Magic, Mystique and Melancholy

Australia’s Southern Cross Soloists’ (SXS) final concert in the 15th QPAC Concert Series for 2024, where they have served as the company in residence, was a true celebration of their artistry. Titled Magic, Mystique, and Melancholy the program spanned a broad range of music, from timeless work by Stravinsky to the world premiere of a modern Australian composition. Inspired by Stravinsky's emotional ballet Petrushka and the renowned Ballets Russes, the program conjured a sense of enchantment and mystery while exploring the bittersweet nature of human life.

The delightful starry lighting state in the concert hall set the mood for the event, which opened with the world premiere of The Ascent, co-composed by Lachlan Skipworth specifically for SXS, with their Didgeridoo Soloist in Residence, Chris Williams. This lively and captivating piece was commissioned as part of the 2022-2032 SXS Didgeridoo Commissioning Project and was a dynamic way to start the concert.

In a charming moment, Acting Co-Artistic Directors Dr. Ashley Smith and Margaret Blades gave us a brief glimpse into SXS's plans for 2025, which will shine a spotlight on female composers. To mark the announcement, they performed Elena Kats-Chernin's playful Peggy's Minute Rag. Smith on clarinet and Blades on violin were vibrant, lively, and energetic, making the piece a joyful experience.

The mood shifted with The Swan from Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals, featuring Karol Kowalik on cello. The serene, flowing cello melody was beautifully complemented by the striking piano part played by Roger Cui. Their work truly embodied the grace and elegance of a swan floating across a lake, and like a swan, the performers’ hard work and skill appeared natural and effortless.

The program continued with two works by Fauré: Pavane Op. 50 and Fantaisie Op. 79, both arranged by John Rotar. Fauré's compositions, known for their unusual phrasing and dynamic contrasts, were masterfully delivered with standout work by Courtenay Cleary on violin and David Silva on flute.

Next came a suite of short pieces for violin and piano, Tchaikovsky's Souvenir d'un lieu cher Op. 42 I. Méditation, also arranged by Rotar. Guest violinist Catherina Lee took centre stage, her passionate and nuanced performance highlighting her exceptional talent. While undeniably a star, she shared the spotlight generously, allowing her fellow musicians to shine as well.

The final piece was Stravinsky’s Petrushka, arranged by John Rotar. Bold, experimental, and full of life, this piece embraced the influence of Russian folk music, with its vibrant energy and complex rhythms creating vivid musical portraits of the characters in the story. Although a mere 10 musicians graced the stage, the sound was amazingly full and just as thrilling for the soul as hearing a full 80-piece orchestra.

This program demonstrates why Southern Cross Soloists have become one of Australia’s premier chamber ensembles. The company is set to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2025, continuing their tradition of excellence with the same level of virtuosity that has made them a cornerstone of Australia’s classical music scene. Magic, Mystique, and Melancholy was a beautiful way to round up an eventful 2024 and it has our appetites whet for what’s to come.

Kitty Goodall

Photography by Darren Thomas