Ahoy, ye brave adventurers and seekers of musical bounty! 


Yer captain welcomes ye aboard the grand ship of melodies, as we set sail on a quest unlike any other—a treasure hunt across lands far and wide, uncoverin’ the stories behind the music in our upcoming concert! The winds be blowin’ and the clues be callin’, leading ye to places of legend, lore, and music that’ll make yer hearts sing. Each week, ye’ll receive a riddle to solve—a map to a place where history and harmony collide. Crack the code, uncover the treasures, and share yer finds with yer fellow buccaneers!


How to Join the Hunt:



The first mate to solve the weekly riddle earns the respect of the Brethren Court! And fer the grand finale, ye’ll join us at the Treasure Hunt Concert, where the treasures of sound and story await ye in full splendor.


So hoist the sails, gather yer wits, and prepare for a voyage through music, myth, and adventure. The treasure hunt begins now—may yer maps be true, and yer hearts be bold!


Here be yer first clue. Let the adventure commence!  


Your Next CLUE:

"Amidst Oregon's rolling hills, where the Eagle Creek flows,

A bustling town rose from the earth,

Not by miners' hands but by filmmakers' dreams of gold."


Fair winds and full harmonies to ye all,

~ Captain KGWO  


PS Ye next clue will be bottled to yer each Monday, if the tide be with us.


Week 1 - Baker City, Oregon

Ahoy, treasure seekers and adventurers of sound!

Are ye ready for a journey back to a time when the world was vast, the seas were uncharted, and the horizon held the promise of untold riches and lands? Our orchestral concert’s treasure hunt begins with the untamed lands where dreams of gold shimmered under the blazing sun. Today, we uncover the golden tale behind Frederick Loewe's iconic Paint Your Wagon, arranged by Stephen Duro.

 The Clue to Our Hunt

"Amidst Oregon's rolling hills, where the Eagle Creek flows,
 A bustling town rose from the earth,
 Not by miners' hands but by filmmakers' dreams of gold."

Baker City, the filming location for this larger-than-life musical, is where cinema and song collide.

 A Town Built on Dreams—Not Gold

Our clue leads us to the rugged beauty of Baker City, Oregon, USA, nestled among rolling hills and the flowing waters of Eagle Creek. But Baker City’s claim to fame isn’t found in the gold pans of prospectors—it lies in the dreams of filmmakers!

Back in 1969, the crew of Paint Your Wagon transformed this quiet slice of Oregon into a bustling frontier town, located not far outside Baker City. Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, and an all-star cast brought the Gold Rush era to life, capturing the grit, humor, and heart of this beloved musical. They didn’t just film in the wilderness—they built an entire town from scratch, a shimmering mirage of history and Hollywood magic!

The Spirit of Paint Your Wagon

From its show-stopping numbers like “They Call the Wind Maria” to its heartfelt ballads, Paint Your Wagon celebrates the ambition and folly of humanity’s quest for fortune and belonging. Loewe’s timeless score captures the sweeping grandeur of the frontier, making it a fitting tribute to the spirit of exploration and hope.

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Will ye strike gold in our online scavenger hunt? Solve the riddle, uncover the location, and explore the real-life stories that inspired the music! Glory awaits those with a keen mind and a quick hand.

Share yer answers by commenting on this post on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube (#TreasureHunt.)

Mark yer calendar to hear this gem live at our concert “Treasure Hunt”—where we’ll bring the Gold Rush to life through the power of music. Secure yer tickets before they disappear like gold dust in the wind!

Here’s to discovering treasure, music lovers—onward to the next clue!

Your Next CLUE:

"From a workshop near the hustle of Broadway,
 Puppets set sail on cinematic seas,
 Blending humor and adventure in a city that never sleeps."

—Yer Captain of Orchestral Treasures 

Week 2 - New York City, USA

Ahoy, me hearties! 

Hoist the sails and prepare for a rollicking adventure as we dive into the swashbuckling world of Muppets Treasure Island. Hans Zimmer’s masterful score, arranged by Bertrand Moren, will whisk ye away on a voyage of laughter, mischief, and music.

The Clue That Leads to a Legendary Port

Our treasure hunt clue takes us to the bustling heart of New York City, USA:

"From a workshop near the hustle of Broadway,
 Puppets set sail on cinematic seas,
 Blending humor and adventure in a city that never sleeps."

New York, the city that never sleeps, is not just a cultural hub—it’s the birthplace of the Muppets’ rise to stardom. The Jim Henson Company, established in this vibrant metropolis (and later moving to LA), brought these beloved characters to life, making NYC a fitting stop off for our treasure-seeking adventure.

