Queensland Symphony Orchestra Clerici & Schaupp

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Fri 14 Feb 2025

The Clerici & Schaupp concert at the Queensland Conservatorium Theatre on February 14, 2025, was a captivating journey through sound that offered a rich blend of new works, profound musical expressions, and the timeless beauty of classical mastery.



The program's first half offered two orchestral premieres that were as innovative as they were evocative. Iranian-born composer Anahita Abbasi's 'why the trees were murmuring' was an intricate exploration of natural and emotional landscapes. The use of spatial arrangement, with percussionists and trombonists positioned around the theatre, allowed the audience to experience the music from multiple angles. The trombones produced sounds rarely heard from that instrument - from low growling to breathy, seemingly disjointed, notes. The use of tinfoil-wrapped drums and gongs, alongside powerful orchestral textures, was both haunting and immersive, creating a sense of primal energy that pulsed throughout the venue.



Next, Australian composer Gerard Brophy's 'migrating with swallows' for guitar and orchestra brought an added layer of anticipation, with Brisbane’s own Karin Schaupp performing the guitar solo. Brophy’s composition, inspired by his time spent in the Middle East, explored the spirit of migration and the tender complexity of human connection. Schaupp’s flawless technique and emotional depth gave the piece elegance and depth. The guitar weaved through the orchestra’s movements, at times lyrical and intimate, at others bold and resolute. It was a performance of great nuance and beauty. Schaupp spoke beautifully two fragments of text, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass and the poetry of Forough Farrokhzad.

After an interval, the program concluded with Mozart's 'Symphony No. 40' in G minor, a work often regarded as one of his finest compositions. The orchestra brought a vibrant energy to the piece, effortlessly navigating Mozart’s tempestuous mood shifts. From the subtle tension in the first movement to the gentle elegance of the second, and the playful yet poignant minuet, each section was imbued with a sense of urgency and poise. The final movement, with its sweeping flurry of notes, was a thrilling and cathartic conclusion that showed the orchestra’s exceptional skill in interpreting Mozart’s emotional complexity.



Umberto Clerici's conducting was a masterclass in pacing and interpretation. His dynamic leadership brought a delicate balance to the multifaceted compositions, seamlessly guiding the orchestra through the varied textures and emotions of the program. His control over the orchestra's sound was remarkable, ensuring that each piece’s thematic elements came through with clarity and intensity.



Karin Schaupp’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her technical brilliance and expressive playing elevated Brophy’s composition, creating an unforgettable dialogue between her and the orchestra.

The concert was a celebration of new music, creative collaboration, and the timeless power of orchestral music.

Clerici & Schaupp celebrated both innovation and tradition, leaving the audience with a sense of wonder and deep appreciation for the artistry on display. It was an unforgettable experience, one that showcased the immense talent of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, its guest performers, and the extraordinary composers who are reshaping the future of classical music.

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