Despite a last-minute cancellation by Australian guitarist Slava Grigoryan due to a death in the family, the resilient Southern Cross Soloists delivered a delightful replacement concert after an incredible morning of fiendish virtuosity in an idyllic setting.

The Soloists’ Mountain Showcase is a new SXS annual venture set in the beautiful Shambala Estate on Tamborine Mountain, in partnership with the Tamborine Mountain Arts Precinct. It replaces the multi-award-nominated Bangalow Chamber Music Festival, which, after 20 successful years in northern New South Wales, moves to the picturesque Scenic Rim with plans for a three-day program in August 2025.

The two concerts were held in the high-gabled ballroom of the Shambala Estate, moodily lit by chandeliers and candlelight, with the musicians directly in front of and close to the audience. It was an ideal venue for classical chamber music, and the manicured grounds, complete with follies, were perfect for a lunchtime picnic under the trees between concerts.

Jakub Jakowicz and Paavali Jumppanen. Photo © Stephen Henry Photography

Versatile Finnish pianist Paavali Jumppanen and virtuoso Polish violinist Jakub Jakowicz delivered an incredible opening concert with an unusual pairing of Schubert’s Fantasie in C major for...