Reception for the commencement of Camerata's 2019 season

Senior representatives from Camerata, and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra; ladies and gentlemen.

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon as we celebrate the 2019 season of chamber music from Queensland’s very own Camerata.

It was acclaimed composer Gustav Mahler who said: “In its beginnings, music was merely chamber music, meant to be listened to in a small space by a small audience.”

This quote tells us much about the history and humble origins of chamber music.

But it does not reflect the growing popularity of what the genre has become today.

Indeed, Camerata attracts bigger and more enthusiastic and diverse audiences with each and every passing year.

This is, in no small part, because of its versatility.

We have come to admire Camerata as much for its classical virtuosity as for its ease in supporting artists such as Neil Finn, avant-garde theatre productions, and even a Led Zeppelin tribute band.

And there is no doubt that 2019 will set the bar even higher.

This year Camerata once again welcomes the Orava Quartet to its Artist in Residence program.

What a treat for Brisbane performers and local audiences alike, with the Australian quartet widely tipped to be the ‘next big thing’ on the international chamber music scene.

In just a few weeks, multitalented Perth-born soprano Sara Macliver will join Camerata on stage.

And, in August, ‘sparring’ sisters and daughters of John Curro, the founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestra, Monica and Sarah Curro, make their triumphant return to the State’s spotlight.

There are collaborations, too, with our own, extraordinary Queensland Ballet, and a fifth collaboration between Camerata and writer Tama Matheson will undoubtedly inspire and thrill us all.

Add in some road trips, interstate tours, fantastic community outreach and engagement programs, and it really is going to be a landmark year for Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.

I extend my warmest congratulations to the company, and to Artistic Director Brendan Joyce for the creation of such an innovative, exciting and eclectic program.

And, of course, I thank Elizabeth Morgan, Camerata’s esteemed founder, for her vision.

I wish you all the very best for a most successful year, both on and off the platform.

Thank you.