The Townsville Guitar Orchestra was formed at the beginning of 2002 under the guidance of Joanne McCluskey to provide performance opportunities to guitarists in the region.  The group consists of students from James Cook University, local high schools and the wider community.  During this time the guitar orchestra has produced two CD's and were privileged to have Richard Charlton the great Australian Guitarist/Composer come to Townsville to launch their second CD which was music by Australian composers.  The group has supported many International artists including Karin Schaupp, Gareth Koch, Slava and Leonard Grygorian, Paul Svoboda, Anthony Garcia and William Barton.  In 2009 Anythony Garcia penned "Ulysses Blue" a five-movement work for 25 guitars and didgeridoo which was premiered at Riverway Art's Centre by the Guitar Orchestra, Anthony and William Barton.  Over the years the guitar orchestra has supported many Townsville City Council and Thuringowa City Council events.  Today the guitar orchestra is Co-Directed by Joanne McCluskey and Will Page and they're currently working towards their 10th year birthday celebration which will take place in May next year.  A number of the artists they've worked with over the years will visit Townsville for the event, which will include the premiere of a work by Richard Charlton written for the Townsville Guitar Orchestra.