Music / An Afternoon of Oboe and Strings, Musica da Camera. At Holy Covenant Anglican Church, Cook. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

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.

Under the direction of Lauren Davis, the leader of Limestone Consort, a chamber ensemble based in Canberra, which formed in 2012 out of a desire to perform baroque music, but today she led Musica da Camera with Aaron Reichelt, who is one of Australia’s most versatile and experienced oboists.

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. This is determined writing. It makes a direct musical statement. It’s not saying anything else other than the sound it makes. 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 Reichelt on oboe with the da Camera strings.

It’s a compact work in length, but with a wide-open feel. The oboe floats between the strings, playful tunes fill the music. It sits between modern and older styles. Reichelt on oboe created a wonderfully clear and vibrant sound, as did da Camera.

Estonian composer, Heino Eller’s Five Pieces for String Orchestra, contains national traits. Orchestrated from piano works, it felt somewhat 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.

Felix Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No 2. was written when he was 12. I think I could just about talk by then! The Mozart of his age; musically there was nothing he couldn’t do.

This work is a romp, it’s joyful, bright, and direct. The first movement is a full-on blast from first to last note. Each movement perfectly fits the classical style and for an amateur group, da Camera made a good showing.

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