KVT – Vivat Verdi/Sutcliffe

When I was a teenager I was, somehow, successful in auditioning membership in a prestigious choral group that was three quarters the way through rehearsals for Handel’s oratorio the Messiah. I was told to stand by, listen, learn, and join in when I felt comfortable. I spent the four performances mouthing the words but will never forget that thrill that shivers up your spine when you are in the midst of a massive choir in superb voice.

Listening to the choir singing Verdi’s Requiem under the guidance and baton of Mr Sutcliffe, I felt a surge of that remembered shiver and was jealous of their success. I was annoyed that I’d be away for the summer and couldn’t join in rehearsals for Mahler’s 8th, The Symphony of a Thousand, which is surely going to be this year’s top musical event… and if the choir continues on its course, under Sutcliffe’s guidance, the members will be set for a prolonged series of spinal shivers.

It always amazes me that an agnostic could compose such a glorious and moving liturgical mass and amazing it is.

On Friday night Sutcliffe read Verdi’s intent beautifully and the choir’s softness and quietness of the opening was a gorgeous intro.

As soon as the trumpets of judgement day on the balconies joined those earthbound on stage, you felt that you were in the midst of a successful performance and as the chorus and baritone were soaring into the Tuba Mirum you knew it was going to be a memorable night.

The orchestra was kept on a tight rein and were the best I’ve ever heard them… congratulations. The choir had a couple of minor shaky moments towards the end but not shaky enough to stop my desire to be up there with them and proud of it.

Thanks to the British Council and Concordia we had four excellent, imported soloists who added huge depth and professionalism. I’m a mezzo-soprano buff and couldn’t get enough of Alexandra Cassidy’s mellowness. The baritone, James Claverton was also mellow and as swoonable to look at as an Operatic up and coming star should be. The very young tenor, Edward Hughes, has a light and high voice that will be totally swoonable in a few years… I’d love to hear him sing the Bercuese from Jocelyn.

But of course it was the soprano, Joanna Weeks, who remains in my mind as I still shiver a bit remembering the final Libra Me.

To choose a favorite bit is hard but the Agnus Dei made me moist eyed as it should.

Great night. And how did you do it Mr Sutcliffe?… You took an amateur choir and a largely inexperienced orchestra into the realm of professional performance. I bet you are pleased, if exhausted.

Roll on Mahler’s 8th… I can hardy wait.