The QSO is one of Kurilpa’s greatest assets. Last Saturday night, 7th November, at the QPAC Concert Hall, the ABC recorded the ninth concert in the Maestro Series. We will be able to listen to it on the radio and via the ABC Listen App. It’s also available on Spotify.
The QSO began the performance with Salina Fisher’s Murmuring Then followed Beethoven’s Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 61. After the interval they played Mendelssohn’s (Scottish) Symphony No. 3.
The audience in the packed Concert Hall were gifted three delicious journeys.
Murmuring Light is best listened to rather than watched. The percussion section began the murmur, which grew across the orchestra as one instrument emerged from, then retreated into, the whole sound. The piece echoed the murmuration of birds as it drew on the light of New Zealand in all its colour. The silence behind it gave us a delicious individuality as it swarmed over us.
The award-winning New Zealand composer Salina Fisher was in the audience.
Giordano Bellincampi conducted the premiere of Murmuring Light with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019. You can listen to their version here: https://blackteamusic.com/product/murmuring-light/
Giordano Bellincampi returned to Brisbane for this concert. He does not use a baton and his height enables him to gesticulate to both entice and wring the sounds from the orchestra.
Beethoven’s only violin concerto, Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra, Op 61, followed. I had not heard this before and was expecting neither the virtuosity nor the enthusiasm required of the violinist. Satu Vänskä is Principal Violinist for the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She enthusiastically swept us along to new places after, as solo violinist, she answered back to Beethoven’s lyrical introduction from the clarinets and strings. It was a robust performance of the three movements. Satu’s stunning control of her instrument had us enthralled. If ever the parent of a budding violinist wants to explain why scales are so important, show your young musician this concerto.
After the interval the questioning momentum was to continue. Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony – inspired by his 1829 visit to the ruined, roofless chapel at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh – Symphony No. 3 came next. The first movements began with a moderate tempo and, after the somewhat restrained second movement ended with the vivacity and brightness of the last movement.
The audience ovated many times.
We all went home happy, and some of us were still talking about the QSO’s performance the next day.
Well done QSO. Unfortunately violinist Lynn Cole retired after 35 years with the QSO. And Principal Piccolo Kate Lawson has left after 11 years. Their contribution was acknowledged by colleagues and the audience.
Kerry McGovern
