The final concert of the Sydney Symphony Fellowship’s chamber season is a celebration of a year of mentorship and friendship, presented to a full house at Christ Church St Laurence. 

Opening with a vibrant performance of Witold Lutosławski’s folkish Dance Preludes, the evening is a nonet fiesta, with three of the program’s works performed by an ensemble of wind quintet, violin, viola, cello and bass. It is an ensemble format ripe with colour, and after a year of performing together, the players perform with a nuanced sense of connection and communication.

Jiří Jaroch’s Children’s Suite is the most effective of this set of nonets, as the ensemble relaxes into the resonance of the space. Sparkling articulations from Dana Alison (flute) and guest artist Marcus Michelsen (violin) inflect the work with a childlike playfulness. The second movement, a lullaby, features tender moments from a sensitive and unified woodwind section. 

Farewelling our Fellows, Christ Church St Lawrence. Photo © Cassandra Hannagan

This is preceded by a short trumpet sonata by Purcell, featuring Isabella Thomas (trumpet) and guest artist Simon Nieminski (organ). The work is deeply effective in the cathedral space, although it is a slightly bizarre moment of programming, a fleeting moment nestled between two dance-like nonets. Nonetheless, there is a particular magic to Thomas’ reverent control and warmth of sound.

The other non-nonet showcase on offer comprises two movements from Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2. The drama of the opening adagio is enough to muster in the first rumble of thunder outside, and the four string players carve a striking narrative. 

While the abridged performance of this quartet is slightly unusual, its darkness complements the conversational work that follows. Martinů’s Nonet No. 2 is given a spirited rendition, demanding agility and precision from each of the performers. 

Farewelling our Fellows, Christ Church St Lawrence. Photo © Cassandra Hannagan

The highlight of the evening is the final work, an arrangement of French composer Jacques Castérède’s Concertino. The work features trumpeter Thomas and trombone fellow Jeremy Mazurek, who are accompanied by the rest of the fellows. 

While Mazurek’s only appearance of the evening, his exquisite control and mellow depth of sound leave a lasting impression, echoed by Thomas’ sensitive interpretation and the wide versatility of colour at her disposal. Supported by an enthusiastic ensemble, the soloists are a delightful duet, and this lesser-known work is a wonderful conclusion both to the evening and a jam-packed year for the fellowship cohort.