program, go to www.qpac.com.au