You never know what type of show you will get when you head along to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Recently I spent a delightful Friday morning getting to know Gustav Holst’s The Planets. Performed by the fabulous Queensland Symphony Orchestra, under the unique guidance of the first female South Korean conductor, Shiyeon Sung, this work is a series of connected musical scenes which describe the astrological characteristics of the Roman gods the planets were named after.
I gasped as the beautiful soprano, Sara Mcliver, waltzed onto the stage wearing a striking long black caped dress. Her mane of curls were flowing down her back. Sara delivered a masterclass in song by performing the fascinating Three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra by Argentinian composer, Osvaldo Golijov. Her singing rose to the rafters of the Concert Hall and evoked so many emotions. There were goosebumps and tears as she hit those high notes. It was a very impressive performance.
The first work of the three songs was called Night of the Flying Horses which gave a nod to traditional Jewish music. The second song was accompanied by a single violin and has our soprano singing in a soft, floating voice. My favourite, as a writer, was the third song which combines two poems by American writer, Emily Dickinson. It offered an opportunity for the flutes to shine and the use of the harp just added to the beauty of Sara Mcliver’s soaring voice.
I thought that the work of The Planets was new to me but I soon recognised much of the music from film and anthems. The World In Union piece made me excited for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Each planet had a different feel, from the rousing and bullying Mars which started us off at a cracking pace using the full force of the orchestra, through to the funny and tripping pace of Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity. We did love those crashing cymbals. I felt Sung led the Orchestra beautifully through a range of instruments and pacing.
Holst had been influenced greatly by Wagner and it certainly played into our emotions with triumphant French horns, the clashing of cymbals and lilting violins and flutes. The clarinet and double violin solos were lovely to see and hear.
I love watching Phoebe Russell and the double bass section in full flight and these pieces gave them such enjoyment to play. A standout as always was our Concertmaster, Natsuko Yoshimoto. It is hard not to be amazed at her talent.
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age shifts us from pure joy to unsettling slowness. Then harps, flutes and bassoons were played at a tick tock slow pace before being joined by the whole orchestra to bring the work to its terrifying climax. My heart was certainly racing by the end. The last item on the program brought in the Australian Voices Choir who had been cleverly hidden away. It is always a delight to hear their voices in harmony and was a perfect way to end the morning.
We also noticed that the orchestra had added a little more colour to their usual elegant ensembles with the addition of ties and scarves painted by Jeremy Donovan, a Kuku Yalanji man from Far North Queensland. I found out later that Jeremy Donovan, who is an artist and musician, visited QSO in November, 2022 for a week – long residency in South Bank to paint the essence of the Orchestra, its people and their place in beautiful Meanjin/ Brisbane. The work was inspired by Jeremy’s interactions with the team and their collective stories and ideas. It was a unique and beautiful touch which only added to a magnificent day.
I certainly learned that although I did not know the works being played that it doesn’t matter. To hear such a variety of music in such a beautiful setting is a joy. I learned and listened and saw more than I could ever have imagined in this powerful and well balanced concert.
The talent on display was breathtaking and with each of these Maestro concerts I learn more about the world around me. To see South Korea’s first female Conductor waving her baton made me proud to be a woman in today’s society.
If you haven’t been to a symphony concert for a while I can recommend heading along to the majestic Concert Hall to listen to the wonderful Queensland Symphony Orchestra. The next Maestro concert is Don Quixote in May. Conducted by the always effervescent Umberto Clerici and with Queensland favourite, Piers Lane on piano, it promises to be a mixture of theatre and music. It is sure to delight and inspire you.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
