With three Mahler symphonies already under his belt since becoming Chief Conductor of Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) in 2023, Umberto Clerici continues his commitment to presenting a Mahler symphony each year. Choosing the monumental Symphony No. 5 and pairing it with Mendelssohn’s virtuosic Violin Concerto proved inspired, given their respective innovations in musical style.

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is considered one of the most technically demanding works in the violin repertoire, with its ricochet arpeggios, complex cadenza and frenetic coda. In violinist Sergej Krylov, we were treated to an exceptional soloist of formidable technical accomplishment who brought deep emotional commitment to the performance. Playing a glorious 18th-century Stradivarius, the sweetness and richness of his tone infused his finely crafted delivery throughout.

Krylov’s cadenza was enormously impressive, delivered with passion, refined bowing and exquisite top notes. He also captured the melodic lyricism of the Andante and offered a fiery finale. Clerici conducted with a lightness of touch while firmly managing his orchestral resources to support and enhance the soloist. Orchestra and violin blended seamlessly under his baton, with the three movements proceeding without a break. As an encore, Krylov performed Paganini’s Caprice No. 24, a dazzling display of virtuosity.

Sergej Krylov and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Photo supplied

Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 proved a standout performance. The QSO is in very fine form and delivered playing of the highest standard under its Chief Conductor. Clerici excelled not only in offering a passionate and considered reading of the score, but also as an exacting presence on the podium, bringing freshness and vitality to Mahler’s powerful writing.

Allowing each section and individual player to shine, Clerici superbly drew out the composer’s rich and expressive orchestral colours. The strings were notably precise, with exceptional depth in the lower registers and sweetness in the violins. The woodwind contributed finely textured sonorities, including excellent principal solos. The horns were first-rate, highlighted by Nicholas Mooney’s soulful solo in the Scherzo. The brass section came into its own, with powerful contributions from trumpets, trombones and tuba, while Jenna Smith excelled in the famous trumpet call. Percussion and timpani provided solid support throughout.

Mahler’s love song, the celebrated Adagietto, offered breathtaking, ethereal music from the harp, elegantly enriched by languorous legato and a profound sense of longing in the strings. The music swelled and receded enchantingly, shaped with perfectly judged tempi. A marvellous rendering by Clerici.

Umberto’s Mahler 5 played on 20 and 21 March at the Concert Hall, QPAC, and has been recorded by ABC Classic for broadcast on 25 April 2026 at 1pm.