26/08/2026
After seven years as Section Principal Flute at QSO, our upcoming Maestro 6: La Mer concerts mark Alison Mitchell’s last performances as a permanent member of Queensland Symphony Orchestra before she flies off to Europe for a new adventure.
Some members of the woodwinds have written some thoughts to wave her off:
Thank you Alison for all the passion, musicality and leadership you have brought to us. It's been a pleasure working with you and I have been enriched by your time in QSO – Hayley Radke, Associate Principal Flute
We have been truly blessed to have such a beautiful musician as Alison in our orchestra these past years. Her breathtaking range of tone colours and dedication to her craft are such an inspiration to me. – Vivienne Brooke, Principal Cor Anglais
We've been so lucky to have Alison in our section for the last 7 years. She is a kind, compassionate, and thoughtful colleague. As well as being a delightful human being, her musicianship and dedication have inspired me every day. From her crystalline sound to her musical expression and refined control. She is the consummate musician.
Alison, you are one of a kind and we will miss you very much! Go forth and sprinkle your magic fairy dust upon others. – Nicole Tait, Section Principal Bassoon
Alison has been the most wonderful colleague-her smiling face, positivity and absolutely inspiring flute playing will leave a big hole in the wind section once she’s gone. Every day I come to work I aspire to play like her. – Irit Silver, Section Principal Clarinet
Some of my favourite moments in concerts have been glancing over at Alison during her solos. Even after all these years, I still find myself smiling, wondering how someone can make it all sound so effortless. Alison, thank you for sharing your gift with all of us, and for being such a warm, generous and dedicated colleague. We will miss you so much! – Claire Ramuscak, Principal Contrabassoon
It has been such a great privilege to work with Alison. Not only has she unfailingly transported our audiences and musicians with her exquisite and magical playing but she brought to our wind section a leadership and positivity that lifted and united us all.
Her wealth of experience, great big heart and inspirational playing leaves us with very big shoes to fill and we will miss her smiling face and joyful approach.
Thank you so much Alison. So lucky to have worked with you!!! Wishing you all the very best of times to come in your next chapter. – Kate Travers, Clarinet
Working with Alison has been an absolute joy, and I am so grateful to have sat next to her over these last 7 years. She is a consummate musician and true virtuoso - dedicated, engaging, and always telling a story when she plays. The world needs more musicians like Alison, she will leave big shoes to fill. We are looking forward to visiting her in sunny Portugal! All the best to you Alison on your next adventure. All our love and appreciation – Huw Jones, Principal Oboe
Alison’s playing has been a beacon of beauty lighting up our musical lives. We will miss you. Wherever you play in the future they will be blessed. A heartfelt thank you and all the best. – Alexa Murray, Oboe
Thank you for everything Alison, and good luck with your next chapter!
