Not a festive end
Garth Wilshere
NZSO Christmas Concert, Aivale Cole (soprano), conductor Paul Goodwin, Michael Fowler Centre, December 9, reviewed by Garth Wilshere
THIS was a curious concert most of the audience seemed bemused. The instrumental pieces were not especially engaging and clearly the audience around me expected lively traditional Christmas fare. Many restless children had gone before the concert really livened up.
The orchestra, sized to suit each piece was very fine, and English conductor Paul Goodwin proved a good Handelian, but as a concert it only took off with the entrance of soprano Aivale Cole. Her creamy Exultate Jubilate while a little measured was lovely.
Some of the Messiah selections seemed odd choices, but the choir and choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul sang with elegance and style, but with not a lot of volume, against the might of the orchestra.
Cole’s aria and recitative Rejoice Greatly, and her extra vocal dimension helped in the final Hallelujah chorus, for which the audience dutifully stood.
The recognised carols in Samoan added interest and were beautifully performed by Cole.
Her bright red gown was spectacular, but not especially flattering.
Orchestral pieces by Britten, Corelli, Nicolai were interesting, with the Respighi Trittico Botticelliano – (ii) ‘L’adoration dei Magi, vibrant and especially welcome.
The concert ending was abrupt and flat as all participants and audience filed out nonchalantly rather than festively uplifted.
THIS was a curious concert most of the audience seemed bemused. The instrumental pieces were not especially engaging and clearly the audience around me expected lively traditional Christmas fare. Many restless children had gone before the concert really livened up.
The orchestra, sized to suit each piece was very fine, and English conductor Paul Goodwin proved a good Handelian, but as a concert it only took off with the entrance of soprano Aivale Cole. Her creamy Exultate Jubilate while a little measured was lovely.
Some of the Messiah selections seemed odd choices, but the choir and choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul sang with elegance and style, but with not a lot of volume, against the might of the orchestra.
Cole’s aria and recitative Rejoice Greatly, and her extra vocal dimension helped in the final Hallelujah chorus, for which the audience dutifully stood.
The recognised carols in Samoan added interest and were beautifully performed by Cole.
Her bright red gown was spectacular, but not especially flattering.
Orchestral pieces by Britten, Corelli, Nicolai were interesting, with the Respighi Trittico Botticelliano – (ii) ‘L’adoration dei Magi, vibrant and especially welcome.
The concert ending was abrupt and flat as all participants and audience filed out nonchalantly rather than festively uplifted.
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