Musica da Camera

© Peter Hislop, Canberra

Musica da Camera

Canberra's Premiere String Orchestra

Musica da Camera plays music from the string orchesta repertoire, from Baroque to Contemporary, sometimes with soloists. The orchestra engages a different conductor for each program, providing diversity of style and content.

Future Concerts

6 April 2025

A program of Baroque works directed by John Ma. (at Cook)

And 3 other concert programs being planned for June 28,29; Sept 6,7; and Nov 8,9.

"An afternoon of delicious music as strings meet oboe"

Musica da Camera 2 November concert was reviewed by Robert Kennedy, writing in CBR City News.  Some excerpts....

"Strings and oboe go together like avocado and chocolate; try it. An afternoon of delicious music by Musica da Camera proved to be a most appetising experience...

...Musical director Lauren Davis created an enticing program and conducted it with great passion and an overwhelming joy for the love of music.

... Opening with a composer who was also a violinist and conductor, Carl Nielsen was a musical outsider. He created highly specific sounding music. His andante and scherzo flowed with an almost stately theme. .... Its two movements sounded fresh and clear. It’s good, strong music for a small ensemble.

Australian composer Arthur Benjamin (1893-1960) was inspired by a baroque work composed by Domenico Cimarosa. Written in 1942, his Concerto on Themes by Cimarosa was performed by [Aaron] Reichelt ... who is one of Australia’s most versatile and experienced oboists.  ...Reichelt on oboe created a wonderfully clear and vibrant sound, as did da Camera...

Estonian composer, Heino Eller’s Five Pieces for String Orchestra, ... [is] romantic, somewhat folk-like, but with great musical depth. The music filled the space with a powerful intensity. Complete with ear-catching tunes, a profound sense of direction and outstanding solo lines. Sections were highly contrasted, complex, and dramatically dynamic. Gorgeous stuff..."

You can read the whole review <here>