“Being able to meet the audience and see their reactions to my piece, especially in Biloela and Theodore, was such a special and fantastic experience, and I feel very lucky to have been able to do so. It was also lovely to touch base again with the wonderful people we met on pre-tour, especially Sharon and Bridie.” Alexandra Mison, 2024 Emerging Composer-in-Residence.

We were delighted that Camerata’s 2024 Emerging Composer-in-Residence Alexandra Mison joined us on our regional tour this year. Alexandra was commissioned to write a brand-new piece of music as part of the tour, which was inspired by the areas of Theodore and Biloela. Alexandra was able to present her piece, Spirit of the Banana Shire, in front of our audiences in Biloela and Theodore.  

Spirit of the Banana Shire is inspired by Alex’s travels to Biloela and Theodore in March, both of which celebrated their centenary this year. The title of the piece is drawn from the Spirit of the Land Mural in Biloela, which outlines the history of the land and its people through the lens of local historical women.

With her composition, Alex wanted to capture the generous spirit of its residents, their warmth and creativity, as well as their resilience.

“Thank you Camerata for visiting our region to perform and bring joy to both old and young music lovers, and amateur musicians. Your performance in Bundaberg was wonderful, Spirit of Banana Shire was my favourite!” Michelle Haase, audience member.

Spirit of the Banana Shire was a great success amongst our audience and a delight to play for Camerata’s musicians!

Camerata’s Artistic Director Brendan Joyce says “contrary to a popular stereotype, classical music is not music just written by dead people from a long time ago. It is a living, breathing and constantly evolving artform…So it has been wonderful to present brand new music to our audiences, written especially for this tour, in world premiere performances“. 

More about Alex’s composition 

Spirit of the Banana Shire was inspired by my travels to the towns of Biloela and Theodore in the Banana Shire, Queensland. In composing this piece, I hoped to capture not only the resilience of this region, but also the warmth and creativity of its residents.

The first movement, Ruby, was inspired by Ruby Campbell (b. 1888), a local artist who managed the Kilburnie Homestead, located twenty minutes from Biloela. A tender melodic line interspersed with moments of intensity reflects her strength and determination, traits which are woven into the fabric of this community.

The second movement, Mulberry Tree Island, depicts the adventures had by generations of Theodore residents along the Dawson River. Triplets drive the movement forward as a cheerful, upbeat melody is passed between the players, reflecting the sense of youthfulness and joy that is palpable when you visit this place.