THE Proserpine Entertainment Centre was transformed into Volksoper Vienna on Sunday afternoon when about 100 locals flocked to the theatre to attend a free concert by the Queensland Youth Orchestra.

The concert was a result of the joint efforts of the Whitsunday Regional Council, State Government, Queensland Arts and the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, and helped celebrate the 30th anniversary of the centre, which was formally acknowledged last month.

Sunday's performance also marked 15 years since the 40-member orchestra last performed in Proserpine in 1999.

The orchestra was led by conductor Sergei Korschmin and included the music of Beethoven's 5th Symphony, Brahams' Hungarian Dances and arias by Puccini and Mozart.

The afternoon concert was highlighted by the outstanding performance of 17-year-old soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas.

Xenia delighted audiences with an encore of 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'.

Proserpine Entertainment Centre manager Chris Patrick said it was important to bring these kinds of events to the centre.

"We'd like to do something like this every now and again in Proserpine for audience development," he said.

It was something the centre will strive to do more of in the future.

For some children, it was their first time visiting the theatre for a live performance, and Mr Patrick was touched by the amount of kids and hopeful musicians that were present.

"[It's a] great opportunity for them to see this in their own backyard and to bring something different to the community," he said.

Audience members commented on how fantastic it was to have a free event in the region that was so positive and moving.