Showcased in the Rising Stars concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) were recent graduates of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU): Rebecca Goobanko (soprano), Jake Lyle (baritone) and Reuben Tsang (pianist).

This recently created QSO series includes intimate orchestral repertoire, highlights local musicians and showcases some of Australia’s potential future musical stars.

Conductor Luke Dollman and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Photo supplied

Under the expert guidance of conductor Luke Dollman, the concert got off to a vibrant start with Colourburst by Alice Chance. Composed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, this exuberant and playful work was joyously performed by the QSO. Commencing with ethereal harps and an insistent, repetitive rhythm on glockenspiels, it was joined by pulsating strings, woodwind and horns. The addition of jazz-inspired brass and percussion brought the whole work to a satisfying conclusion in a huge crescendo.

Dollman’s strong rhythmic beat kept a second contemporary work well on track, bringing out its whimsical humour and fiery energy. Based around the idea of a mosh pit, Holly Harrison’s Fizzin’ Fury employed two musical genres: the heavy metal, punk and prog-rock sonority of ‘Fury’, balanced by the ‘Fizzin’’ of electronic dance music...