UKARIA has a knack of bringing together outstanding musicians for illuminating chamber music programs and, on this occasion, SSO principal trumpet David Elton, together with SSO concertmaster Andrew Haveron, sometime ASO principal cello Simon Cobcroft and pianist Stefan Cassomenos, delight the audience with some little-known trumpet works and some adaptations of well-known works.

Andrew Haveron, Stefan Cassomenos, Simon Cobcroft and David Elton. Photo © Ben Nicholls

They open with Lachlan Skipworth’s Altiora Peto (2021), the title of which means “I seek higher things” or “I aim higher”, an involving three-movement concerto for trumpet and string orchestra, rearranged by the composer for trumpet and piano trio.

In the first Moderato Ritmico – Adagio – Temp Primo movement, the trumpet is a strident, majestic voice, soaring above the accompaniment. Elton then switches to the warmer sounding flugelhorn for the rather sombre, reflective Tranquillo, which opens with a quiet, gentle cello theme. There are some delightful passages for violin and cello in this beautifully crafted second movement.

The Allegro finale is bright and optimistic. A passage of rapid trumpet notes requires the utmost playing ability and the...