‘Dreams & Stories’ // Queensland Symphony Orchestra
‘Dreams & Stories’ was mellifluous.
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Dreams & Stories was nothing short of breathtaking. Under the masterful baton of conductor Katharina Wincor, and hosted by the effervescent Ashleigh Denning, the orchestra brought a sound that truly resonated in QPACs Concert Hall and of course, with the Brisbane audience. Wincor’s direction was precise yet full of warmth, dancing as she guided the musicians through an emotionally charged program with finesse and sensitivity.
The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly the performance by Australian of the Year, William Barton, on the didgeridoo. His playing was both powerful and deeply moving, weaving seamlessly into the orchestral textures. Barton’s artistry on the didgeridoo added a unique and authentic voice to the performance, bringing a profound connection to the land and culture that elevated the entire experience.
The program, aptly titled Dreams & Stories, lived up to its name, offering a journey through vivid soundscapes and heartfelt narratives. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra was in top form, delivering each piece with passion and precision. Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream started the morning which then led into an Indigenous story, highlighting the spine-tingling voice of Barton, as he walked through the audience, his voice filling the space. The collaboration between Wincor and Barton was a perfect blend of classical and contemporary, tradition and innovation, creating a truly unforgettable maelstrom of sounds and silences. Barton then led the audience to participate by creating the sounds of the earth with soaring winds, kookaburra and kangaroo noises, which added to the ambiance of Sky Songs, written by Barton himself.
Strauss’ Tales from the Vienna Woods and William’s Harry’s Wonderous World from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, continued the morning’s glorious soundscape and audiences loved every second. The players were the true stars of the show with special mention of the versatile percussion team and the various soloists including, harp, French horn and flute. So many moments of pure joy created by these talented instrumentalists.
Overall, the performance was a triumph, showcasing the extraordinary skills of both the orchestra and its guests. It was a morning of musical storytelling at its finest, leaving the audience deeply inspired and eager for more.
‘Dreams & Stories’ ran until August 18th at QPAC’s Concert Hall.
Photo by Darren Thomas
