Brisbane, 31 March 2026: Queensland Ballet has opened its highly anticipated 2026 season to critical acclaim with the epic Messa da Requiem by internationally renowned choreographer Christian Spuck, staged in the new Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC.
Marking the inaugural season of Artistic Director, Ivan Gil-Ortega, and the opening of QPAC’s newest theatre, the production has been met with unanimous praise from critics.
“Messa da Requiem is instead a great, big, earth-shattering bang – a work of Biblical proportions in every sense,” said Nick Dent, Brisbane Times.
“It’s strong, elegant dance with endlessly beautiful stage pictures elevated by Emma Ryott’s marvellous costumes,” said Deborah Jones, The Australian.
“Messa da Requiem is immense. It’s moving. And it’s visually unforgettable,” said Regan Baker, The Scoop.
A monumental collaboration between Queensland Ballet, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Brisbane Chorale and Canticum Chamber Choir, Messa da Requiem unleashes the full emotional force of dance, voice and music to bring Verdi’s towering score to life.
Opening night and the first weekend performances were sold out, with limited tickets still available for performances during the week and across the Easter Saturday.
The triumphant opening sets the tone for a bold 2026 season under Gil-Ortega, featuring an exciting mix of new works, international artistry and beloved classics, including another work by Christan Spuck in the triple bill, Strings.
2026 season highlights and new productions include
- Elastic Hearts, choreographed by Garry Stewart to the music of Sia
- Strings, a triple bill of three fast-paced contemporary ballets by leading European choreographers, including Christian Spuck, all united through the use of string instruments played by Camerata Orchestra
- Hamlet by Croatian choreographer, Leo Mujic
- Bespoke, an evening of dance showcasing rising Australian talents
- The Nutcracker, a new production by British choreographer, Derek Deane.
Subscriptions and tickets for the remainder of the 2026 season are currently available see here
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