Before the Last Words, there were the First Words. Come and discover the early musical sounds of some of classical music’s greatest composers in this intimate concert at the Nickson Room, St Lucia. Long before Mahler was composing his monumental symphonies, he was writing his first Lieder and experimenting with his first piano quartet. Before Bruckner became one of the great masters of the symphony, there were his earliest sacred works, including his first motet. And before Tchaikovsky gave the world his great ballets and symphonies, there were the intimate first piano works that reveal the beginnings of his distinctive musical voice. This concert offers a rare opportunity to hear these composers at the very start of their creative journeys with music full of youthful imagination, experimentation and promise. Alongside them, we celebrate the remarkable talent of Alma Mahler, with a special performance of two of her early Lieder. These songs offer a glimpse of a composer whose musical voice was already richly individual, expressive and assured, and provide an opportunity to recognise a talent that deserves to be heard in its own right.
About Nickson Room Concert Series
The University of Queensland School of Music is proud to present our Nickson Room Concert Series for 2026. In reflecting the School's role in the broader South-East Queensland community, we have designed a diverse and exciting program. With established international and national artists performing, as well as our own emerging student artists, this year is set to be a vibrant, creative, and energetic time at the UQ School of Music. We look forward to connecting with you.
