NZ's first live performance of classical music since Covid reached our shores in 2020
Handel’s sacred Oratorio Israel in Egypt was first performed in 1739, some three years before his Messiah. Although not as well-known or as popular as the Messiah, it still has much enormous musical merit and one can hear morsels of musical ideas refined later in the Messiah. Now to Israel in Egypt with its dramatic opening with a warm full-bodied sound in the lovely acoustic of the cathedral. The skilled forces of Scholars Baroque Aotearoa and the Opus Orchestra were ideally matched and well-balanced. Those in attendance were witnessing the first live performance of a classical music concert since Covid. Relief from the musical drought had arrived with such a stylish and impressive performance, full of subtleties and musical nuance.
The Scholars handled both the polyphonic and homophonic passages with equal success, full of colour that captured the dramatic and delicate passages with clear diction and articulation. The soprano's sound had a bloom that was well supported by the other parts throughout. The Scholars were never in the shadow of the orchestral forces. Opus Orchestra matched the various nuances with accuracy and exemplary musicianship. Many of the soloists were Scholar choir members and all acquitted themselves with a sense of style and refinement. The three guest soloists, Jayne Tankersley, Stephen Diaz and Lachlan Craig each shone like a jewel in a crown, the brightest of which was the counter-tenor Diaz in Thou shalt bring them in.
With most of the world having cancelled live performances, we in New Zealand are so lucky to attend a live performance, an oasis in a desert. The quality of the water was pristine. The thirst was quenched, but there is always need for more!
Review by Andrew Buchanan-Smart
Performed with Opus Orchestra
on Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October 2020
in Tauranga and Hamilton
