LUMINESCENCE - CHRISTMAS CLASSICS (CONCERT)

Luminescence Chamber Singers and Children’s Choir

Directed by Roland Peelman

Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest to December 15

 

Reviewed by Len Power December 13

 

With a large and varied selection of Christmas songs from around the world, Luminescence produced an evening of uplifting music that ranged from traditional Nativity hymns, Medieval carols and classic Yuletide songs.

With both the Luminescence Chamber Singers and the Luminescence Children’s Choir as well as internationally acclaimed organ virtuoso, Thomas Heywood, it was directed by Roland Peelman.

 The concert commenced with the familiar carol, Once In Royal David’s City, by Henri John Gauntlett from 1849. Boy soprano, Magnus Hoy, sang the haunting opening solo part from the gallery of the church. Joined by the Children’s Choir and the augmented Chamber Singers with Thomas Heywood on the organ, the combined sound was exhilarating, especially the dramatic finale.

Magnus Hoy with the Luminescence Children's Choir

Seventeen songs were presented in this hour-plus concert. Some were accompanied by Thomas Heywood on the organ, and others were sung a capella by the choirs. Songs from Germany, England, Spain, France, USA and Australia were heard in this delightful program.

Each song showed the variation in Christmas music from around the world and across the centuries. All were memorably sung and there were some notable highlights.

Coventry Carol from 1591 had music and text from the Pageant of Shearmen and Tailors in Coventry, England. With Roland Peelman providing the percussion accompaniment, the Luminescence Chamber Singers gave this a rousing performance.

Attributed to Catalan composer, Mateu Fletxa, Ríu ríu chíu, from 1556, this folk narrative was given a dramatic performance by the Chamber Singers that invoked all the passion of Spain.

The more recent The Paling of the Stars from 2012 with music by Cecilia McDowall to a Christina Rossetti poem was given a nicely sensitive performance by the Chamber Singers.

A Child Is Born in a 2024 arrangement of the music of Roland Hanna and Thad Jones was a hauntingly beautiful song with soloist, Magnus Hoy, again with both choirs.

Roland Peelman (director), Thomas Heywood (organ) and the Luminescence Chamber Singers

Organist, Thomas Heywood, played an arrangement of carols including The First Noel and Good King Wenceslas. It was superbly played with a powerful finale.

Sleeping Child, a 2021 English song with music by Bob Chilcott and text by Charles Bennett was presented by the Chamber Singers with soloist, boy soprano Bryn Lymburner. His astonishingly clear voice and confident presentation was another highlight of this program.

Bryn Lymburner

The program ended with the augmented Choral Singers and Children’s Choir singing the well-known carols, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful and Stille Nacht (Silent Night). To hear these carols so beautifully and sensitively sung was the perfect end to this excellent Luminescence concert.

 

Photos by Peter Hislop

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 14 December 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

tick, tick... BOOM! (MUSICAL)

Written by Jonathan Larson

Directed by Nikki Fitzgerald

Musical Direction by Callum Tolhurst-Close

ACT Hub, Kingston to 21 December

 

Reviewed by Len Power 12 December 2024

 

Jonathan Larson, the author of the 1996 musical, “Rent”, died just before its opening on Broadway, where it became a big hit. “tick, tick… BOOM!” details the struggle and self-doubts of a young musical writer in New York in the 1990s. It’s a semi-autobiographical show that gives an insight into the current state of mind of the character as he tries to have his work accepted in the notoriously tough Broadway environment.

“tick, tick… BOOM!” began life as a solo work in 1990, which Larson himself performed. After his death and the success of “Rent”, “tick, tick… BOOM!” was revised and revamped by playwright David Auburn into a three-character work which premiered off-Broadway in 2001. The show has gone on to have an international success and has been filmed.

The musical needs a performer who can play the piano, sing and act very well. In ACT Hub’s new production, Alexander Unikowski brings his knowledge and talent as a musical director of local shows to the part of the aspiring composer, Jon. The role fits him perfectly and he performs all aspects of this character with skill and a winning appeal. His singing of “Johnny Can’t Decide”, “See Her Smile” and “Why” are especially memorable.

Dave Collins is convincing as Jon’s best friend, Michael, and he gives a heart-felt performance of the song, "Real Life".

As Jon’s girlfriend, Susan, Taylor Paliaga impresses with a touching and believable performance of a woman who clearly loves Jon but needs a change in her life. She also plays other incidental characters in the show and gives a nicely sensitive performance of the song, “Come To Your Senses”, as the character, Karessa.

