The Strauss Gala

Forget celebrity selfies and far-out fashions – this May, the true gala worth attending was Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Strauss Gala at QPAC. It’s where charm, virtuosity and Viennese glamour collided in a sparkling celebration of Johann Strauss II’s most beloved works.

Conducted by the supremely expressive Gábor Káli, the performance was as much a theatrical experience as a musical one. Káli’s conducting style was deeply emotive and physically lyrical; every flick of the wrist and swoop of the baton communicated passion, wit and drama. His ability to shape dynamics and tempo with such specificity made each piece feel fresh – full of contrast, colour and nuance. Throughout each bar, from the hushed suspense of Kaiser-Walzer’s opening to the explosive joy of Unter Donner und Blitz, Káli created drama and brought a kinetic charge to the concert.

Adding to the night’s vibrancy was host Craig Allister Young, whose witty interludes and lively storytelling made the evening feel joyously informal without sacrificing intelligence. His rapport with both orchestra and audience was endearing and infectious – he gave historical context and cheeky anecdotes in equal measure, demystifying the music without diminishing it. The effect was an atmosphere that felt both festive and inclusive, as if we had been invited to the most convivial party in Brisbane.

Visually, too, it was a feast: the orchestra’s glamorous attire – tiaras, ballgowns, white tie and tails – elevated the sense of occasion. It was a detail that underscored the elegant frivolity of Strauss’ world, reminding us that these waltzes and polkas were not just music but part of a larger social performance – one full of flirtation, gossip, pomp and romance.

Musically, the orchestra was in superb form. The strings provided an assertive yet lyrical foundation, rich with sweep and sparkle. The woodwinds danced brightly, their fluttering solos offering delicate contrast to the orchestral lushness. Percussionists brought thunder and lightning – literally – to the more tempestuous polkas, and the brass section commanded attention with clarity and grandeur. Every section shone, each piece revealing different aspects of Strauss’ inventive musical language – from the cheeky syncopations of Tritsch-Tratsch to the stately grandeur of Kaiser-Walzer and the giddy momentum of Perpetuum Mobile.

The program itself was immaculately curated – a balance of familiar favourites and less-often-heard gems, threaded together with emotional cohesion. The audience was taken on a journey through sunlight and storms, romance and revelry. The yearning elegance of An der schönen blauen Donau was a fitting culmination – a piece so universally known and yet, in this performance, it still had the power to stir something fresh and heartfelt.

Inspired and informed by folk music and party music of his time, Strauss knew how to get people on the dancefloor. His works still have that effect to this day. On several occasions I found myself wishing I could put etiquette aside and dance in the aisles of the Concert Hall. Instead, since I would like to be welcomed back to QPAC again sometime, I contented myself with toe-tapping, head-bopping, and grinning like a fool.

Uplifting, intelligent, and executed with joyful precision, The Strauss Gala was a glittering reminder of the enduring power of light music done with depth. QSO and the brilliant Gábor Káli reminded us that even the most familiar works can still dazzle, provided they’re delivered with heart, humour, and just a little bit of champagne sparkle.

Kitty Goodall

Images (from top): Thomas Alley, Emily Granger, Natsuko Yoshimoto and David Montgomery.