What happens when an upcoming choir combine improvised soundscapes, poetry and song in a concert which takes us through the four elements (Earth, Air, Water, Fire) with a poignant but understated message about climate change, in a concert of just over one hour in length without stopping, or even truly pausing for breath? This... Kantos Chamber Choir's latest concert called 'Elements' performed in the smaller and more intimate performance space of The Carole Nash Hall in Manchester's Stoller Hall.
To say that this was absolute perfection would not be a lie. The thought that had gone into producing this concert was immense and every item chosen worked perfectly. We were taken on a journey through the elements, with each one being introduced by a soundscape (credit to Katerina Gimon), the first being in complete surround sound as the choir stood in a perfect circle all around us. This was a wonderful aural experience and something that simply would not have worked in a larger venue. Each section then had one of the choir members read a poem, and this was the followed by a few songs relating to the theme. It was clever, skilful, intelligent and beautiful.
The choir is an a capella group and how they found their notes for some of the songs I am at a loss (and I am a singer myself!). The diction and enunciation was superb throughout (apart from a little of the Italian, the vowels sounded too English), but that is a very minor critique. The 17 members of this choir under the direction of their Artistic Director, Ellie Slorach, gave me goosebumps at times. In fact I could go on writing compliments all day, but suffice to say that this choir pitched this concert utterly spot on. It was exactly the right length, said succinctly what they needed to say, and performed with elan and skill throughout.
Wonderful!
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
on - 14.6.25
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