Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) returned to the Concert Hall for their 15th year as an Ensemble in Residence on 3 March with Divine Alchemy, featuring 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 polished rendition of Bach's Oboe Concerto in G minor by SXS Artistic Director, Tania Frazer, a sophisticated and virtuosic start to the ensemble's highly anticipated first QPAC concert of 2024.
This was followed by the premiere of a new chamber arrangement of Debussy's Violin Sonata. Guest Violin Soloist, Amalia Hall amazed the audience with an exquisite interpretation of this beloved work, accompanied by a musically colourful ensemble of soloists bringing to life the original 'piano part'. Amalia also delighted with a brilliant encore - Kreisler's Scherzo-Caprice - showcasing why she is one of the greatest rising stars of the moment.
The third piece in the program was Wise Woman composed by Sean O'Boyle and SXS Didgeridoo Soloist in Residence, Chris Williams. Part of SXS's Didgeridoo Commissioning Project 2022-2032, this moving work paid tribute to Williams' Grandmother, who despite her difficult background, fought for a better future for her children and grandchildren. Audiences were taken on an emotional musical journey surrounded by Williams' atmospheric playing of the didgeridoo.
Following was the premiere of another chamber arrangement, this time a unique rendition of three movements from Mozart's Requiem. Usually performed with a larger ensemble and a choir, this interpretation highlighted why SXS are 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 fathers around the world, the piece was akin to music accompanying an epic yet touching cinematic scene.
To wrap up the afternoon, internationally acclaimed pianist Konstantin Shamray joined the soloists for Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor. The audiences received his virtuosic performance with a thunderous round of applause bringing the captivating afternoon concert to an end.
Limelight Magazine's glowing 4.5-star review declared:
"The concert was a delightful afternoon of glorious chamber music, well-crafted and lovingly assembled with the high quality of musicianship we have come to expect from Southern Cross Soloists (SXS)."
The next two concerts in SXS's 2024 QPAC Concert Season are Perfumes of the East on 2 June and Magic, Mystique and Melancholy on 20 October.
Southern Cross Soloists Divine Alchemy performance of Wise Woman. Photo by Darren Thomas.
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Social Gallery
Check out who was spotted at the Divine Alchemy concert in our social gallery below.