Curtain Call: Rachmaninov & Shostakovich
A sell-out performance celebrating composers of old and new
Blog ·
On Saturday 23 May, audiences where whisked away by the moving sounds of Rachmaninov and Shostakovich, brought to life by Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
To begin, audiences were treated to a new composition by international award-winning performer and composer Cathy Milliken, named Catalogue of Sky, which Milliken describes as signifying the infinite nature of the sky above and its endless possibilities.
Shortly after, the room came to a complete focus as Australian-based pianist Konstantin Shamray joined QSO to perform Rachmaninov’s beloved Piano Concerto No.2. The performance moved audiences so much that Shamray performed not one, not two, but three encores! Which included Chopin’s Preludes No.16, No.3 and No.23. A truly special experience shared by all in attendance.
Following the interval, Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici took audiences on a journey through Shostakovich’s history as a composer and the politically driven nature of his writing which resulted in the iconic Fifth Symphony. This was a mammoth effort from the entire orchestra, which garnered increasing applause and admiration from the audience.
A special shout-out goes to the incredible Griffith Conservatorium students who joined our QSO musicians for Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. As part of Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s SidebySide Program successful student applicants have the wonderful opportunity of receiving personalised mentoring and 1:1 instruction from a QSO musician before taking part in a performance with the Orchestra.
Rachmaninov and Shostakovich was well and truly a jam-packed concert program of favourites with incredible performances by all.
Photos by Brit Mobbs – By Brit Creative
“QSO’s arresting performance reminds us why nothing beats listening to this symphony live. The musicians’ energetic movements respond to the conductor’s lead, and the orchestra becomes an organism in a state of heightened anxiety, pulsing, tensing, and holding its breath. The waves of emotion, the flurry of thoughts – this autobiographical symphony had its first audience in tears and its present audience on the edge on their seats.”
– Helen Gramotnev,
Brisbane Stage
“The Rachmaninov was extraordinary. The most powerful and emotional experience I’ve ever had at a classical music concert!”
– Audience Member
“The orchestra used all its energy to play a very challenging piece of music. The composer (Shostakovich) would have been delighted in their performance.”
– Audience Member
“It was wonderful. QSO is a terrific orchestra and it was great to see the Conservatorium students involved. Bravo QSO!”
– Audience Member
“Fantastic performances by everyone!”
– Audience Member
