QPAC

Our newest company in residence, acclaimed chamber music group, Ensemble Q, is set to debut on its new home stage in our Concert Hall with two exquisite concerts this spring.

The first performance Septet will feature the much-loved Beethoven Septet matched with acclaimed composer and co-Artistic Director, Paul Dean’s own brand-new Septet for the same instrumentation. 

Following on, Ensemble Q will present Mills, Mozart and Mahler featuring work by Australian composer Richard Mills, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 17, K453 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4.

Led by co-Artistic Directors, clarinettist Paul Dean and cellist Trish Dean, the ensemble boasts some of the finest musicians in Australia among its core artists including Concertmaster and Principal seats in Queensland Symphony Orchestra, soloists and chamber musicians on the national touring network, as well as leading faculty at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU).

A world-class chamber music ensemble, Ensemble Q comprises a string quartet, double bass, wind quintet, piano and percussion.

Essentially a mini orchestra, the group is acclaimed for presenting some of the most-loved chamber music repertoire, combined with new discoveries and premieres.

Ahead of their first performance with us, some of the Ensemble Q artists shared what music would make their Spotify playlists.

Paul Dean – Co-Artistic Director and clarinettist, Ensemble Q

‘Time’ | Pink Floyd

I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to this song. I see it has been listened to about 225 million times on Spotify and I think many of them are from me. An amazing combination of musique concrete, amazing production and extremely meaningful lyrics. This is, of course, one of the greatest pop/rock albums of all time, and this is the best song on that album.

Symphony No. 7 ‘Adagio’ | Bruckner  

Without a doubt, Bruckner’s 7th Symphony is my favourite piece of music. I have no idea why it is, but the moment when the composer hears of his hero’s (Wagner) death is one of the most emotionally poignant moments in all music.

Viola Concerto IV ‘Toccata, Presto’  | Widmann

Jorg Widmann is one of the leading composers alive today and I get so much energy and inspiration listening to his music. He is also a fabulous clarinettist…so in short…he is just a much better version of me!

Trish Dean–Co-Artistic Director and cellist, Ensemble Q 

Concerto grosso in D minor, Op.3, No.11, RV565 | Vivaldi

I have lived a life as a touring musician with a sometimes paralysing fear of flying, coupled by a reasonable case of claustrophobia. I have flown on thousands of flights all over the world and it was always a case of silent panic management, until I discovered that if I put my headphones on and turn on music that I would be ok with dying to, the fear leaves me. This is currently my number one choice to (preferably not) die to haha.

‘Four Last Songs’ | Richard Strauss sung by Jessye Norman

I think this is one recording that is on the deserted island list of every musician I know, so you’ve probably already had this listed a few times. I have great memories of discovering it in the middle of the night at the end of a music student post-concert party, lying on the floor with the lights off and collectively having our hearts broken and healed by this incredible woman singing this incredible music. You can’t beat it.

‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ | Nina Simone

My little girl (now 30) and I used to dance around the living room listening to this, Naomi on my hips, giggling the gorgeous blonde curls off her head and asking for more. It’s such a fun bass line and Nina Simone’s power is just incredible.

Alison Mitchell – Flautist, Ensemble Q 

‘I Drove All Night’ | Roy Orbison with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

I was introduced to Roy Orbison through my husband’s eclectic musical tastes. He gave me this CD for Christmas in Scotland one year and it became a must for the car when driving between gigs! It is the perfect length for the trip between Edinburgh and Perth in Scotland, and after concerts I used to let my hair down by singing along, in the car, in the dark, at the top of my voice! I’m so glad no one could hear me!!

Anne Horton – Violinist, Ensemble Q 

Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet in D Major, Op.21 | Chausson

A much-loved composition with its souring melodies and rich harmonies.

‘Baro’ | Habib Koite

There is an obvious separation of language and other worldliness, probably the act of listening is a form of escapism. I’m taken to places that I have not experienced by a constant reassuring pulse and gentle melody.

‘Cello Song’ | Nick Drake

There is a sincere and unrefined simplicity about Nick’s voice and guitar picking.

We love the eclectic collection the Ensemble Q artists have chosen. Enjoy!