A new cultural legacy will be music to the ears of classical fans, with an esteemed maestro leading the launch of a City of Logan orchestra. Waterford conductor Dr Lewes Peddell is heading the new initiative as President and Music Director of Logan City Orchestras (LCO), and has already planned for a debut concert in July. With a career in music spanning decades in Australia and the US, Lewes hopes to bring the Logan community the same joy he has experienced when conducting with the likes of the Brisbane
This work is second nature for Lewes, who has devoted his life to musical excellence and creating impact beyond the classroom and orchestral podium. ‘With Logan growing exponentially, we want what we’re building here to thrive for generations to come – 50, 60, or even 100 years from now,’ Lewes says. ‘This isn’t just about youth musicians – it’s about building a community and creating opportunities for musicians of all ages, including professionals, to bring exceptional musical experiences to Logan. ‘At its heart, the LCO will be a group
Philharmonic Orchestra and Queensland Wind Orchestra, through to celebrated ensembles in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. His aim is to create a community space in Logan to encourage a flourishing local arts scene focusing on music performance – an idea
of ensembles – some focused on developing talent and others showcasing it. 'This includes exceptional local musicians who may go on to build national or international careers, but can return to Logan and reconnect with the LCO.’ Lewes says the LCO
We want what we’re building here to thrive for generations to come
inspired by his ‘pivotal years’ in the US. Specifically, it was during his stint as the Director of Bands and Orchestral Activities at Pennsylvania’s Gettysburg College when Lewes realised the importance of building a community through music. ‘After working with both university and community ensembles, I saw how orchestras can serve as hubs for collaboration and inclusion, and that’s a vision I’ve carried forward,’ Lewes says. ‘When I returned to Logan to teach at Canterbury College, I saw so much untapped talent here – but the opportunities for young musicians to extend their skills were limited. ‘Many had to travel out of Logan to showcase their talents, which wasn’t practical. That gap stayed with me.’ Earnest, diligent and meticulous, Lewes has quietly worked behind the scenes for the past 5 years to turn his passion project into the foundation of, what he hopes, will become a cultural legacy. Ultimately, the LCO will have several orchestral ensembles, train musicians of varying levels, provide mentorship, hold concerts and build a talent pipeline.
will feature a world-class community orchestra of about 50 to 60 players including woodwind, brass, percussion and orchestral string players. With the support of Logan City Council and funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and the Australian Early Learning Centre, Lewes has a debut concert planned at Kingston Butter Factory in July. Although rehearsals begin in March, musicians still have time to join. ‘I cannot wait to build an orchestra that truly resonates with Logan audiences,' Lewes says. He is encouraging musicians of all ages and experience levels, from high school students to professional musicians, to consider joining the LCO – including those more acquainted with popular music and country tunes than the likes of Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Wagner. The RADF supports the development of arts, culture and heritage in Logan. It is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Logan City Council. For information on the LCO visit www.logancityorchestras.org.au
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