The voices of angels delivering sublime music
Presented by: Adelaide Chamber Singers
Reviewed: 14 March, 2024
Adelaide Chamber Singers is one of the best chamber choirs in the world. Not only is it chock-full of sublime voices, but it knows how to put together a perfect show.
For this year’s Adelaide Festival they are offering There Will Come Soft Rain. This outstanding program follows the themes of nature, water, and birdsong, presenting music from across six centuries; from Clément Janequin’s Le Chant des Oiseaux, to Anne Cawrse’s White Petals. Outstanding numbers included Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, by Eric Whitacre, O Salutaris Hostia by, Ēriks Ešenvalds and the eponymous There Will Come Soft Rain, by the company’s emeritus conductor, Carl Crossin.
The nineteen angelic voices of the choir were joined for a couple of numbers by Ryan Grunwald on percussion, and Thomas Marlin on cello, with the remainder of the works being voice only (along with some bird calls!). Artistic Director and Conductor Christie Anderson kept everything pitch-perfect, flowing, and energetic.
We are blessed in Adelaide, not just that this choir calls the city home, but that we have our town hall: one of the best chamber music venues in the world. Not only is it acoustically superb, but it also delivers a visually delightful background, which is not distracting. There were moments in this concert, with voices soaring around the beautiful space, that truly approached the celestial.
As an added treat, local composers Cawrse and Crossin were in attendance, and took a well-deserved bow. Another thing Adelaide has to be proud of: our statistically high proportion of world-class composers!
Sadly this concert was only performed for one night. It was broadcast live on ABC Classic FM, so may be re-broadcast by them at some stage. If you missed out, then keep an eye on the Adelaide Chamber Singers website for upcoming concerts.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Photo credit: Andy Hatton
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall
Season: ended
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