Camerata’s concert Illuminations took its name from Benjamin Britten’s vibrant song cycle, composed for string orchestra and soprano voice, and utilising the vocal lines of Arthur Rimbaud’s surrealist poetry. The program also included Elgar’s ever-popular, evocative Serenade for Strings and Debussy’s splendid String Quartet, the latter in a brand-new arrangement for chamber symphony rather than the original four instruments. This thoughtful and carefully programmed concert for strings presented a wonderful blend of English refinement (Britten and Elgar compositions) alongside the delicacy of French impressionist music and poetry, with Debussy’s ravishing soundscapes and the vivid poetry of Rimbaud’s early work. The fusion of both French and English symbolistic musical works of the late 19th and early 20th centuries offered a winning combination that very much illustrated the mood and style in the shift away from classical harmony. This fusion was also well explained by Artistic Director Brendan Joyce, and double bass player Marion Heckenberg in their introductions to the works.

Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra and Sofia Troncoso perform Illuminations, 2022. Photo © Alex Jamieson

The program commenced with Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20, in three short movements....