QPAC's Bolshoi Ballet Season Sells Out

The Bolshoi Ballet season has sold out before the first performance of The Bright Stream springs in to action tonight.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey today congratulated Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and said the result highlighted Brisbane's growing reputation for staging world class cultural events.

"I am thrilled this exclusive season has completely sold out and that so many people have taken the opportunity to experience world renowned ballet in this State," Minister Stuckey said.

"It clearly demonstrates how attractive exclusive arts and cultural events like this are to Queenslanders and visitors from interstate and overseas, as they flock to Brisbane for these performances.

"Our DestinationQ strategy recognises cultural tourism as a growing and emerging valuable niche market with events like this supporting the State Government's goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020."

Bolshoi Ballet's exclusive 2013 Australian season comprises 12 performances from 30 May to 9 June. The first production of the season was Le Corsaire, which opened to great acclaim.
The Bright Stream is the second and final production of the season and starts tonight.
Neither ballet has been performed in Australia before and is exclusive to Brisbane.

The season is part of the QPAC International Series, a joint initiative of QPAC and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said this season has been fabulous for audiences and the local artists and companies involved.

"During the season, local companies and artists, in particular the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Ballet have had the opportunity to work with the legendary Bolshoi Ballet.," Mr Kotzas said.

"There will be lasting memories for those who have worked with this distinguished and internationally- renowned performing arts company."