A moving and emotional experience
Presented by: Adelaide Guitar Festival
Reviewed: 12 September, 2024
A magical and powerful sea of emotions filled Her Majesty’s Theatre at the opening night performance of the Adelaide Guitar Festival. It will be one of those performances that those that attended will be talking about for a long time to come.
Opening the evening was a sensational performance by Brisbane based Aurora Guitar Ensemble, directed by Dr. Paul Svoboda. The ensemble consisted of 24 classical guitarists and a bass, and their set included works all composed by Svoboda. It is clear that this ensemble of young adults has a strong love for their instrument. Their ensemble work was magical to listen to. Their articulation was precise and the unity amongst them was tight. Their second piece, Points of View: Insight created stunning imagery of misty rain using complex layered motifs playing at different times. This is the second time that Aurora Guitar Ensemble have performed at the Guitar Festival, with the first being 10 years ago. I hope their next appearance is closer than 10 years away, as they are a brilliant example of showcasing the versatility of guitar.
Following intermission, Paco Peña was warmly welcomed to the stage by a lengthy applause. Peña, on flamenco guitar, was joined by his touring musicians (Rafael Montilla and Benito Bernal Diaz — flamenco guitar, Bernardo Miranda, Inmaculada Rivera Cinta, Rafael Plantón Heredia and Maria del los Angeles Martinez Toledano — flamenco singers, and Julio Alcocer — percussion). They were also joined by Rising Voice (with support from Adelaide Chamber Singers) and Young Adelaide Voices, under the direction of Dr. Carl Crossin. The second half featured Peña’s Requiem for the Earth, which Peña composed to reflect on humanity’s gradual destruction of the natural environment.
The Requiem opened with solo flamenco guitar before being joined by solo voice. As the first section of the Requiem, Sentimiento, progressed, the layering entrance of each instrument pulled the audience into this magical and at times spiritual sonic landscape. The entire Requiem for the Earth was such an emotional celebration of life. The music at times was full of such sorrow and then would burst into a celebration of hope and happiness.
This performance was the perfect example of how music can unite people no matter their race, language or gender. Every audience member in Her Majesty’s Theatre was connected through Peña’s music. This was a very emotional and moving experience to be part of.
Whilst the free program provided an English translation of the Latin and Spanish text, you almost didn’t need it as the music was so expressive you could feel the emotion behind it.
Even at 82 years of age, Peña plays with such youth and vibrancy. His dexterity was brilliant to watch as he became one with his guitar. The choral arrangements by Howard Moody elevated the Requiem to such a spiritual place.
Requiem for the Earth was a brilliant opening to what is going to be a wonderful celebration of the guitar throughout the Adelaide Guitar Festival. With such a rich program that showcases the versatility of the instrument, there certainly will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Kyham Ross
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: ended
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