Music to make your heart sing

As we were introduced to Opera Worcester’s first concert in two years we were reminded of the difficulties imposed by the pandemic, a recent victim being its MD Wilhelm Theunissen, whose role in the few days prior to the concert had been taken up seamlessly by pianist David Arthur.

The opening chorus of ‘Mad about Mozart’ quickly demonstrated the power of the chorus and some lovely harmony, equally followed later by the ‘Anvil Chorus’ from Verdi’s Il Trovatore and the gentler ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’.

Chorus numbers were intermingled with a selection of well-presented soloists including Janet Hay and John Davidson. Patricia Head sang ‘Jewel Song’ from ‘Faust’ with great professionalism and expression and Catherine Barrett’s ‘Ebben? Ne andro lotana’ from ‘La Wally’ was stunning. Paul Thompson’s clear rich tones sang ’This helmet, I suppose’ from ‘Princess Ida’ with humour and Caroline Causier’s ‘Adele’s Laughing Song’ from ‘Die Fledermaus’ had great expression. John Caldwell and Paul Ellis came together well with ‘Poor Jud is Daid’ from ‘Oklahoma!’

An addition to the programme, ‘All I ask of you’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ was sung with great emotion by Phil Joseph and Caroline Causier and I also particularly enjoyed the medley from ‘Les Miserables’ with soloists Catherine Barrett, Caroline Causier, Paul Ellis, Janet Hay, Janet Johnson, Paul Thompson, with Phil Joseph (‘Stars’) and John Caldwell (‘Empty Chairs and Empty Tables’).

The concert concluded with the ‘Finale Act 3’ from ‘The Merry Widow’, a plug for Opera Worcester’s next production, to be staged at the Norbury Theatre from 20 – 24 July 2022, which I look forward to. But possibly the loudest reception was kept for David Arthur who played piano and conducted throughout the concert with great skill and sensitivity, without whose presence, the concert would not have been possible.

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