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Southern Cross Soloists returned to QPAC's magnificent Concert Hall for their 15th year as an Ensemble in Residence.
Divine Alchemy, on Sunday 3 March, featured a musical journey developed in the crucible of adversity. The soloists uncovered a series of masterpieces that, beyond the beautiful melodies, represented stories that connect us all as humans.
The concert started with a very polished rendition of Bach's Oboe Concerto in G minor by our very own Artistic Director, Tania Frazer. This was certainly a sophisticated and virtuosic start to our highly anticipated first QPAC concert of 2024.
This was then followed by the premiere of a new chamber arrangement of Debussy's Violin Sonata. Amalia Hall amazed our audience with an exquisite interpretation of this beloved work, accompanied by a musically colourful ensemble of soloists bringing to life the original 'piano part'. This was almost as if Debussy himself orchestrated it. Amalia also delighted our audience with a brilliant encore - Kreisler's Scherzo-Caprice - showcasing the reason why she is one of the greatest rising stars of the moment.
Wise Woman was our third piece in the programme. Composed by Sean O'Boyle and Chris Williams, this piece paid tribute to Williams' grandmother. Despite her difficult background, she fought for a better future for her children and grandchildren. Audiences were taken into a very emotional musical journey surrounded by Williams' atmospheric playing in the didgeridoo. This piece was brought to you thanks to our SXS Didgeridoo Commissioning Project 2022-2032.
Another chamber arrangement was premiered, but this time a unique rendition of three movements from Mozart's Requiem. Usually performed with a larger ensemble and a choir, this interpretation reminded us why SXS are the stars of the Australian chamber music scene. Each musician brought the different instrumental and vocal lines to life, almost as if the work was written for just that instrumentation.
Amalia Hall returned to the stage for the Australian Premiere of Vuillermet's Elegie. Dedicated to all the fathers around the world, our very enthusiastic audience was transported to a world of sound almost belonging to an epic yet touching cinematic scene.
To wrap up the afternoon, internationally acclaimed pianist Konstantin Shamray joined the soloists for Mozart's Piano Concert No. 24 in C minor. The audiences received his virtuosic performance with a thunderous round applause bringing the night to an end.
Photo Gallery coming soon!
Photos by Darren Thomas
