Conductor Dane Lam
Soprano Anna Leese
Mezzo-soprano Sian Pendry
Tenor Andrew Goodwin
Baritone Christopher Tonkin
Brisbane Chamber Choir
Handel Messiah, HWV 56
The choral masterpiece, presented by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Handel Messiah was a night to remember. On Saturday the 8th of December, 2018 the audience members at the Concert Hall, QPAC enjoyed a night dedicated to the music of George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) and to say it was unforgettable would be an understatement.
There were three key parts to the story and overall performance structure. The first part featured themes on the Prophecy of Christ’s appearance on earth; the nativity. The second part focused mainly on The death, resurrection and ascension of Christ as well as the spreading of the Gospel. The third part represented Victory over Death.
Musically there featured three key elements that made the performance spectacular in the sense of variety and fusion of musical elements. Not only was the the fantastic Queensland Symphony Orchestra present, conducted by Dane Lam, but Soprano Anna Leese, Mezzo-soprano Sian Pendry, Tenor Andrew Goodwin and Baritone Christopher Tonkin but also the Brisbane Chamber Choir.
It’s not everyday that you attend a performance filled with such a rich history of classical music. The musical and stylistic influences and elements in Handel Messiah ranged from Italian opera and chamber music to the German Passion to traditional English ceremonial music. It is a night of wonder as Anna Leese and Sian Pendry stand before us in their shimmering dresses. As the piece progresses the audience witnesses each opera singer, from Tenor through to Soprano, perform their parts with passion and precision. The lights in the Concert Hall, QPAC turn to a red and a glimmering gold, which occurred at various points throughout the performance and in those parts that deserved a little more emphasis, and a little bit of shine.
It is no surprise that this piece earned itself a standing ovation, and that the whole crowd stood for the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of the second part. It is also no surprise that this performance did justice to George Frideric Handel’s work. For newcomers to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performances or those not as familiar with classic orchestral pieces, there is something here for everyone and the wonder of history and the power of music is captured and on display for all to see.
Handel Messiah was a magical night that leaves you hearing the combined sounds of the voices from the Brisbane Chamber Choir, the opera singers and the delightful sounds of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. The instrumentation from the orchestra was noteworthy as it followed the vocal patterns of the opera singers and the Brisbane Chamber Choir, and is a reminder of the joyous and uniting aspect of music, particularly in this festive time.
It is clear to see (and hear) that one is in good hands whilst attending a Queensland Symphony Orchestra performance. Whilst this was a night to remember for those that were fortunate enough to have attended the one night show, that isn’t to say that there aren’t many more QSO shows that will be available to see by the end of this year and well into 2019.
Handel Messiah featured Comfort Ye, Behold the Lamb of God, Hallelujah and Worthy is the Lamb among many others.
Sat 8th Dec, 2018
Concert Hall, QPAC
Joanna Letic