Curtain Call: Beethoven, Dvořák & Smetana
Blog ·
On Saturday 13 June, Brisbane came together to celebrate our fourth Maestro series concert, Beethoven, Dvořák & Smetana.
QSO opened with the breathless overture from Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, unveiling bustling suspenseful string figures and a winsome, contrasting oboe melody.
QPAC’s Concert Hall drew to a complete focus as guest soloist Ivan Karizna mastered the tenderness of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, his powerful stage presence and expressive musicianship bringing the work’s emotional depth vividly to life. At its conclusion, the audience erupted in grand applause of Karizna and the orchestra’s exquisite performance of the piece, before Karzina treated us to an encore performance of Giovanni Sollima’s Lamentatio.
We closed the evening with a grand performance of Beethoven's Symphony No.7, whose majestic opening movement gave way to a finale of thrilling energy and power.
The excitement in the hall grew with each passing movement, making it clear that a wonderful time was had by all. We cannot wait to welcome you back for our next Maestro spectacular this July, featuring Ravel & MacMillan alongside the incomparable talents of guest percussion soloist Claire Edwardes and Voices of Birralee. Find out more.
Photos by Brit Mobbs – By Brit Creative
“Karizna, Clerici, and Queensland Symphony Orchestra did more than play these works with precision. They revealed their humanity.”
– Kitty Goodall,
Stage Whispers
“Beautiful mix from the classic repertoire presented with flair, enthusiasm, professionalism and an extraordinary soloist.”
– Audience Member
“I have never heard the Concert Hall so quiet when a soloist was playing, nor burst into so much applause so quickly. Ivan Karizna was simply astounding.”
– Audience Member
“A brilliant and utterly enjoyable concert. The soloist was amazing and QSO at the top of its game.”
– Audience Member
“A wonderfully constructed program, showcasing the orchestra and their talents.”
– Audience Member
