French chic meets British refinement in Illuminations, where Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra performs classic works by Elgar, Debussy, and Britten.

Soprano Sofia Troncoso’s debut performance with Camerata in 2020 for Musica Viva Australia thrilled audiences, and we are delighted to welcome her back to join us for Britten’s “Les Illuminations”. A bright and vivid song cycle, “Les Illuminations” pairs Sofia’s “impressive…powerful voice” (Limelight Magazine) with some of the most glorious and moving string sounds that you will hear. Coupled with the deeply sensual French poetry of Rimbaud, Britten’s song cycle with its sparkling orchestral sounds and divine vocal lines expresses sheer beauty.

Opening the concert, you’ll hear Elgar’s elegant Serenade of Strings, and be immersed in the charming expression of this score that reaches a wistful conclusion and sets up the gentle mood of this beautiful concert.

We are also excited to perform a brand-new, tailor-made arrangement of the great Claude Debussy’s String Quartet. Arranged for string orchestra by Camerata founding violinist, Gail Aitken (now principal violinist with Queensland Symphony Orchestra), the sublime and impassioned slow movement is simply to die for.