Exclusive Brisbane concert draws visitors from across the globe

• The Crisafulli Government is drawing music fans from across Australia and around the world, with visitors from at least 12 countries and every state and territory securing tickets to José Carreras’ world-exclusive 80th birthday celebration in Brisbane.
• Secured through the Crisafulli Government’s Mega and Strategic Events Fund, the one-night-only Carreras & Friends spectacular will feature international superstars Robbie Williams, Ronan Keating and Natalie Imbruglia.
• The event supports the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 vision to grow Queensland’s events economy to $4 billion by 2045, in stark contrast to Labor’s plan to slash tourism marketing funding by 95 per cent.
• The Crisafulli Government is cementing Queensland's reputation as the events capital of Australia. 

The Crisafulli Government is cementing Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of Australia, with music fans from at least 12 countries and every Australian state and territory heading to Brisbane for legendary tenor José Carreras’ 80th birthday celebration. 

The world-exclusive Carreras & Friends spectacular will bring some of the biggest names in music to the Gabba on 5 December, honouring the Spanish tenor’s milestone birthday in a one-night-only event secured by the Crisafulli Government. 

Ticket sales have already been recorded from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Vanuatu, Sweden, China, Spain, Indonesia, Singapore, France and Poland. 

The landmark concert will bring together an extraordinary line-up of international stars including Robbie Williams, Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia, Il Divo, Katherine Jenkins, Sheppard, Mark Vincent, Darren Hayes, Ann Wilson and The Corrs. 

They will perform alongside the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor Keith Levenson. 

International interest is expected to deliver a boost for Brisbane’s hotels, restaurants, pubs and local businesses, with visitors travelling to Queensland for the exclusive performance. 

Secured through the Crisafulli Government’s Mega and Strategic Events Fund, Carreras & Friends is part of Destination 2045’s vision to grow Queensland’s events economy to $4 billion by 2045. 

Carreras & Friends is another example of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to growing Queensland’s visitor economy after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the international interest demonstrated Queensland’s ability to attract major events and visitors from around the world. 

“José Carreras could have celebrated his 80th birthday anywhere in the world, but he’s doing it right here in Queensland, and fans from across the globe are coming to join him,” Minister Powell said. 

“We’re determined to make Queensland Australia’s events capital, and that means securing exclusive experiences that give people another reason to visit our great State. 

“These visitors will fill hotel rooms, dine in our restaurants and support local businesses, creating more opportunities for Queenslanders as we grow our events economy after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.” 

Director of Echo Pacific Entertainment Henry Medcalf said Carreras & Friends would be more than a concert. 

“The extraordinary geographic spread positions Carreras & Friends as a destination event bringing visitors to Brisbane, filling hotel rooms, supporting restaurants, bars and local businesses, and showcasing Queensland internationally as a host of unforgettable cultural experiences,” Mr Medcalf said. 

Tickets for Carreras & Friends are available here.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker, 0406 331 114