Curtain Call: Italian Gala
A “bellissima” evening painted in sound and spirit
Blog ·
Where accordion meets opera - the Italian Gala, led by Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici, enchanted audiences with its broad scope of Italian music by artists old and new.
On Friday 15 May, Queensland Symphony Orchestra took Brisbane audiences on a sumptuous trip to Italy, without the cost of airfare and jetlag!
In the first act we were met with works of bravado and drama amongst the likes of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Verdi’s Macbeth and La Traviata. Soprano Eva Kong gave a performance of stunning vocals, including Violetta’s Aria from La Traviata, which was her debut role and opera when entering the industry in South Korea with the Korean National Opera.
Entering act two, audiences were treated to a special performance from Clerici, who swapped the conducting baton for the cello, performing alongside Concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto on violin and James Crabb on classical accordion in a Vivaldi Triple Concerto, arranged for the evening by Crabb himself.
Clerici and Crabb took the audience through a fascinating breakdown of the mechanics behind the classical accordion before moving on to selections from Rota’s La Strada Suite.
The orchestra was on top form providing audiences a world-class experience, closing with an exciting encore performance of Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission.
Photos by Sam Muller Media
★★★★
– Suzannah Conway,
“Excellent playing from a mournful cello and viola was followed by ringing brass and powerful timpani, while the shimmering woodwind and delicate harp were passionately delivered.”
Limelight
“Beyond the sheer entertainment value, the night served as a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a world-class ensemble based right here in Queensland. Rather than viewing them merely as a static institution, the Italian Gala reminded us how vital it is to cherish, support, and celebrate Queensland Symphony Orchestra as a living, breathing cultural treasure.”
– Blake Phillips,
The Urbanite
“Very entertaining, gorgeous choice of music and excellent delivery by all the musicians and Maestro Clerici.”
– Audience Member
“Eva Kong was stunning, she captured the essence of Italian opera.”
– Audience Member
“A beautiful and entertaining program performed magnificently by QSO and guest artists, filled with delightful surprises all the way through.”
– Audience Member
