Shakespearean Inspiration For The Southern Cross Soloists

SAY what you might about William Shakespeare, but this was a guy who loved his music. As he wrote in Twelfth Night “If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it.”

No less passionate was he about those who did not share his love of music.

The Bard therefore would no doubt appreciate that music will be a highlight of the upcoming Artsworx Shakespeare Festival at the University of Southern Queensland during October; an annual festival that celebrates his legacy through theatre, performance and art.

One of the featured musical items will be a recital of Shakespeare-inspired music by the Southern Cross Soloists, one of Australia’s most successful and internationally respected chamber ensembles. The repertoire they will perform on the evening will include the Purcell Overture from Timon of Athens, Schubert’s Hark, hark the lark and Who is Silvia, Ophelia Songs by Brahms, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet selections, Andrew Ford’s Shakespeare Songs, and Cole Porter’s Kiss me Kate selections.

The Soloists †comprising seven of Australia’s most accomplished musicians †pride themselves on approaching every performance as a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impression on the people who matter: the audience members – it is a philosophy that matches well with that of the Artsworx Shakespeare Festival.

Now in its 11^th year, the festival has grown to become a highlight on the community’s cultural calendar.

The festival aims to hold broad appeal while still offering deeper insights into one of the world’s best-loved playwrights. The performance by the Southern Cross Soloists is sure to offer those insights, with the ensemble focused on creating something special and “in the moment” every time they perform. The informal, ‘up-close-and-personal’ performance style perfected by the Soloists creates an intimate, inviting and deeply engaging experience which Shakespeare would no doubt have enjoyed very much.
The Southern Cross Soloists will perform as part of the Artsworx Twilight series on Wednesday, October 1, from 6pm-7pm in the USQ Arts Theatre. Tickets cost $22 for adults ($18 concession, $15 students, and $10 children) and include a post-show reception with the chance to meet the artists.
Further information and tickets are available from the Artsworx box office on 07 4631 1111 or online artsworx.com.au

Subnitted by:
Willow Hart
Senior Marketing and Engagement Officer
USQ Artsworx | University of Southern Queensland
Email: willow.hart@usq.edu.au