Canberra Choral Society
Luminescence
Children’s Choir
All Saints Anglican
Church, Ainslie 16 September
Reviewed by Len Power
The history and provenance of J.S. Bach’s motets remain
shrouded in mystery to this day. From within the known collection, there are
several doubtful attributions and it is not known how many he wrote. Nevertheless,
they remain favourites among choirs and audiences.
The program commenced with two motets. First, the Canberra Choral Society sang “Komm, Jesu, Komm” (Come, Jesus, come). It was an excellent choice to open the concert and the singers’ voices filled the church powerfully and with great beauty.
Canberra Choral Society and the Luminescence Children's Choir, conductor Dan Walker
Both choirs also sang the Final Chorus from Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion”, giving it a colourful and emotional performance and the concert ended with the Canberra Choral Society singing a fourth motet, “Lobet Dem Herrn” (Praise The Lord). This joyful, triumphant work was given a rousing performance by the choir.
Conductor, Dan Walker, achieved great results from both choirs and also provided witty, down to earth comments on the music. Anthony Smith, organ, and Lindy Rekstein, continuo, also provided fine support.
Photo by Peter Hislop
This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 17 September 2023.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.