Taylor Paliaga, Alexander Unikowski and Dave Collins

Director, Nikki Fitzgerald, has staged the show very well, keeping this 90 minute show without interval constantly interesting.  There are inventive touches that indicate changes of scene with minimal props and costume and the show moves at a good pace.  Nathan Rutups’ choreography is equally inventive and suits the style of the show very well.

Nathan Patrech’s sound design is so good that the singers did not sound amplified at all and the sound balance between performers and the small band was just right. Callum Tolhurst-Close and the band members gave a fine performance of the score.

This musical, all the more poignant because we know that Jonathan Larson didn’t live to see his success with “Rent”, has been given an excellent production by Nikki Fitzgerald and ACT Hub.

 

Photo by Janelle McMenamin and Michael Moore

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

KRISMAS! PEACE TO THE WORLD (CONCERT)

Llewellyn Choir

Conducted by Rowan Harvey-Martin

Holy Cross Anglican Church, Hackett December 7

 

Reviewed by Len Power

 

Like a Christmas stocking stuffed with goodies, the Llewellyn Choir presented a large and wide-ranging program of Christmas treats for the festive season.

In addition to the singing of the choir with Anthony Smith as accompanist and Rowan Harvey-Martin conducting, there were performances from the Pentecostal International Worship Centre Choir, the PNG Peroveta Singers and the To e Talatalanoa Uniting Church Choir.

There were also performances by Canberra musicians, Dante Costa, flute, Jojo Yuen, piano, Emily Thornton, flute, and Alex Monro, harp.

The program’s international flavour included works by Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Gounod, Dvořák, Rutter, Jiangzhong, Schütz and Nordqvist as well as traditional works from Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Africa.

Llewellyn Choir with Anthony Smith (accompanist) and Rowan Harvey-Martin (conductor)

The Llewellyn Choir presented the first item, The Many Moods Of Christmas, Suite 4, an arrangement of Christmas Carols by the Americans, Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett. Nicely sung, it was the perfect opening for the concert.

The Pentecostal International Worship Centre Choir then presented an enjoyable selection of songs with a fusion of Afro-praise interwoven with Caribbean and Christian contemporary music.

Solo pianist, Jojo Yuen played the transcription by Wang Jianzhong of the atmospheric Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon. Her expert playing of this work was deeply visual.

PNG Peroveta Singers

Five Songs from Papua New Guinea, three of them Peroveta songs and two sene or ancient folksongs, were performed by the PNG Peroveta Singers. This group of singers with their bright and colourful dress sang skilfully and with such obvious joy that they were a highlight of the concert.

The Shepherd’s Farewell from The Entrance of Christ by Berlioz was sung with great sensitivity by the Llewellyn Choir and it was followed by the Trio for Two Flutes and a Harp from the same work by Berlioz. Dante Costa, flute, Emily Thornton, flute, and Alex Monro, harp, performed it with skill and great appeal.

Alex Monro (harp), Emily Thornton (flute) and Dante Costa (flute)

The To e Talatalanoa Uniting Church Choir gave a warm and sincere performance of a selection of Christmas-themed hymns from the traditional Tongan hymn book and Dante Costa, flute, and Jojo Yuen, piano, performed Dvořák’s Sonatina for Flute and Piano, a melodic, reflective work beautifully played.

Jojo Yuen (piano) and Dante Costa (flute)

There were so many works pleasingly presented in this concert and the final work presented by the Llewellyn Choir – Nordqvist’s Wonderful Peace – was quietly powerful and movingly sung.

This charming and varied concert concluded with an opportunity for the audience to join with the choirs and sing along to the well-known carols, Away In A Manger and Joy To The World.

 

Photos by Len Power

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 8 December 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

  

JACK MAGGS (PLAY)

Written by Samuel Adamson

Based on the novel by Peter Carey

Directed by Geordie Brookman

State Theatre Company South Australia

The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre to 7 December

 

Reviewed by Len Power 5 December 2024

 

Everyone remembers Magwitch, the convict character who appears suddenly in a foggy graveyard to the main character, the boy Pip, in the 1946 David Lean film of Charles Dickens’ novel, “Great Expectations”.

In “Jack Maggs”, author Peter Carey’s clever reworking of Dickens’ classic novel, an ex-convict, Jack Maggs (Carey’s version of Magwitch), returns from Australia to 1837 London in a determined quest to find his “son”, Henry Phipps, who has mysteriously disappeared. Taking a job in the household of Percy Buckle, he makes a deal with young novelist and “mesmerist” Tobias Oates to find Phipps. Oates (or is he Dickens himself?) has another agenda. Maybe Maggs will prove to be the perfect inspiration for his new novel.

