Ensemble Q returned with an unparalleled “intimate evening of musical decadence”. The group was formed in 2017 by Trish and Paul Dean and is one of the most vibrant and innovative chamber ensembles in Australia. Their willingness to revamp the general opinions of stuffy chamber music has attracted many eminent national and international guest artists to perform with them.

Ensemble Q.

Ensemble Q. Image supplied.

Deep in the basement of the heritage building in the throbbing heart of Brisbane, the City Workshop was an idyllic location for a chamber recital. The wine cellar created an intimate space for only 60-70 people, meaning it had sold out quickly. Descending into the dark arched room we could have been entering a speak-easy, with a small bar, chairs and a smattering of tables lit by fairy lights and tiny flickering tea lights. The evening promised to be contemporary and original with the relaxed sultry jazz cafe atmosphere contradicting the usual impression of stiff chamber music recitals.

The effervescent soprano Eva Kong was the guest artist for the intimate evening. She is a highly acclaimed opera singer with Opera Australia and Opera Queensland, recently singing for...