In a salute to our natural world, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra has paid tribute to the diverse animals that occupy our land, with their latest performance aptly entitled ‘Animal Kingdom’.
Sharing the stage in a one-show-only event, a range of powerful and petite creatures were brought to life by a talented ensemble of skilled musicians.
In the self-described ‘merry musical menagerie’, ‘Animal Kingdom’ invited viewers to listen out for certain animals contained within a varying repertoire of classical hits. From restless bumblebees to ominous sharks, soaring swans to a cunning wolf, the ‘Music On Sundays’ concert really ventured deep into the wild.
Music ricocheted around the cleverly designed space (Queensland Performing Arts Centre), with its finessed acoustic stylings. For those who’ve never seen an orchestra play live, it’s an enriching experience that is quite unforgettable. Not only do these concerts recognise the hard work behind some very well-known symphonies, but they also present many talented musicians, who bounded along scores with infectious energy and impeccable timing.
Hosting the event was the very charismatic and comedic Guy Noble. It was obvious he was comfortable speaking to a packed-out audience. Having worked with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra since 1994 and presented their ‘Music On Sundays’ events since 2005, Noble navigated the proceedings with ease. His witty banter and informative chat imparted a wealth of knowledge.
Those unfamiliar with the works they were hearing were quickly brought up to speed. Noble responded in between each piece and provided lovely insights into their history and creation. Outlining that Jean Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony was inspired by swan-calls and a sighting of 16 swans taking off in flight, added much depth to a beautiful work often abstract to the untrained ear. Further to this, Noble also developed a humorous rapport with the audience, as he heckled with animal jokes and fun facts, and commanded adoring attention. He was everything you’d want in a Master of Ceremonies (and more).
Leading the orchestra through many musical colours was conductor Richard Davis, who in turn was also energetic and wholesome. Almost taking flight himself, Davis put every ounce of his being into directing the musicians, moving with his whole body and often leaping as the score would crescendo. A memorable display was when he used himself to exaggerate the forte moments in ‘Die Fledermaus’ by Johann Strauss II. Davis really put his heart and soul into the pieces, and it showed.
The orchestra captured the emotion and energy of a number of works including Aaron Copland’s ‘Hoe Down’, Elena Kats-Chernin’s ‘Eliza and the Prince’, Ottorino Respighi’s ‘L’usignolo’ (The Nightingale) and Sergei Rachmaninov’s ‘Le chaperon rouge et le loup’ (Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf). Never missing a beat, the orchestra filled the hall with magnanimous sounds and brought new interpretations to several classics.
A stand-out moment within ‘Animal Kingdom’ was the amalgamation of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘The Flight of the Bumblebee’ and John Williams’ ‘Shark Theme’ from ‘Jaws’, which developed not only a new sound but a new meaning. Painting a picture of a bee that buzzed to the edge of the deep blue sea where under the water lurked threatening sharks, the audience was nostalgically influenced as two iconic songs melted together into one. It was exciting and riveting and really told a new story for the familiar pieces.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra proudly offered a chance for audiences to be reminded of many wonderful classical scores. Reinventing such pieces to engage with new audiences, ‘Animal Kingdom’ was a wild and successful expedition.
Not only do moments like this reinvigorate a new appreciation for music, but they also remind us of the diverse sounds that exist within our blue planet.
