QSO’s Magnificent Piano + Even More Magnificent Pianist
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 season is dazzling. So far we’ve had the sublime William Barton and Veronique Serret’s Kalkani paired with a choral ‘Ode to Joy’ aka Beethoven’s 9th. If you missed that—then keep an ear out on ABC Classic FM station in the hope they re-air it (again). Truly worth taking to your time to send a begging email Classic FM.
Anyway, the QSO’s Magnificent Piano programme was another triumph. Sergio Tiempo delivered a rousing and emotional Brahms Symphony No. 1. Brahms can be overlooked – to the left and little behind Beethoven. But to misquote the Beatles, roll over Beethoven. My newfound finer appreciation for Brahms is thanks to Friday’s Magnificent Piano.
Sergio Tiempo’s enthusiasm and verve surged through the auditorium gathering audience, guest conductor Johannes Fritzsch, and the QSO–Phoebe Russell’s ponytail worked overtime (her ponytail is my metronome). Sergio had it all: moppish hair to swish out of his eyes, elegant hands to caress the keys and a vitality served with a virtuosity that lured the audience to burst into spontaneous applause at the piece’s crescendo. It was one of those concerts when music and momentum merge to create true magic. Ahh, just writing about it brings it all back. And if you missed it—it will be replayed on ABC Classic FM 26th March. And if you missed that then … don’t miss the next QSO offering.
On 2 April, Sunday morning at 11:30 QSO performed Hymn to Mother Earth. Johannes Fritzsch was the guest conductor. Peter Schulthorpe’s From Uluru was featured. The pieces chosen were perfect for celebrating nature on a Brissie Sunday morning: Boulanger’s Of a Spring Morning; an excerpt from Respighi’s The Birds and even Mozart Piano Concerto. So very soothing.
Oh, in May the Sundays’ Programme celebrates Love and Passion; for the ballet and opera fans it includes: Bizet, Elgar, Strass and Prokofiev. Definitely a must.
The next QSO programme that also excites is The Planets on April 14 and 15. Personally, I choose Friday mornings because it’s so easy transport wise. And given the numbers that attend, so do many others—aka don’t hesitate book asap.
Seriously, the QSO 2023 season brims with choices. Every month it is difficult to choose – if you don’t believe me then look at the programme; consider a package because, you’ll be tempted by at least three: https://qso.com.au/uploads/SEA-2023-Brochure-Web-Umberto-Clerici.pdf.
