Almost 2 hours ago I had the pleasure of listening to the Choir of King's College, Cambridge perform a gently, varied selection of English, Italian and Australian choral works in my hometown's cultural stage, the Queensland Performance Arts Centre (QPAC).
Programme: Charles Hubert Hastings PARRY (1848-1918) -Hear My Words, Ye People (1894) William BYRD (c 1540-1623) -Sing Joyfully (c 1590) Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA (1525-1594) -DUM complerentur (1569) Peter SCULTHORPE (born 1929) -The Birthday of Thy King (1988) Brett DEAN (born 1961) -Now Comes the Dawn (2007) Carl VINE (born 1954) -Ring Out, Wild Bells (2012) Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) -Hymn to St Cecilia, op27 (1942) Gabriel FAURE (1845-1924) -Requiem in D minor, op48 (1887-93)
Short and quick review, here we go. At the start of the first half, I felt shivers down my spine as the organ breathed it's introductory chords. Realising the internationally acclaimed high quality of the choir, I felt a little disappointed when the boys weren't as in-sync as expected (particularly the ends of phrases). However that feeling quickly dissipated when gorgeous harmonisation and textures soared through the spacious hall. I absolutely adored the sweet sensation of light, delicate, youthful soprano voices trickling on top of rich, indulgent, bass lines. Heavenly! Within the choir, I also loved the independent solo voices that pulled in the spotlight every now and again. Yet, alas! Unfortunately as all concerts experience, there's the mood-breaking cough. Can't help it I guess...but worse when people clap in between movements right? Yes indeed, that happened in the Faure. Every. Single. Time. C'mon guys! Let's show others that we Aussies are cultured! It's a multi-movement piece...and following conventions, no clapping between please. The conductor held his hands up in the air, so still, that I was afraid to even breathe. Sorry Dr Stephen Cleobury CBE.
Otherwise, I'm so glad I heard them live! Would love to hear them again - perhaps this time in a church ;)
I personally lean towards being a musical hermit whenever possible. However, when I do go out, I always try to make the most out of it! Hope you enjoy these rare outdoor/vacation dates of mine!