For one night the Mackay Entertainment Centre played host to the classics as the Mackay Choral Society and their 50 person choir celebrated their 60th Anniversary with a very special concert.

Over 500 people arrived at the Mackay Entertainment Centre to experience the Mackay version of London’s famous ‘Last Night of the Proms’, and tickets were selling like hot cakes at the door.

Musical director and lecturer with the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) Kim Kirkman, directed the 50 piece orchestra in this wonderful classical event, and according to Kim it was an exceptionally good concert.

“The standard of the performers was very high and the audience really loved it”, he said. “We actually received a standing ovation which was wonderful".

“About 100 people brought tickets at the last minute, so the concert had to start a little late”, he said. “But that just added to the excitement and anticipation of the event".

Kim, who commenced lecturing at the CQCM in 2004 said, “I can quite easily say this concert was my musical highlight in Mackay so far”.

As well as soloists from Perth and Brisbane, local artists included Kirsten Kerr who performed Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; Daisy-May Wegner who presented a surprise country number and vocal performances from several Bachelor of Music Theatre students from the CQCM.

'The Proms' originated in London in 1895 and the 'Last Night of the Proms' is one of the most popular classical music concerts in the world, watched and listened to by an audience of many millions around the globe.

Here’s hoping the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ becomes an annual feature of the Mackay calendar.

Photo above: Musical director and CQCM lecturer Kim Kirkman directed the 50 piece orchestra during the concert, which coincided with the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ in London.