Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra has presented a diverse and eclectic program of works this year, including four concerts of all-Australian chamber music that were very well-received. Under the artistic direction of Brendan Joyce, and for its final concert of the year, the orchestra returned to more traditional classical fare with two wonderful pieces by Mozart.

Not only was this superb music from one of the greatest of composers, but it had the advantage of showcasing the talents of two of the orchestra’s younger key string players. Additionally, the orchestral strings of Camerata were augmented for these works with wind and brass musicians and a timpani player. It made for a very special evening.

Mozart’s Jupiter, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra. Photo © Alex Jamieson

The Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat, written for solo violin and solo viola, was probably a labour of love for the composer. Such concertantes were very popular during the late 18th-century and demonstrated the skills of virtuosic instrumentalists within an orchestral framework. As played with much verve and joy by Camerata, it was easy to appreciate the work’s many similarities to the concerto grosso of the...