With a nod to the rock group Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody champions works by Czech composers with Janáček’s Mládí as the introductory performance. The opening theme of the first movement, beautifully shaped by Alexandra Allan on the oboe, mimics the words “Mládí, zlaté mládí” (“youth, golden youth”). The composer wrote it at the age of 70. 

Joshua Batty’s playing alternating on flute and piccolo is outstanding, clarinetist Michael Collins commands attention, and together with Lloyd van’t Hoff (bass clarinet) and Stefan Dohr on french horn, the audience is spoilt with a surfeit of rewarding moments. A special treat involves hearing the under-utilised bassoon stylishly narrated by Tasman Compton. Overall though, the ensemble requires extra interpretive vision and drive.

Andromeda Saxophone Quartet. Australian Festival of Chamber Music. Photo © Rob Parsons

The saxophone appears to be the instrument of the day. Once ignored in the classical arena, the sax is popping up everywhere and the Andromeda Sax Quartet is worthy of attention. The players perform with sparkling pizazz and are superbly and organically unified. Solos across the quartet have a magnetic pull and the shifting leadership, pacing, characterisation and dancerly moves in the...