Performances 2009

This was my first opportunity to hear Kathleen Parker sing. Canadian by birth but raised on the Sunshine Coast, Kathleen has won high acclaim in many countries. She has a rich soprano voice, powerful and expressive, as heard in her solo Domini Deus. Her duet with promising 19 year old Bachelor of Music student, Jade Moffat, was beautifully balanced, their fresh young voices blending well. There was some effective cello playing accompanying Jade’s solo.

Vivaldi wrote only one concerto that involved trumpets and today it remains one of his most performed and popular works. Brisbane trumpeter, Lloyd Robins joined local Warren Brewer, in a stunning performance of the Double Trumpet Concerto. With joyful flashy and fanfare like music propelled by vigorous rhythmic support from the strings.

The second “movement” is really just a short transition to the third, vigorous and exciting Allegro. The only surprise is the ending, not with a bang but a whimper. The audience loved it.

After interval we were treated to the grandest sacred work by Vivaldi Dixit Dominus, a setting of Psalm 109. For this 8- part choral work, the singers were re-arranged into a double choir and the orchestra was similarly re-arranged.

There was little opportunity for the soloists, especially the tenor and bass, both excellent singers who need to be heard more often on the Coast, as most of the work was for the choir, who performed admirably throughout. Tenor, Michael Gough, has sung with the Victorian State Opera and Opera Australia and promising young bass student, Sam Johnson sang a very short duet, but their fine strong voices joined the choir for the last two choruses.

The final chorus of the Dixit Dominus has been described as an “orgy of polyphony” requiring great concentration from the entire choir and orchestra. It was a stunning and exciting ending to an inspiring night of music.

Above all it is quite obvious that the conductor, Adrian King, is greatly admired and loved by all who work with him. His gentle but firm influence inspires the members to give of their best and their enjoyment is obvious. The choir and orchestra have come a long way since his influence began, and his ability to select soloists is very pleasing for the audience.

Marguerite Weber