Based at the recently completed St John’s Cathedral in the vibrant, sub-tropical Australian city of Brisbane, Camerata was re-created in 2005 by its founder, Elizabeth Morgan, who perceived that Queensland was ready to have its own outstanding chamber orchestra.
The original Camerata, formed in 1987, was an innovative educational experiment that created an opportunity for emerging artists to develop self-reliance and group ownership by rehearsing and performing without a conductor. The group developed to become a point of departure for many fine young players seeking opportunity interstate or abroad, and it had an incredibly loyal following.
Camerata is now a point of attraction for players who have established careers overseas and wish to return to Australia, as well as for those who wish to build an international career based in Brisbane. Loyal listeners have returned and continue to increase in number.
The new Camerata has a strengthened partnership with the St John’s Cathedral community, and builds on the outstanding reputation established by the original group, one often referred to as ‘a treasure of an ensemble’.
Camerata performs the chamber orchestra classics but it also embraces adventurous programming and performing styles. It has worked with a number of guest artists, including the Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, acclaimed Sydney Symphony Orchestra principal oboist Diana Doherty, Lark Chamber Artists violist Kathryn Lockwood, flamenco guitarist Gerard Mapstone, and it has accompanied the Brisbane Chorale.
Camerata has performed Australian premiere performances by Betty Olivero (Israeli), Satoh Somei (Japan), and Derek Bermel (USA) and works by other living composers include Takemitsu (Japan), Reich (USA), Glass (USA), MacMillan (Scotland), Chen Yi (China/USA), Corigliano (USA), Kilar (Poland) and Australians Sarah Hopkins, Betty Beath, Stephen Leek, Ross Edwards, Richard Meale, Roger Smalley, Peter Sculthorpe and William Barton.
In addition to its major concert series, Camerata’s other activities include performing for special liturgical services and events at St John's Cathedral, invitation performances and corporate events.