A few words with Mya Whatson

“I am really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Camerata as it will be an amazing way to connect with incredible professional musicians (…). I also love performing, and Camerata gives performances filled with energy, which is something I am really excited to be a part of. I had seen quite a few [of their] performances in the past – all of which I absolutely adored, and had been trying to get more involved in chamber and orchestral music, so Camerata’s Upbeat Program seemed like a … [Read more...]

“Ray Lin’s composition was [such a] highlight for me. Contemporary and so relevant to the local audience. I could close my eyes and see visions of the landscapes that inspired him. Loved it!” Megan Sidey, audience member (Mossman, May 2023).  Each year, Camerata commissions their Emerging Composer-in-Residence to compose a piece based on a regional area of Queensland, as part of our annual tour.  This year, Ray Lin, Camerata’s 2023 Emerging Composer-In-Residence, composed Journey … [Read more...]

“It was a purely magical evening.” Kriss Curtice, audience member “The perfect concert.” Phil Brown “...Camerata – Queensland's Chamber Orchestra...presented a captivating performance of timeless classics by Mendelssohn and Rossini, complemented by the extraordinary talent of violin soloist Catherina Lee. The musical journey, highlighted by heart-warming connections and astonishing performances, left the audience spellbound and yearning for more.” John Andrew, Weekend Notes “Featuring an expat … [Read more...]

  “I feel that being a part of Camerata opens so many doors as an artist as well as an educator and I look forward to spreading the joy of music with so many wonderful professionals this year.” Meet Charlotte Scanlan, one of Camerata’s 2023 Upbeat artists! Charlotte is a double bassist who was born and raised in Brisbane. She recalls falling in love with music at her very first music lesson in prep school, after which she began taking piano lessons. She soon after started playing the violin … [Read more...]

  “I am feeling very lucky to have this opportunity as an Upbeat Artist and I intend to work hard, build on my current skill set and perform beautiful music.” Meet Helena Burns, one of Camerata’s 2023 Upbeat artists! Helena was born in Brisbane and has lived and studied here ever since. She started learning viola at primary school and sixteen years later, she is still working on her craft every day. Her decision to pursue music as a career started from a pivotal moment in grade 10 when … [Read more...]

“Something that resonated from the opening address from Artistic Director Brendan Joyce and throughout the night was the sense of pure fun that radiated out of the chamber orchestra in its performance, with a clear love of what it was doing.” “The power of the cello section proved formidable in [Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for Strings], and the balance that the viola section displayed was exquisite. It was a work that highlighted the depth and richness of the full chamber orchestra; its … [Read more...]

We are delighted to announce that Rory Smith, Clare Cooney and Alison Smith O’Connell have joined Camerata as Artistic Associates! We could not be more excited to welcome such great musicians and people as artistic associates of Camerata. As Artistic Associates, players contribute to the strategic direction of Camerata, are integral to the process of programming the season of works and provide performance and training opportunities for the next generation of Queensland artists through the … [Read more...]

“Again, what a fantastic evening of music!! Serenade took us both on a journey... I felt like I was bathing in those beautiful notes, so sensitive and joyful.” Paul Boyd, audience member. We opened our 2023 season with two performances of Heartstrings in Toowoomba and Brisbane, and poured love into an eclectic programming that took our audiences on a romantic adventure, together along with Wild Card Mystery Guest Alex Raineri. “A delightful Camerata season opener, [presenting] an eclectic … [Read more...]

  We are delighted to welcome Ray Lin as Camerata's 2023 Emerging Composer-in-Residence! Queensland Music Award winner Ray Lin is a versatile composer, arranger, conductor and orchestrator specialising in music for concert hall and screen. His music has been performed internationally in the US and China; and featured through a range of prestigious local, state and national venues and platforms in Australia, including QPAC, Brisbane City Hall, ABC ME, 4MBS Classic FM, Old Museum Concert Hall, … [Read more...]

“Camerata’s tight unity and interpretative depth can be compared to the Australian Chamber Orchestra." (Gillian Wills, Australian Stage) Read the full review here: http://bit.ly/3ZCcTmA We concluded our 2022 season with two performances of Mozart’s Jupiter in Toowoomba and Brisbane, and together along with Wild Card Mystery Guest Chirai Makoti, took the audience on an enchanting evening, celebrating some of Mozart’s greatest works – his “Jupiter” Symphony and Sinfonia Concertante. “This … [Read more...]