Photo: Andromeda Saxophone Quartet. Australian Festival of Chamber Music. Photo © Rob Parsons

With a nod to the rock group Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody championed works by Czech composers with Janáček’s Mladi as the introductory performance. The opening theme of the first movement, beautifully shaped by Alexandra Allan on the oboe, mimics the words “Mládí, zlaté mládí” (“youth, golden youth”). The composer wrote it at the age of 70. 

These five musicians performed at Australian Festival of Chamber Music as if they were a long-established ensemble though in reality they probably had a couple of rehearsals. Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt’s heartfelt viola playing had an irresistible soulful tone. Violinist Emily Sun’s airy delicacy and expressive detail were sublime and Charlotte Miles’ stunning cello touched the heart. The shaping of each movement was contrasted and theatrical. 

Artistic Director Jack Liebeck’s musical forces are exceptional. Standards are soaring. In this airing of Czech chamber specials each performance reached a higher plane than the one before and the entire recital was impressive. Unforgettable. 

Read my whole article about this unique performance, at Limelight Arts, here.