The QPAC audience was treated to an intimate lesson in ancient navigation and then transported to simpler times, travelling over seas and desert, ending amongst the stars of the Southern Cross in Maps and Journeys: Navigating by the Sky from the Brisbane-based Southern Cross Soloists (SXS), a leading Australian chamber music ensemble led by Artistic director and oboist, Tania Frazer. This concert, presented with QPAC as part of the Queensland Music Festival, is the second of the three-part 2019 concert series program exploring the facets of human curiosity leading to amazing discoveries.

Southern Cross Soloists and guests performing Maps and Journeys. Photograph © Stephen Henry

The collection of classical music was inspired by navigation and maritime voyages spanning each century from the 21st century world premiere of Ginan: Songs of Knowledge by John Rotar, back to the 18th century virtuoso Antonio Vivaldi’s La tempest di mare, RV 433 (The Storm of the Sea). The concert was presented by Lucas Burns of ABC Classic FM’s weekend nightly program, who divides his time between his radio work and sailing with his partner, guest speaker Trevor Hill. Hill has...