Reviews of 2007 Performances

11 December 2007: Concert review: Messiah

The following is an extract from the review of this performance, by Elizabeth Bouman in the Otago Daily Times:

"Both the Choir and the Sinfonia are a credit to a city of this size and excelled in conquering the demands of this three-hour Baroque marathon.

The 110-strong choir gave energy and full resonant sound for Burchell to draw upon for the big choruses. Setting their sights early in And the Glory and Glory to God, phrasing and articulation were generally good, with passionate voicing. As to be expected the Hallelujah chorus was a highlight, rising to a thrilling climax... I thought the choir was fantastic.

Soloists add the gilding to any oratorio and having Dunedin-trained Anna Leese in the country for a short visit of recitals was a real bonus.

Prolonged applause and footstamping followed the resounding Amens, and tired but jubilant musicians felt the buzz of completing yet another outstanding delivery of this 1742 masterpiece."

Saturday 8 September 2007: Concert review: Dream of Gerontius

The City of Dunedin Choir with members of the Southern Consort of Voices and the St Paul's Cathedral Choir, the Southern Sinfonia, tenor David Hamilton, mezzo-soprano Helen Medlyn and bass David Griffiths, with conductor David Burchell, Dunedin Town Hall. Extract from the review by Elizabeth Bouman in the Otago Daily Times:

"This late Romantic oratorio, written by Edward Elgar in 1900, is challenging for any choir. Saturday's performance was sublime and all credit to organisers for presenting such a grand work in our city."

"Stunning choral sound lifted Praise in the Holiest to great heights, contrasting with subtle shading of the many gentle more restrained passages. The Demon's Chorus was a highlight - rythmically taut and contrastingly vibrant."

"Conductor David Burchell is to be complimented on leading both Choir and Sinfonia successfully through this two-hour journey with unflagging energy, an impressive sense of drama, and sensitivity."

Saturday 26 May 2007: Concert review: Gloria

Southern Sinfonia, the City of Dunedin Choir and Invercargill A Capella Singers with conductor Tecwyn Evans and soprano Emma Fraser, Dunedin Town Hall. Extract from the review by Abbey Smith in the Otago Daily Times:

"The concert was well attended by a warmly enthusiastic audience, who clearly enjoyed the diversity and range of the music on offer." Of Poulenc's Gloria she says: "At first it was not clear whether the choir could match the volume and clarity of the orchestra, but after a few nervous moments the singers lifted their heads and sang really well. Antiphonal sections, in particular, were well done with precise entries and exits. Emma Fraser sang the soprano solos with a pure tone that suited the music. The balance between soloist, choir and orchestra was particularly good towards the end of the piece."