October 31, 2011
By definition, a gala concert is a festive occasion, a celebration and a public entertainment –and in all these aspects the Voices of Macmillan centenary performances met the criteria. For anyone expecting a bit more razzle dazzle and glitz, there may have been some disappointment, for what was delivered was a rather subdued, but nevertheless highly enjoyable show. Perhaps it’s more fitting that a concert dedicated to the memory of cancer victims and in recognition and support of the very worthy and important work done by the Macmillan Cancer Support charity, should keep the ostentation to a minimum, and instead focus on the appreciation of the joining together of so many talents – from the composers of the various pieces performed, the orchestra, the professional singers and the amateur choral participants who raised voices and lifted spirits with their combined efforts.
The performances were warmly welcomed onto stage and given light hearted and informative introductions by Brian Kay, who is a consummate professional, and clearly an enthusiast. He shared his love of working with amateur musicians, and mirrored the general sentiment of appreciation that, if my sentiment were shared by others in the audience, was felt towards the amassed singers who made up the five hundred strong non professional choir occupying the stalls of the theatre. I suspect that there may be a disproportionate number of talented and enthusiastic singers in the Oxford area, and it certainly seemed that a large number of them had gathered for tonight’s recital.
The programme informs me that Gabriel Fauré did not write his Requiem in D minor envisaging that it would ever be performed by a choir of this scale. Despite this, the seven movements, whilst doubtless delivered with increased volume and given a much more robust musical accompaniment than the composer initially intended, somehow retained a sense of intimacy and quiet. The combined strength of so many voices served well to emphasise the more rousing, emphatic sections of the piece, but the quieter, gentler movements were the most effective and moving.
It’s rare to have the opportunity to hear a number of professional singers giving such diverse performances all on the one stage, both individually and together, and as such, it was a treat to listen to the harmonious talents of sopranos Anna Leese and Dame Felicity Lott, and the deep tones of bass Richard Wiegold. In particular, Dame Felicity Lott, appearing in a trademark flamboyant outfit of rainbow hued sequins, gave note perfect, effortless renditions of a comedic aria, a contemplative Noel Coward song and a classic operatic duet. In more than just her dress, she added the hint of glamour and sparkle to the evening that was otherwise in slightly scarce supply.
Macmillan Cancer Support, celebrating its one hundredth year, is clearly a much loved and greatly appreciated charity, and tonight’s very enjoyable concert, despite the ‘Gala’ title, felt like a small and intimate party, thrown by good friends and genuine well wishers, where all were welcome and everyone involved contributed in some way.
The performances were warmly welcomed onto stage and given light hearted and informative introductions by Brian Kay, who is a consummate professional, and clearly an enthusiast. He shared his love of working with amateur musicians, and mirrored the general sentiment of appreciation that, if my sentiment were shared by others in the audience, was felt towards the amassed singers who made up the five hundred strong non professional choir occupying the stalls of the theatre. I suspect that there may be a disproportionate number of talented and enthusiastic singers in the Oxford area, and it certainly seemed that a large number of them had gathered for tonight’s recital.
The programme informs me that Gabriel Fauré did not write his Requiem in D minor envisaging that it would ever be performed by a choir of this scale. Despite this, the seven movements, whilst doubtless delivered with increased volume and given a much more robust musical accompaniment than the composer initially intended, somehow retained a sense of intimacy and quiet. The combined strength of so many voices served well to emphasise the more rousing, emphatic sections of the piece, but the quieter, gentler movements were the most effective and moving.
It’s rare to have the opportunity to hear a number of professional singers giving such diverse performances all on the one stage, both individually and together, and as such, it was a treat to listen to the harmonious talents of sopranos Anna Leese and Dame Felicity Lott, and the deep tones of bass Richard Wiegold. In particular, Dame Felicity Lott, appearing in a trademark flamboyant outfit of rainbow hued sequins, gave note perfect, effortless renditions of a comedic aria, a contemplative Noel Coward song and a classic operatic duet. In more than just her dress, she added the hint of glamour and sparkle to the evening that was otherwise in slightly scarce supply.
Macmillan Cancer Support, celebrating its one hundredth year, is clearly a much loved and greatly appreciated charity, and tonight’s very enjoyable concert, despite the ‘Gala’ title, felt like a small and intimate party, thrown by good friends and genuine well wishers, where all were welcome and everyone involved contributed in some way.