Llewellyn Choir
Conducted by Rowan
Harvey-Martin
Soloists: Michael
Martin (Tenor), Ben Connor (Baritone) and Sonia Anfiloff (Soprano)
The Llewellyn
Sinfonia
Hughes Baptist
Church, Hughes, 2 September
Reviewed by Len Power
It was an inspired choice by the Llewellyn Choir to pair two
Masses, ‘Misa Criolla’ and ‘Mass In Blue’, in a concert. Using the same text, they could not be more
different, musically, and both are very enjoyable works to listen to.
‘Misa Criolla’ by Argentinian, Ariel Ramirez, was written in
1964. Based on folk material, particularly
dance music, it’s a very easy piece to connect with. From a brooding, atmospheric opening, through
driving Latin rhythms to its inspirational finish, it’s colourful and dramatic. The Llewellyn Choir, under the baton of Rowan
Harvey-Martin, sang it very well with the addition of fine singing from
soloists Michael Martin and Ben Connor.
The Llewellyn Sinfonia gave the music a strong Latin flavour.
As an added treat, five songs from Manuel de Falla’s ‘Suite
Populaire Espagnole for Violin and Guitar’ were played by Rowan Harvey-Martin
on violin and Mark Norton on guitar.
These Spanish folk songs are hauntingly beautiful and they were superbly
played by both musicians.
‘Mass in Blue’ by Will Todd is a 2003 work set in a jazz
idiom. It’s a challenging work for
singers but a delight for audiences to listen to. The combination of choral music and driving
jazz and blues rhythms created an extraordinary atmosphere. Sonia Anfiloff’s beautifully clear and strong
soprano voice soared above the choir, adding another dimension to this fascinating
and enjoyable work.
The score makes huge demands on the accompanying pianist and
Hugh Barrett played brilliantly. John
Mackey’s solo on the alto saxophone was hauntingly beautiful and there was also
fine playing by James Luke on bass and Derrick Brassington on drums.
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 3 September.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s new ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm and on ‘Artcetera’ from 9.00am on Saturdays.