(SLO Logo for 32 years)

The St Lucia Orchestra began back in 1973 as a small group of string players led by the late Ron Toussaint. This group was called the St Lucia Philharmonic Society Orchestra. With the help of Bob Campbell, Monday night rehearsals were arranged at the hall of the Ryans Road Uniting Church and Ralph Morton became the first conductor.

Early in 1976 Ron Hanmer arrived with a special arrangement written for the Orchestra which had by then grown to two flutes, oboe and some twenty strings led by Peggy Braunholz. St Lukes Orchestra 4The arrangement was a rhythmic version of George Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me" and in September of that year the Orchestra played this at a special Warana Sunday afternoon concert. Brian Stevenson had now left and so Ronald Hanmer took over the presentation and conducting for the first time.

A Constitution was adopted and office bearers elected. The first president and musical director was Ronald Hanmer and Jeanne Whitlock was the first secretary. The Orchestra's name was changed to The St Lucia Orchestra.

Ronald Hanmer specially arranged music for the unique combination of strings, full woodwind, guitar, drums and harp. St Lukes Orchestra 2The conducting job was shared at this time by Brian Stacey, Geoff Grantham, Cohn J Thomas and Ronald Hanmer. In March 1978 the Orchestra presented the first Sunday evening Serenade at the Arts Theatre, Petrie Terrace, and the Serenades were to continue five times a year until 1981 with Ronald Hanmer being the sole compere and conductor.

These concerts saw the establishment of such favourite guest artists as Carole Ruddy, Les Black, Chas Bromley and Bill Milligan. In March 1982 the Orchestra presented a concert at the newly opened Queensland Cultural Centre Auditorium with a performance at 8pm. St Lukes Orchestra 5 By the July concert, two performances were being offered - at 8pm and 5pm. This twilight concert proved very popular and became a permanent feature. In 1984 yet another performance at 2pm was added! Three presentations of the concert on the one day meant that we could accommodate all our patrons who by then numbered nearly 1200. Rolene Orford organised the bookings for all these concerts.

In December 1985 came another challenge - the first Carol and Choral Concert in the Concert Hall in association with the Brisbane Light Opera Company. Christmas Concerts were held in the Concert Hall until 1989 when the venue was changed to the Brisbane City Hall.

When Expo 1988 was held the Orchestra could not use the Auditorium so our concerts were held in Mayne Hall. In 1989 Mayne Hall was the venue for the five subscription concerts. Four subscription concerts have been held there annually since 1990.

In May 1994 all were saddened by the sudden death of Ronald Hanmer. Ron had been musical director for eighteen years and in that time had penned over 300 arrangements for the Orchestra. St Lukes OrchestraWith the help of Therese O'Brien, Bernie Hoesman and Graeme Young all concerts were presented that year as had been planned. Bernie Hoesman took up the baton permanently in 1995 and has introduced a small section of brass players. The Orchestra now comprises approximately fifty members and still boasts one original member from 1973 - cellist Delyse Sonson. Congratulations Delyse!

A large measure of the Orchestra's success can be attributed to the enthusiasm of the president, musical director, the office bearers, committee members and all players. St Lukes OrchestraA spirit of friendship and goodwill is part of the Orchestra's philosophy - striving to entertain whilst enjoying the performance ourselves.

All would be to no avail without our wonderful audience. We thank the numerous patrons of the St Lucia Orchestra for their understanding, encouragement and very personal expressions of appreciation they extend. We do not consider our audience as patrons - rather friends who delight in the joy that music and friendship can bring.