Muppets, Mayhem, and Movie Magic

When the Muppets set sail in Treasure Island, they combined high-seas drama with their trademark wit and charm, delighting audiences young and old. From Kermit as the wise Captain Smollett to Tim Curry’s iconic Long John Silver, this cinematic gem blends humour with the thrill of discovery. Hans Zimmer’s dynamic score adds depth to the tale, capturing every stormy sea and joyous victory.

A Nostalgic Voyage in Music

Zimmer’s music takes the Muppets’ humour and adventure to soaring new heights, making this piece a delightful addition to our concert program. Whether ye’re a fan of the original book or simply adore the Muppets, this is a voyage ye won’t want to miss!

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Solve the clues, explore the connections, and uncover the treasures hidden behind each piece of music. First to crack the riddle wins the respect of the crew! Share yer answers by commenting on this post on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube (use #TreasureHunt.)

Don’t be left marooned—secure yer spot at “Treasure Hunt” and join us as we bring Muppets Treasure Island to life on stage. Tickets be goin’ fast, so act swiftly!

Anchors aweigh, and onward to the next treasure!

Your Next CLUE:

"In a realm of fire and ice,
 Where sagas of dragons were born,
 The aurora paints the sky
 Over a land shaped by volcanoes and Vikings."

—Yer Loyal Captain of Musical Adventures 

Week 3 - Iceland

Ahoy, dragon tamers and adventurers! 

Our orchestral treasure hunt takes flight to a land of fire and ice, where legends of dragons and Vikings fill the air. John Powell’s soaring score from How to Train Your Dragon, arranged by Sean O'Loughlin, will transport ye to a realm of breathtaking landscapes and epic tales.

The Clue to the Dragon’s Lair

"In a realm of fire and ice,
 Where sagas of dragons were born,
 The aurora paints the sky
 Over a land shaped by volcanoes and Vikings."

Our journey leads us to Iceland, a land forged by volcanic fury and adorned by the ethereal beauty of the northern lights. This mystical island, with its rugged fjords, dramatic cliffs, and steaming geysers, inspired the landscapes in the fantastical world of Berk in How to Train Your Dragon. An interesting side note is that the original inspiration for the Isle of Berk in Cressida Cowell's book series, upon which the films are based, comes from the Inner Hebrides in Scotland, but the movies are aesthetically Icelandic. 

A Land of Myth and Majesty

The Viking heritage that courses through Iceland’s veins perfectly complements the adventurous spirit of the movie. It’s easy to imagine Hiccup and Toothless soaring through Iceland’s fiery skies, dodging volcanic eruptions and weaving between ice-capped peaks. Iceland’s untamed beauty breathes life into the film’s world, blending the mythical with the real.

Music That Soars Like a Dragon

John Powell’s iconic score captures the wonder and exhilaration of dragon flight, the warmth of friendship, and the bravery of forging new paths. From its hauntingly beautiful themes to its heart-pounding action sequences, this music is a true masterpiece. John Powell was inspired by the "Scandinavian Scotland" from Cowell's books. Drawing from his own Scottish heritage, he incorporated instruments such as bagpipes, dulcimers, and whistles to portray the Viking protagonists, blending musical styles and instrumentation to capture the film's adventurous spirit.

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Think ye can solve the riddles and uncover the treasures behind the music? The hunt is on! Crack the clues and uncover the real-world inspirations behind each piece. Follow us and share yer discoveries with #TreasureHunt for a chance at glory worthy of a Viking chief - Facebook, Instagram or YouTube (use #TreasureHunt.)

Secure yer seat at “Treasure Hunt” and let How to Train Your Dragon soar to life in an unforgettable live performance. Don’t miss yer chance to witness the magic!

The skies beckon, and the next clue awaits. Adventure onward, music lover!

Your Next CLUE:

"In the land where caravels set sail under stars,
 A Genoese navigator began his quest,
 Departing from a port that launched a new era."

—Yer Trusty Captain of Symphonic Quests


Week 4 - Palos de la Frontera, Spain

Ahoy, explorers and adventurers! Our treasure hunt sets sail to the shores of discovery, where history and music intertwine in a grand tale of courage and curiosity. Vangelis’s iconic 1492: The Conquest of Paradise, arranged by John Glenesk Mortimer, will guide ye on a journey to a port that launched an era.

The Clue That Charts the Course

"In the land where caravels set sail under stars,
 A Genoese navigator began his quest,
 Departing from a port that launched a new era."

The answer, me hearty, lies in the historic town of Palos de la Frontera, Spain, where Christopher Columbus began his daring voyage in 1492.

The Port That Changed the World

In this quaint Spanish harbor, three caravels—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—were prepared to cross the vast Atlantic. Under a canopy of stars, Columbus and his crew departed from Palos de la Frontera, embarking on a journey that would forever alter the course of history. This small town, with its timeless cobbled streets and maritime spirit, became the starting point for the Age of Exploration.

