Southern Cross Soloists Are Taking Over With Microcosms

The Southern Cross Soloists are coming to Redland Performing Arts Centre to transport audiences to a world of miniatures in 'Microcosms'.

On top of playing Beethoven’s magnificent second Symphony (arranged by Beethoven himself for chamber ensemble) to the stunning beauty of Massenet and Schumann, the group will also present the Queensland premiere of 'Entr'acte' by Perth-based composer Chris Tonkin.

Here, Artistic Director and Oboe player Tania Frazer lists six reasons to love classical music, five advantages of being a part of the group, and five things to expect.

6 reasons to love classical music

One

Music is so essential to everyone – it has been around since the start of humanity and was used as a method of communication and celebration ever since... Even more so than language. Classical music isn’t so different from pop music, it comes from the exact same place.

Two

Music can explain a feeling or atmosphere better than words can.

Three.

Music is an integral part of many other performing art forms like dance and film Some of the best classical music today is in films like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Star Wars'.

Four

It can be very relaxing, or it can be energising, depending on the beat, speed, harmony and more.

Five.

It certainly makes it easier for me to go running if I listen to classical music that is at the right speed, than total silence.

Six

Dancing to it is a wonderful feeling – look at how young children respond to hearing classical music, they always instantaneously start dancing.


Tania Frazer - Image © Israel Rivera

5 advantages of being a part of Southern Cross Soloists

One

Working with amazing soloists as colleagues who are also wonderful friends – they all inspire me to aim for the top.

Two

I always love going to work – whether rehearsals or concerts – its always lots of fun.

Three.

Being able to play in a world-class ensemble and also live in Brisbane (as opposed to living in somewhere like London).

Four

Creating our own music – re-imagining standard works for our ensemble to breathe new life into and create new sounds.

Five

Always being able to hear yourself play, as opposed to in big orchestras.

5 things to expect at a Southern Cross Soloists show

One

Virtuosity - all our members are prominent soloists in their own right.

Two

Personality – we are all very different characters and we like to talk to the audience a lot to tell them a little about the programme and also so they get to know us a bit better.

Three

Fun – we always have fun when we perform and the audience seems to sense that and have a great time too.

Four

Variety of repertoire – there is always something for everyone’s tastes in our programmes.

Five

World class musicianship.

The Southern Cross Soloists play Redland Performing Arts Centre on 11 June.