Alex Raineri is a musical chameleon — and a remarkable one at that. Flexibility is his superpower. He has the capacity to deliver solo and ensemble repertoire from all kinds of genres and all periods of classical history, including contemporary art music. No matter what the compositional style, Raineri is comfortable, confident and a generous communicator. In this concert, he has the aura of a visionary prophet of the keys.

For those who have never been to Fourth Wall Arts, it’s a cosy, intimate venue painted black, and the foyer more closely resembles a living room. There’s a bookcase, comfortable armchairs, a table, ornaments on display and a wall of media. Raineri owns the space, and as the artistic director of the Brisbane Music Festival he is free to curate adventurous and risky programs. As Flower, As Fire presents three contemporary and demanding piano works, conjuring a realm of spirituality and timelessness.

Alex Raineri: As Flower, As Fire (Brisbane Music Festival). Photo supplied

Anne Cawrse’s As Fire, As Flower opens the concert in this intimate performance space. She wrote it in...