A Musical Tribute to Discovery

Vangelis’s 1492: The Conquest of Paradise is a symphonic ode to humanity’s endless quest for knowledge and adventure. Its powerful melodies evoke the courage it takes to venture into the unknown, perfectly capturing the spirit of Columbus’s journey and the dawn of a new era.

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Think ye can solve the riddles and uncover the treasures behind the music? Our treasure hunt continues with clues that lead to Palos de la Frontera and beyond!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube  and share yer discoveries with #TreasureHunt for a chance to win admiration worthy of an explorer!

Don’t miss yer opportunity to experience this magnificent piece live at “Treasure Hunt”. Seats are disappearing faster than the horizon on a starry night—secure yer tickets today via www.kgwo.org.au

The winds of adventure call—onward to the next clue, matey!

Your Next CLUE:

"Along Cornwall's rugged shores,
 In a town where the sea meets the moor,
 A comic opera set sail,
 Lampooning duty with a pirate's grin."

—Yer Loyal Captain of Orchestral Expeditions 


Week 5 - Penzance, Cornwall, UK.

Ahoy, me mateys! 

Raise yer cutlasses and strike up a tune as we chart a course for Cornwall’s rugged shores, the birthplace of Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious operetta, The Pirates of Penzance. Arranged by C.M. Mellema, this comedic masterpiece invites ye to revel in a tale of duty, love, and a merry band of swashbuckling pirates.

The Clue That Leads to the Coast

"Along Cornwall's rugged shores,
 In a town where the sea meets the moor,
 A comic opera set sail,
 Lampooning duty with a pirate's grin."

Our journey takes us to Penzance, Cornwall, UK, the charming coastal town that inspired this legendary tale.

A Town Worthy of a Pirate’s Tale

Nestled along Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, Penzance is a place where the sea meets rolling moors and tales of pirates and smugglers echo through the ages. With its quaint streets, sparkling bay, and proximity to iconic landmarks like St. Michael’s Mount, Penzance is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty. It’s the perfect setting for a comedic adventure about pirates grappling with the oddities of duty and honour.

Music That’s As Witty As It Is Wonderful

Arthur Sullivan’s lively melodies and W.S. Gilbert’s clever lyrics make The Pirates of Penzance a timeless delight. From the patter-filled “Major-General’s Song” to the soaring “Poor Wand'ring One,” this operetta combines humour, heart, and unforgettable music. It’s a true gem of the musical seas!

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Our treasure hunt sails into Cornwall—can ye solve the clues and uncover the treasures behind the music? Share yer discoveries with #TreasureHunt on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube and claim yer share of the booty.

Don’t miss the chance to see this rollicking piece brought to life at “Treasure Hunt”. Seats are disappearing faster than pirates at the sight of the law, so grab yer tickets now via www.kgwo.org.au

Fair winds, and onward to the next clue, me hearty!

Your Next CLUE:

"In the city of dreaming spires,
 A professor wove myths of Middle-earth,
 Where wizards wander and rings hold sway
 Over the fate of all."

—Yer Faithful Captain of Comic Operettas


Week 6 - Oxford, England

Ahoy, wanderers of realms seen and unseen! 

Today, we set out on a quest to uncover the story behind Johan de Meij’s The Lord of the Rings, Symphony No. 1 – Gandalf, arranged by Paul Lavender. A tale of wizards, courage, and destiny awaits, inspired by the professor who brought Middle-earth to life.

The Clue That Guides Us

"In the city of dreaming spires,
A professor wove myths of Middle-earth,
Where wizards wander and rings hold sway
Over the fate of all."

Our journey leads us to Oxford, England, where J.R.R. Tolkien wove the tales of Middle-earth in the shadow of the city’s iconic spires.

 A City of Academic Magic

Oxford, a city steeped in history and intellectual brilliance, shaped Tolkien’s vision of Middle-earth. As a professor at Oxford University, Tolkien drew inspiration from its ancient libraries, cobbled streets, and ethereal atmosphere. It’s easy to see echoes of Oxford in the landscapes of his stories—from the rolling hills of the Shire to the grand halls of Rivendell.

 Music Fit for a Wizard

Johan de Meij’s symphony captures the essence of Tolkien’s epic saga, with Gandalf standing tall as a tribute to the wisdom and power of Middle-earth’s beloved wizard. The music mirrors Gandalf’s strength, mystery, and deep connection to the fate of the world, transporting listeners to a realm of fantasy and wonder.

 Join the Treasure Hunt!

Think ye can solve the clues and journey through the lore behind the music? Share yer discoveries with #TreasureHunt on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube and claim yer token of triumph worthy of a true adventurer.

