The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Studio Sessions series is all about the players. Instead of large-scale orchestral showpieces, we’ve got some unusual chamber repertoire (some composed by the performers!), and a decidedly more laid-back atmosphere. The Studio Sessions are an excellent idea, adding to the character of the orchestra as a whole, but letting the audience see the players in a more intimate setting.

David Montgomery and Jacob Enoka perform during the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Studio Sessions 1 concert, March 2022. Image © Peter Wallis.

While Studio Sessions 1 might not have the most exciting name, the repertoire is interesting. Here, the spotlight is on brass and percussion, with works for both brass quintet (trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba), and multiple percussionists, both of which we rarely see in small chamber groups.

The performance began with Callum Kennedy’s Perseverance for brass quintet (Rainer Saville and Richard Madden playing trumpet, Lauren Manuel playing horn, Ashley Carter playing trombone, and Thomas Allely playing tuba). In a separate interview with QSO, Kennedy had previously noted the influence of music...