Mozart’s Jupiter | Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra
Thursday 24 November 2022, QPAC Concert Hall
It’s rare that a Brisbane audience gets to experience two true masterpieces presented by a chamber orchestra at the very pinnacle of their brilliance. It was a very fortunate Thursday night crowd that got swept away by the beauty and majesty of two of Mozart’s most accomplished pieces – not to mention contemporary soul music set to soaring orchestral accompaniment. It was a treat that nourished the soul and soothed the spirits.
The evening started with Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E flat for violin, viola and orchestra, K, 364. It was a triumph, taking the audience from the mature yearning of the first movement to the immersive and virtuosic last movement. Soloists Daniel Kowalik (violin) and Thomas Chawner (viola) gave bravura performances, delivering an interplay that was both delicate and heady, leading the ensemble through the heart of what must be considered one of Mozart’s greatest pieces. Combining violin and viola as soloists is risky, especially in E flat major, but they achieved a perfect and often magical balance.
Second on the program was a heartfelt number featuring vocalist, Chirai. A Zimbabwean-Australian artist, Chirai was raised in the church and grew up singing in the choir at a young age. Her rendition of Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come backed by gorgeous orchestral accompaniment was uplifting and inspiring, showing her gospel roots. it didn’t quite fit into the program between the two Mozart pieces but this didn’t detract from the enjoyment of it. It’s wonderful to see Camerata supporting such talented local artists.
To round out the evening was Symphony No 41 in C major, K551 “Jupiter”. Jupiter is the kind of masterpiece that sneaks up on a listener. From the first moment it was obvious this was a piece of great beauty and balance, but one could not imagine from the first movement where the piece would go. The rich orchestral exposition of the first movement positions us in familiar territory – we thought we knew what we’d be getting.
But by the final movement we were thrilled, surprised and enthralled by the pageantry and passion. Mozart has aways been the best kind of entertainer – Jupiter proves that he stills knows how to hold an audience captive. It was brilliantly interpreted by Camerata, the ensemble working in perfect harmony through the often complex emotional passages. The string section displayed intensive expression counterbalanced by delicate flute.
Jupiter closes out a spectacular year for Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra. They have gone from strength to strength, delighting seasoned classical music lovers and bringing new ones into the fold. 2023 is looking like it will be another huge year for them featuring works by Tchaikovsky, William Barton and Mendelssohn. Book your tickets now before they sell out!
Photo Credit – Alex Jamieson
