Get on Board for The Boxties Headlining Performance Debut QPAC

Brisbane's own talented ensemble of young singers and instrumentalists, The Boxties will make their headlining performance debut at the Queensland Performing Art Centre (QPAC) Cremorne Theatre in Bound Away to Leave You on 25 and 26 November 2016.

Known for their contemporary vibe and high energy music-making, The Boxties will celebrate songs and tales of the sea in Bound Away to Leave You, drawing on songs from iconic English musician Sting's eleventh studio album and musical The Last Ship.

The Last Ship portrays life in a shipyard town, and is a tribute to the place where Sting grew up; Wallsend in England's industrial northeast.Sting's songs are tuneful and energetic, thoughtful and intimate, even mystical at times, as he tells of a way of life inexorably vanishing in the face of the 21st Century.

The Boxties: Bound Away to Leave You brings together Sting's soulfulness - and sense of humour - and with some traditional tunes, showcases The Last Ship's wider context, portraying the end of a way of life, and a once mighty empire, slowly fading with the tide.

The Boxties express themselves through powerful vocal harmony, underpinned by considerable instrumental virtuosity and drive. Their repertoire draws on deep roots, songs of love and loss, but also exuberance and rambunctiousness, from the folk traditions of the British Isles, with the occasional detour into the world of cabaret and musical theatre.

The group has performed at folk clubs, festivals, and also appeared as guests in QPAC's Songs of Hope and Healing concert in support of young refugees, and QPAC's Spirit of Christmas performance season.

The Boxties gained their formative musical experiences from being part of the Instrumental Music program at Ferny Grove State High School. The majority are now actively pursuing musical careers, and all are still associated with the program in one way or another - mostly by being part of the teaching staff, and bringing their professional skills back to mentor further generations of instrumental performers.

During their high-school years, they built strong foundations for their musicianship, playing and singing together in everything from percussion ensembles and choirs to big band and string orchestras.

This tight-knit group evolved out of its members' desire to continue playing and singing together, and to perform music that is poetic, emotionally complex and fun.

Don't miss Brisbane's own The Boxties in their main stage performance debut at QPAC on 25 and 26 November 2016. Tickets are on sale now. To book go to www.qpac.com.au or call 136 246.

Welcoming more than 1.4 million visitors and presenting over 1200 performances annually the QPAC experience extends beyond the theatre with a range of unique spaces to eat, drink, and enjoy free live entertainment. Visit www.qpac.com.au to learn more about Queensland's Centre for live performance and the range of exciting events and initiatives on offer year round, including weekly tours here. To come a little closer to QPAC find out more about QPAC Membership here. Access the Press and Media Centre on the QPAC website here.