James Morrison sets new world record at Queensland Music Festival

A new world record was set last Saturday (July 13) at the Queensland Music Festival. Led by its artistic director, jazz trumpet player James Morrison, 7223 musicians gathered at the Brisbane Suncorp Stadium and set a milestone entry for the largest orchestra assembled at the one place. Over 7,000 spectators gathered to watch the event.

The previous record of 6452 was set in 2000 in Vancouver, Canada when the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra played ten minutes of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. 

Morrison arranged three pieces for the assembled – made up of professionals and amateurs – to perform: Waltzing Matilda, Beethoven’s Ode To Joy and Queen’s We Will Rock You. 

The Queensland Music Festival runs until July 28. Under Morrison, the festival has actively courted the participation of regional and Indigenous musicians.