In the smaller, more intimate space called The Carol Nash Hall, 11 pupils from Year 13 (17 year olds) from the Vocal Studies department each took turn to sing an aria or English song to a small but appreciative audience this evening.
Such a shame there were so few in the audience in order to listen to these talented students. Their voices already well on the way to maturity, they still have a long way to go, but the potential on display was breathtaking; and Chetham's must be extremely proud of their students' acheivements and abilities.
The concert was split into three sections - an opera sandwich if you like - where four operatic arias were sung in between English language songs. Without a programme I am a little in the dark, but hope that the following information is correct.
The concert was split into three sections - an opera sandwich if you like - where four operatic arias were sung in between English language songs. Without a programme I am a little in the dark, but hope that the following information is correct.
The concert started with soprano B. Leong, and her warm, round tones doing full justice to Ireland's "If There Were Dreams To Sell". Following this were three more songs from the English language canon, sung just as beautifully by E. Jones (soprano), B. Morrison (baritone), and M. LaMana (soprano).
We then turned to opera for the next four soloists, and we started with Vincenzo Tozzi's 'Ideale' sung by baritone, J. Fradley. A lovely piece of music, slow, lyrical, and romantic. This was followed by arias from Durante, Handel, and finally Mozart. Soprano E. Codman having the lightness, precision, and sense of fun necessary to successfully carry-off, 'Batti, Batti, O Bel Masetto'.
Back to the English language repertoire again, and the final three songs of the evening. Strangely, these three also happened to be my personal favourites of the evening too. Soprano P. Heywood started this section with Samuel Barber's "Sure On This Shining Night", and although I did not know the song, it was pure Barber, and sung with precision. Following this came my favourite voice of the evening - I say this only because I absolutely adore the baritone voice above all ranges, and S. Rothwell's chocolatey bass-baritone was a delight for me. The concert finished with Armstrong-Gibbs' "Why Do I Love?" sung quite dramatically by soprano E. Palmer.
The whole concert lasted one hour without interval and each soloist was accompanied on the piano by one of their tutors. What a wonderful way to spend a rainy Friday evening in Manchester, and again I take my hat off to all 11 of these amazing singers.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 12.11.21
Hi lovely comments and a fantastic evening, incidently it was E Codman who sang Batti Batti xx
ReplyDeleteKnew there'd be at least one piece of info incorrect.... that's the problem with not having a programme to refer to. Cheers ) Will amend right away . Matthew.
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