Yoko Henderson, of Kingaroy, took part in the World Biggest Orchestra Challenge alongside a busload of musicians from the South Burnett … she was among the 417 flautists who helped to break the record (Photo: Richard Henderson)

December 17, 2013

The news that a group of South Burnett musicians have been waiting for has finally arrived … they are officially world record holders.

Queensland Music Festival announced today that the official Guinness World Records attempt for the “World’s Largest Orchestra” was successful.

On Saturday, July 13, internationally renowned musician James Morrison led 7224 musicians in the World’s Biggest Orchestra Challenge at Suncorp Stadium, smashing the previous world record of 6452 set by the Vancouver Symphony in 2000.

With James Morrison as conductor, musicians young and old performed a medley of tunes including “Waltzing Matilda”, Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You” with crowds of supporters who lined Suncorp Stadium to cheer them on.

QMF now holds the official Guinness World Records title for the “Largest orchestra” as well as The Australian Book of Records title for the “Largest Brass Ensemble”, “Largest Woodwind Ensemble”, “Largest Clarinet Ensemble” and “World’s Largest Orchestra”.

The record-breaking feat will be included in the 2015 Guinness World Records book.

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The World’s Biggest Orchestra!

(video by Peta Newcombe)