Image: supplied.
Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra demonstrate not only exceptional high quality orchestral playing by a core group of 15 talented musicians, but they also take risks with alternative programming that is clearly attracting an enthusiastic following.
Home was the first major concert of the year, performed in the Conservatorium theatre, a perfect venue for their work with its excellent acoustic and intimate atmosphere. This was a contemporary all-Australian program that set out to explore the music of modern Australia – our home. The auditorium was packed and the audience excited. In former days modern Australian music was something to avoid, not to eagerly anticipate. We have come a long way, with the assistance of musicians like Camerata who are opening up the repertoire to a younger and clearly more receptive audience.
The program itself was delightful, with well thought-through, hand-picked repertoire, judiciously selected by leader, Brendan Joyce, and crafted so that each piece appeared to juxtapose the next perfectly. This was assisted by a liberal sprinkling of introductions to the works from members of the ensemble. There was no theme and no composer chronological date order – just good music for strings, assisted by some guest musicians in the woodwind and percussion sections.
The concert got off to a brisk start with Carl Vine’s ‘Concerto Grosso’, a contemporary take on the classical baroque form where Vine combines the structured classical genre and his own musical style in an interesting interpretation. Principal Johnny Ng gave an assured and polished performance as the solo violin, ably supported by excellent work from the guest flautist, oboist and horn player. This was probably the most complex music of the evening, setting a high standard with its spirited orchestration offering some marvellous textures and colours.
It was followed by a touching lyrical tribute from Lyle Chan to a friend who died of aids in a short work entitled ‘Tony-ony Macaroni’.
Margaret Sutherland’s ‘Concerto for Strings’ in 3 movements was led with panache by Brendan Joyce and offered a substantial work, passionately delivered by the orchestra. The well-paced Allegro con brio with its strong melody line led to a mournful Tempo di Menuetto while the Sempre Vivace’s sense of urgency and the final glissando brought the piece to a shuddering conclusion.
Richard Meale’s work has not yet had the recognition it deserves in Australia probably due to his early concentration on the avant garde. His later music was more accessible though and the poignancy of Cantilena Pacifica, a memorium to a dead friend, is ravishingly beautiful and so very sad with its long sustained final notes and melody. Joyce played the work with great sensitivity and expression.
‘Elegies and Dances for String Orchestra’ from Paul Stanhope offered some dark, foreboding music that united the opposite forces of dance and elegy in a combative piece that was discordant but also quite lyrical. The orchestra seemed to relish playing the work with the solo-violin acting as provocateur.
A highlight of the program was the Australian premiere of Cameron Patrick’s ‘Lines of the Southern Cross’. An exploration of the Aboriginal connection to the land in 5 movements, he utilised percussion and strings to great effect to evoke the sounds of indigenous music. This was a brooding work, with a strong narrative and a highly visual soundscape. The orchestration for the percussion was exciting and colourful and there were excellent solos from the principal cello and double bass in particular. The four young dancers from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts helped the visual element of the work, evoking a strong connection to the land in their precise movements.
The mystery guest, young rising star mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskar-Thomas sang Carl Vine’s ‘Love me Sweet’ with a dark, rich, warm timbre in her voice and received rapturous applause.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Home
Camerata of St. John’s
Leader: Brendan Joyce
Carl Vine
Lyle Chan
Margaret Sutherland
Richard Meale
Paul Stanhope
Cameron Patrick
Jonny Ng, violin
Monika Koerner, piccolo & flute
Eve Newsome, oboe & cor anglais
Ysolt Clark, french horn
Dancers from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts
Mystery guest: mezzo-soprano – Xenia Puskar-Thomas
Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Saturday 5 March 2016
