One of the opening concerts of the Brisbane Festival brought together the talents of acclaimed conductor, Dane Lam, internationally recognised concert pianist, Jayson Gillham, and the youthful, multi-talented composer, Florence Lingane. At a time when most of the artistic community is locked down across Australia, the Brightly Brisbane Festival is a welcome addition to the cultural calendar, not only in Queensland but vicariously throughout Australia. And celebrating the best of our local, youthful talent was well-received.

Dane Lam and Jayson Gillham at QSO’s Queensland’s Finest concert. Photo courtesy of Queensland Symphony Orchestra

In their early 20s, Florence Lingane’s resume reads like someone who has enjoyed a very full life already. A percussionist, pianist, ukulele player, part-time accordionist and composer, they have also lived across the globe in Europe, Asia and Australia. The world premiere of their tone poem, entitled Illuminating Paradise, was commissioned by the QSO and described by Lingane as “a love-letter to a period of change and progress”, which they recognise musically as the early 20th-century, but which they readily admit could be compared to our current world situation.

The work started gently and lyrically,...