Fireworks and Fury could be named for the ongoing frustrations in arranging a concert after several years of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Southern Cross Soloists’ Director Tania Frazer took it all in her stride. With booked flights for clarinet soloist Ashley Smith cancelled at the last minute due to ongoing travel restrictions in Perth, the young dynamo and ex-NEXT-GEN musician, Dario Scalabrini stepped in. The sparkling young Natalia Edwards also replaced French Horn SXS resident player Nick Mooney, who is in the UK playing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Didgeridoo soloist Chris Williams performs during Southern Cross Soloists’ ‘Fireworks and Fury’ concert at QPAC, 20 February 2022. Photo © Darren Thomas Photography.

Fortunately, travel restrictions did allow Principal Cellist for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Békés to join the team and perform the solo in David Popper’s Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68. Despite only being invited two weeks ago, he arrived on time laden with a cello and a large set of golf clubs. Also, the new 2022 Artist in...