Secure yer place at “Treasure Hunt” and join us for a performance that will transport ye to Middle-earth. Tickets (via www.kgwo.org.au) are vanishing faster than wizards in the wild—don’t miss yer chance!

The road goes ever on and on, music lovers—onward to the next clue!

Your Next CLUE:

"Where the 'swan knight' first graced the stage
Under the baton of a virtuoso friend,
Weaving legends into notes
Amidst Goethe's old haunts."

—Yer Captain of Musical Adventures 


Week 7 - Weimar, Germany

Ahoy, seekers of musical legends! 

Our treasure hunt takes a poetic turn as we journey to the birthplace of Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin—a tale of a mysterious knight, a swan, and the power of destiny. The stirring Introduction to Act III, arranged by McAlister/Reed, will sweep ye into a realm where myths and music intertwine.

The Clue That Leads Us

"Where the 'swan knight' first graced the stage
 Under the baton of a virtuoso friend,
 Weaving legends into notes
 Amidst Goethe's old haunts."

Our destination is Weimar, Germany, where Wagner’s Lohengrin premiered in 1850, conducted by his close friend and supporter Franz Liszt.

A City of Cultural Riches

Weimar is no ordinary city—it’s a cradle of artistic and intellectual brilliance. Known as the home of Goethe, Schiller, and the German Enlightenment, Weimar’s cobbled streets have inspired countless masterpieces. Against this backdrop, Lohengrin took flight, blending the grandeur of Wagner’s music with the cultural prestige of Liszt’s direction.

The tale of the "swan knight," drawn from medieval Germanic legend, was brought to life in this historic city, setting the stage for one of Wagner’s most enduring operas.

Music That Soars with Majesty

The Introduction to Act III captures the excitement and grandeur of Lohengrin’s journey. Its triumphant brass and soaring strings will transport ye to a world of chivalry and myth, where music paints the legend of a knight led by a swan to rescue a damsel in distress.

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Crack the clues and delve into the history of Weimar and the legend of the "swan knight." Share yer discoveries with #TreasureHunt on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for a chance to find treasures worthy of a virtuoso.

Don’t miss yer chance to experience the majesty of Wagner live at “Treasure Hunt”. Seats are sailing away faster than a swan on the Rhine—grab yer tickets today via www.kgwo.org.au

The knight beckons, and the next clue awaits. Onward, adventurers!

Your Next CLUE:

"In a Berlin district where walls once divided,
 A band's name was forged,
 And their hits turned into precious metal
 On global charts."

—Yer Captain of Musical Myths

Week 8 - Spandau, Berlin, Germany

We know you probably don't want to think about water right now, and we hope you are all safe and through the worst of what TC Alfred delivered - but the journey must continue! (Hopefully with no bad weather on the horizon!)

This week, our journey takes us to a place where history and melody intertwine, revealing the story behind one of the most iconic hits of the 80s. Gary Kemp’s Gold, arranged by Thijs Oud (Scherzando), invites ye to strike it rich with a tale of inspiration and success.

The Clue That Points to Gold

"In a Berlin district where walls once divided,
 A band's name was forged,
 And their hits turned into precious metal
 On global charts."

The answer lies in Spandau, Berlin, Germany, a district steeped in history and the birthplace of the name Spandau Ballet.

From Berlin's Walls to the World’s Charts

Spandau, a district in Berlin, carries an interesting connection to the band name. Spandau Ballet, who formed in London in 1979, deriving their name from a phrase seen by their friend, journalist Robert Elms. Elms suggested the name to the band after seeing "Spandau Ballet" scrawled in a nightclub bathroom wall during a visit to Berlin. Little did they know the somewhat macabre source of the name, which can be traced to the Spandau Prison!

The band would go on to craft hits that struck gold on the global stage, their music bridging divides and capturing hearts.

Berlin, with its dynamic energy and storied past, thus became a curious link in the story of the band’s rise to fame.

Music That Glitters

Gold is more than just a song—it’s an anthem of triumph and timeless artistry. Its driving beat and soaring melody encapsulate the spirit of the 80s, making it a treasure in its own right. This arrangement brings that sparkle to life, lighting up the concert stage with its unmistakable shine.

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Solve the clues, uncover the roots of Gold, and journey to Spandau’s storied streets. Share yer discoveries with #TreasureHunt on  Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for a chance of glory as dazzling as the music itself.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to experience Gold live at “Treasure Hunt”. Tickets are shimmering in demand, so grab yer share before they’re gone!

The treasure hunt continues—onward to the next glimmering clue!

Your Next CLUE:

"In a grand hall beside the Vltava's flow,
 A maestro returned home to lead an orchestra's first notes,
 Blending old world charm with visions of the new."

—Yer Captain of Musical Riches

Week 9 Answer coming next Monday...