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...