French chic meets British refinement in Illuminations, where Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra performs classic works by Elgar, Debussy, and Britten.

Soprano Sofia Troncoso’s debut performance with Camerata in 2020 for Musica Viva Australia thrilled audiences, and we are delighted to welcome her back to join us for Britten’s “Les Illuminations”. A bright and vivid song cycle, “Les Illuminations” pairs Sofia’s “impressive…powerful voice” (Limelight Magazine) with some of the most glorious and moving string sounds that you will hear. Coupled with the deeply sensual French poetry of Rimbaud, Britten’s song cycle with its sparkling orchestral sounds and divine vocal lines expresses sheer beauty.

Opening the concert, you’ll hear Elgar’s elegant Serenade of Strings, and be immersed in the charming expression of this score that reaches a wistful conclusion and sets up the gentle mood of this beautiful concert.

We are also excited to perform a brand-new, tailor-made arrangement of the great Claude Debussy’s String Quartet. Arranged for string orchestra by Camerata founding violinist, Gail Aitken (now principal violinist with Queensland Symphony Orchestra), the sublime and impassioned slow movement is simply to die for.

Sofia Troncoso is an American soprano of South American descent‚ who holds an Exceptional Talent Visa allowing her to work freely in the UK. Most recent roles include Papagena and Pamina The Magic Flute (Scottish Opera) Adele Die Fledermaus with Diva Opera and Poppea L’incoronazione di Poppea at Longborough Opera Festival‚ as well as covering Cleopatra Giulio Cesare with Bury Court Opera and concert appearances with Xi’an Symphony Orchestra in China.

Sofia was an Emerging Artist for Scottish Opera in 2019-20. Having found herself in Australia during the Covid period, she now finds herself working there regulary with such companies as Opera Queensland, where her immediate plans include Susanna Le Nozze di Figaro, Pinchut Opera and several major orchestras.

Concert Packages

Concert packages are available for Brisbane and Toowoomba performances and are the best value to experience Camerata’s mainstage concert season, with a saving of up to 15% for two and three concert packages.* 

Toowoomba: call Empire Theatres on 1300 655 299
Brisbane: book via QTIX here