Maggs’ longing to return to London from his convict past Australia has risks. He may be a prosperous free man in Australia now but would still be considered a criminal in London. This bond with the past reminds us that, instead of breaking free, modern-day Australia still has historical attachments to Britain.

In the State Theatre Company South Australia’s production of Samuel Adamson’s play, 1837 London comes vividly to life with its Dickensian characters and its dark depiction of the squalor, filth and class consciousness of the time.

Mark Saturno (Jack Maggs) and James Smith (Tobias Oates)

Mark Saturno is impressively stoic and bitter as Jack Maggs.  James Smith gives a fine, enigmatic performance as the novelist, Tobias Oates, and the ensemble cast perform the many characters in this story with skill, colour and commitment. Ahunim Abebe has an appealing warmth as Mercy Larkin, the Narrator.

Ahunim Abebe (Narrator/Mercy Larkin)

The production design by Elisa Paterson is dazzling, depicting the era of 1837 London but always reminding us that we are watching a play. Director, Geordie Brookman, uses a multitude of theatrical techniques to keep the story swiftly moving along. The use of shadows is particularly effective and the lighting design of Nigel Levings and sound design by Andrew Howard add a great deal to the creation of the atmosphere of this era in London.

Although the technical aspects of the production were impressive, some of the effects and the busy direction were often distracting, making the many characters and their motivations difficult to grasp.

Overall, the fine acting and clever production made this an enjoyable theatrical experience.

 

Photos by Matt Byrne

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

  

ELIJAH (CONCERT)

Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Canberra Choral Society

Conducted by Brett Weymark

Llewellyn Hall, November 30

 

Reviewed by Len Power

 

Composer, Felix Mendelssohn, was a great admirer of Bach and Handel and composed his oratorio, Elijah, in the spirit of their works. His work, depicting events in the life of the prophet Elijah, as told in the books 1 Kings and 2 Kings of the Old Testament, premiered in Birmingham, England in English, in 1846. It has been frequently performed ever since.

Canberra Choral Society’s performance involved so many musicians and singers that it filled the large stage at Llewellyn Hall. As well as the orchestra and choir, the soloists included Teddy Tahu Rhodes, bass, Sonia Anfiloff, soprano, Christina Wilson, mezzo soprano, Damian Arnold, tenor and Charlotte Walker, soprano. Dan Walker was the chorus master and it was all conducted by Brett Weymark.

Set around 880 BCE, the story tells of the religious conflict that resulted from the marriage of Prince Ahab and Princess Jezebel. A drought is invoked by the prophet, Elijah, as punishment for destroying the Jewish faith and Elijah flees Israel to escape King Ahab’s wrath. After a confrontation on Mount Carmel, the true faith is eventually restored and the drought broken. The conclusion of the work depicts Elijah’s glorious ascension into heaven.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Elijah) and Brett Weymark (conductor)

Elijah is a dominant figure throughout the work with his many recitatives and arias. Bass, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, as Elijah was commanding throughout and gave a pleasingly robust performance with his sonorous voice. Highlights of his performance included the arias Is Not His Word Like A Fire, It Is Enough and For the Mountains Shall Depart.

Soprano, Sonia Anfiloff, gave a powerful performance of the opening aria of the second half, Hear Ye, Israel and Christina Wilson, mezzo soprano, brought a particularly notable sensitivity to the famous aria, O Rest in the Lord.

Tenor, Damien Arnold, gave an impressively heartfelt performance of If With All Hearts and the later Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth. Charlotte Walker’s beautiful soprano was heard in O Lord, Thou Has Overthrown Thine Enemies.

A semi-chorus, as the Angels, gave a sweet, uplifting performance of Lift Thine Eyes that was also a highlight of the show.

Canberra Choral Society with Soloists (from left) Christina Wilson, Sonia Anfiloff, Damien Arnold with conductor, Brett Weymark

This Come and Sing performance included many guest choristers with the regular choir members. Producing a beautiful and, at times, thrilling sound, their combined singing of the large amount of music for choir was confident, accurate and enjoyable.

Conductor, Brett Weymark, brought all the elements of this major work together with great success, showing why Mendelssohn’s oratorio has retained its popularity over the years.

 

Photos by Peter Hislop

 

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 1 December 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.