Conductor

Pianist

Brisbane-born mezzo-soprano and former Opera Queensland Young Artist Xenia Puskarz Thomas presents a captivating recital exploring the depths of desire, longing, and memory.

Joined by her husband David Belkovski, the first half immerses audiences in the sensual world of Baroque and French repertoire, music alive with passion, immediacy, and irresistible physicality. The program then turns inward with Schumann’s Liederkreis, a hauntingly beautiful song cycle that delves into dreams, reflection, and the ache of what remains just out of reach. 

A graduate of the Juilliard School and Queensland Conservatorium, Xenia has already earned international acclaim, most recently at the 2024 Salzburger Festspiele in The Idiot, where she was named one of The New York Times’ Top Five Breakout Artists of the Festival. Her artistic journey began at Opera Queensland, where she first discovered her passion through the Moving Opera workshop in Grade 10. 

This recital promises a compelling journey through desire, intimacy, and reflection, delivered by one of Australia’s most exciting young voices in a program that balances sensuality, depth, and lyrical beauty.

Xenia Puskarz Thomas and David Belkovski: Desire and Longing

Opera Queensland

Indulge in the timeless beauty of music at Caramoor with Twelfth Night, a period instrument ensemble led by led by David Belkovski and Rachell Ellen Wong. Immerse yourself in the vibrant and expressive tapestry of baroque melodies of Vivaldi’s Il Giustino, characterized by its lively rhythms, ornate harmonies, and dramatic contrasts. Then, experience the exquisite sounds of Aminta e Fillide, George Frideric Handel’s pastoral cantata from 1708, evoking a world of unrequited love and longing. Renowned for its lush melodies and emotive storytelling, this cherished Baroque masterpiece offers a captivating journey through the depths of human emotion.

Twelfth Night

The Rosen House at Caramoor

Early-music ensemble Twelfth Night reimagines operatic and instrumental masterpieces from the Baroque era in its Carnegie Hall debut, led by Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient Rachell Ellen Wong and David Belkovski. Influenced by the sounds of today, and with a vision for the future, this New York–based ensemble was formed “with the firm belief that art is best explored as a meeting place of the past, present, and future.” Timeless works by Handel, Vivaldi, Marais, J. S. Bach, and Destouches offer an illuminating vantage point and thoroughly rewarding musical experience in this unique exploration of humanity’s relationship to nature.


EPSG:4326

Carnegie Hall

Who needs a large orchestra when you can bring across the magic of Mozart’s Symphony Concertante with just a string quartet, bass and two soloists? In this case, star VMMF Laureates Rachell Ellen Wong and Andrew Gonzalez take the solo parts in an arrangement for string sextet. Excerpts of a string quartet by Florence Price and an arrangement of Ravel’s thrilling “La Valse” for four-hands piano round out the program.

The Concerto as Chamber Music: Price, Ravel & Mozart

Hanna Boys Center

A rising star of historically informed performance, Rachell Ellen Wong brings rare expressive nuance and refreshing vitality to her famously soft-spoken instrument of choice, the Baroque violin. Wong is a recipient of a prestigious 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the only early-music specialist recognized in the award’s history. In her Cal Performances debut, she performs a signature work, Biber’s Sonata No. 5; a solo arrangement of Tartini’s fiery The Devil’s Trill; and dazzling sonatas by Corelli, Herrando, Veracini, and Bach, accompanied by harpsichordist David Belkovski and cellist Coleman Itzkoff.

Conductor, Pianist

David Belkovski

Events

Past events

Feb 13 - Mar 14, 2026

Xenia Puskarz Thomas and David Belkovski: Desire and Longing · Opera Queensland

Apr 6, 2025

Twelfth Night · Caramoor

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Liederkreis by Schumann

Opera Queensland

About

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