Maestro 7: Symphonic Dances | Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Image: Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) Maestro 7: Symphonic Dances concert was a great moment to celebrate the QSO 2027 season launch. The pre-concert talk, featuring QSO Director of Artistic Planning Matthew Wood and Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici in conversation with Ed Le Brocq, was an enjoyable way to highlight some of the many exciting 2027 shows and concerts coming to Brisbane audiences. The 2027 QSO season is an 80th year celebration, and will also be the final season with Clerici as Chief Conductor. In a something-for-everyone 2027 season, Wood also spoke about the QSO travelling program that takes musicians out to regional Queensland, noting that it is important for the QSO to ‘represent the State… [as] the Queensland Symphony Orchestra!’
During the discussion, Le Brocq described next year’s QSO programming as ‘daring, but quite delicious,’ as the season includes the established QSO Maestro series (Le Brocq suggests that the April Finlandia concert will sell out quickly), two special Anniversary Gala performances, and several more informal or up-close sessions and events. The program also has concerts for those of us who enjoy orchestral music as the soundtrack to major films or incorporated into more contemporary music. I am sure the QSO presents and QSO at the Movies concerts will sell-out quickly, as the program includes a July show with Troy Cassar-Daley, a March screening of Star Wars IV (with live music of course), and a December Stage & Screen Tribute to John Williams. And everyone is going to be talking about the August 2027 Anniversary Gala for years to come, as it will feature a collaboration between the QSO and Dead Puppet Society, bringing Stravinsky’s Petrushka to ‘life’ with a blend of live puppetry and orchestral music.
The QSO Maestro series is a platform for members of the full orchestra to demonstrate their talents, as the series features major works from the classical cannon and, as one of the more formal occasions in the year, members of the QSO dress for the occasion. Promoted as a ‘celebration of music that moves the body and soul,’ the 2026 Maestro 7: Symphonic Dances concert features two opening and closing Dances, composed by Dvořák and by Rachmaninov, and has two ‘support acts,’ written by contemporary composers.
Antonin Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances Nos. 1, 2 and 3, Op.46, is a wonderful way in which to open any ‘dance’ concert, as it is ‘bursting with Bohemian spirit and irresistible folk rhythms.’ Closing my eyes I could imaging the costumed dancers twirling around, luxuriating in the rich melodies and taking inspiration from the joyful music. I am sure those listening at home to the live ABC Classic broadcast also enjoyed every moment of this audience favourite. However, to be in the QPAC Concert Hall, and watch the ways in which the QSO Chief Conductor, Umberto Clerici, works with the members of the orchestra to produce such glorious sounds, is a delight. And I think several members of the audience were more than a little breathless at the end of the ‘poco allegro’ movement!
In the pre-show talk, Wood spoke about including ‘accessible contemporary music’ in the QSO program. The second piece of the evening is Holly Harrison’s InsideOut, which is a ‘concerto for amplified classical accordion and orchestra,’ featuring soloist James Crabb. Harrison composed the piece for Crabb, referencing the different elements of the accordion in the naming of three movements: I. Stretch II, Squeeze III. Engine Room. It is fascinating to watch Crabb’s skilful manipulation of the instrument in this very energetic, and occasionally funny, piece. I particularly enjoyed the first Squeeze movement, which I am sure would make for a great film soundtrack (007 perhaps?). And the closing Engine Room was almost funky at times. It felt as if members of the orchestra really enjoyed playing this new composition, and collaborating with Crabb—where the brief solo moments, where the accordion was at the centre of attention, were the highlight of the piece.
In the talk, Clerici described John Adams’ Lollapalooza as an ‘amuse bouche.’ This one led to much post-show discussion, with my fellow audience members firmly divided as to whether they found it light-hearted and amusing (I did hear someone declare they’d never like to hear it again). However, we were all in agreement that Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances was the highlight of the evening.
Written in exile, toward the end of his life, Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances Op.45 is not only reflective, nostalgic, and elegant, but is also full of life. As a piece that, the program note observes, is ‘concerned with endings,’ Symphonic Dances evokes a longing for home, memories of a life now past, and a desire for more. Clerici draws out the power of the orchestra in a piece that includes a memorable saxophone solo, sparkling harp and piano interplay, and an excellent ‘wind section conversation.’ The first movement is incredible: lyrical, soaring strings combined with the rising tension from the brass and woodwind, left the audience quite breathless. And of course the finale of the third movement is a very satisfying way in which to conclude any concert.
The QSO Symphonic Dances concert also marks the end of my 2026 Brisbane Festival—making it a delightful way in which to celebrate endings, and to anticipate the next Brisbane Festival and the 2027 QSO. So many great memories, and so much to look forward to in the year ahead. I’m off to review the full QSO 2027 brochure in detail. I recommend having a look—or following the QSO—as you may also find a few events that will surprise, delight, and entice you to celebrate the 80th year of our symphony orchestra.
Maestro 7: Symphonic Dances plays 25-26 September at the Concert Hall, QPAC, Southbank as part of the 2026 Brisbane Festival.
