Hollywood golden oldies have never sounded so fresh
Presented by: Musica Viva Australia
Reviewed: 10 May, 2025
Musica Viva have once again created an innovative programme to draw a multi-generational audience. Boomers sit alongside Gen Zs, united in their rejection of the AFL showdown taking place further up King William Street. Everyone loves a touch of Hollywood glamour.
The vast majority of the pieces performed were arranged bespoke for this tour by Izidor Leitinger, to feature an unusual quartet: four saxophones! Blaz Kemperle on the soprano saxophone, Jacopo Taddei on alto saxophone, Alan Luzar on tenor saxophone, and David Brand on baritone saxophone. The talents and mastery of these four musicians cannot be overstated. It is a delight to watch the quartet perform complex arrangements of well-known melodies, their body language playful and kinetic as they bop and weave on their queues. They appear to enjoy each song as much as the audience. They are joined for several songs by legendary Australian soprano Ali McGregor.
Towards the back of the stage there stands twelve eye-catching silver umbrellas, reflecting smart LED bulbs, constantly changing in colours and hues. The performers are bathed in light that responds differently to each piece, creating an undeniable mood. Lighting designer Trent Suidgeest must be commended here.
McGregor opens the evening with a haunting rendition of I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger, before a stark transition to a jaunty piece by Stravinsky, Circus Polka: For a Young Elephant. Several orchestral pieces follow, evoking a nostalgic feeling of 1940s black and white cinema. McGregor returns to perform an emotional Illusions, melancholy in both melody and lyrics. Selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet offer a beautiful and unique take on a classic. One can easily imagine the haunting figures of the Montague troupe prancing across the stage during Dance of the Knights, perhaps a little perplexed to see many saxophones.
Though McGregor’s voice is resplendent, and she evokes Hollywood glam with a series of lavish costumes, there are a few songs where her voice feels discordant with the modern arrangement of the saxophones. At times the accompanying melody feels absent. However, this problem may be limited to those who know the original songs too well.
Hollywood oldies have never sounded this fresh. A dazzling display of musical talent, wrapped up in a bow of nostalgia.
Reviewed by Nicola Woolford
Photo credit: Peter Hislop
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall
Season: 10th May 2025
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