By Jenel Hunt
It was a case of strings of lights and tinsel and some pretty fancy action from stringed instruments when the Southern Downs String Ensemble took to the stage for its Christmas concert on Sunday 10 December.
Red, white and green were the colours of choice for many of the orchestra members and it wasn’t only the players who were dressed for the occasion – the music stands were draped in tinsel and one double bass was wearing a Santa hat at a jaunty angle … although its player was bare headed.
About 20 members of the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra joined the locals to add depth to the sound and joy to the world of music.
For the local players, the concert followed a special workshop on Saturday when Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Associate Concertmaster Alan Smith shared some of his extensive knowledge of string playing for orchestra.
Malcolm Gamble, the conductor, opted for formality for the first half of the program by wearing tails but maybe the festive spirit tickled his sense of fun because at interval he ditched the tails and donned a very Christmassy shirt.
A member of the string ensemble tickling the ivories rather than strings (although pianos have strings, right?) was Peggy Channon and the Stanthorpe RSL Band provided a couple of percussionists to add the finishing bells and whistles to the performance.
Special guests from Warwick were the wonderful sopranos Jill Hulme and Laura Rayney who transported the audience into a state of bliss with their ethereal interpretation of the Flower Duet from Lakmé. They also performed the ever-popular O Holy Night and other Christmas-themed songs.
The event was held at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, hosted by the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery.
The Southern Downs String Ensemble is now on holidays, giving the founder and host of the ensemble, Belinda Lister, the chance to relax and regroup over the festive season. Students or adults interested in joining the group can phone her on 0409 182 073 for information on the group and the date for the first practice of 2024.
