Glorious music, brilliantly performed, at a
magnificent venue. (Review by Keith Millar)
Glorious music, brilliantly performed, at a
magnificent venue was the order of the day as the Durban Symphonic Choir
presented their Palm Sunday concert last week-end.
The programme, performed in association with the KZN
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Naum Rousine, consisted of Puccini’s Mass, Messa Di Gloria, and excerpts from
Handel’s Messiah.
The venue was the beautiful Neo Romanesque St Joseph’s
Cathedral at the Mariannhill Monastery. It is a excellent venue for a concert
of sacred choral music with a warm and dynamic acoustic, while its many
paintings of biblical scenes offers an air of reverence to the proceedings.
Giacomo Puccini is probably best known for his
renowned operas, including La Bohème,
Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Messa Di
Gloria was first performed in 1878 as a graduation thesis when he was only
22 years old. Despite the success of this performance the work was forgotten as
Puccini embarked on his career as a opera composer. It was not until 1952 that
it was performed again. Since then it is regularly heard at concerts around the
world.
The Durban Symphonic Choir along with the KZNPO
tackled this powerful and dramatic work with confidence and skill. It was a
memorable and exhilarating performance which left the audience captivated. The
superb, melodic, Gloria was
particularly enjoyable.
The soloists for this performance were Ndumiso Nyoka
(tenor) and Vusi Simelane (baritone). Both are accomplished singers with
wonderful voices whose contribution enhanced the excellence of the mass.
The second half of the programme offered excerpts from
Handel’s Messiah. Probably amongst
the most influential, moving, and best loved music ever composed.Of particular
note at this concert was Durban soprano Lauren Dasappa’s compelling performance
of I Know That My Redeemer Liveth and
the iconic Hallelujah Chorus!
Whatever your religious persuasion there can be few
more moving experiences than listening to an inspired choir and orchestra
performing this incomparable piece of music. A tear in the eye is
guaranteed.
The Durban Symphonic Choir under the directorship of
Dr. Ros Conrad has set itself a high standard of performance. That it meets
these standards was evident at this concert and is of great credit to its
diverse, music loving membership.
The KZN Philharmonic continues to satisfy with its
polished and competent performances while the conducting of Naum Rousine was
particularly sympathetic to all the nuances in the splendid music on
offer.
The choir will perform Schubert’s Mass in G with the
KZNPO at the Durban City Hall on May 29. An event not to be missed. – Keith Millar
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