Stamina delivers rewarding works

Photo: Pieter du Plessis

Scheherazade & Requiem
Saturday 30 September 2017
Dunedin Town Hall

Brahms' A German Requiem is an impressive work. Large in scope and demanding large orchestral and vocal forces, it is inspired by Lutheran scripture. While those who equate value with bank balance are vigorously excluded, the rest of us who toil honestly against the odds, are portrayed as earthly particles most likely to reach sweet heaven and have no more chores ever.

The music removes any ambiguity. It is serene, melodious, warm, lush and enveloping. There is no "dies ire", no fire and brimstone; the work simply fades away at its closing "Blessed are the dead". Theatrical awe is gained via the realisation of small things such as "For all flesh is like grass" and "The dead will be raised, imperishable".

The combined forces of the City Choir Dunedin and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra under the inspired direction of Simon Over made wonderful work of this challenging, stamina-taxing requiem. Though both the soprano and tenor are inevitably overtaxed on high exposed lines, and the body of the choir labours over layered lines and staggered entries, the choir as a whole is in fine form.

It gave an energetic, committed and, at times, an inspired performance. The voices of the soloists, soprano Rebecca Ryan and baritone Jarvis Dams, were both rich and warm, well suited to the work.

Solo performances by all of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra section leaders in Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade show the orchestra's overall strength. Tessa Petersen's solo performance of Scheherazade's voice was particularly spell-binding with some wonderful harmonics on high strings and the alluring dance well achieved. Answering passages from the lead cello, Heleen du Plessis, taking the Young Prince's voice were also well executed.

Both works created a long evening where perhaps the Brahms could have stood better alone.

Review for the Otago Daily Times by Marian Poole, 3 October 2017


Passion of a different kind was to the fore in Dunedin Symphony Orchestra's performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade and Brahms' Requiem, with City Choir Dunedin.

Conducted by DSO's principal guest conductor Simon Over, the concert's first half featured the stunning Scheherazade, transporting  the audience to the Arabian Nights and the Orient.

DSO concertmaster Tessa Petersen was superb in a leading role, announcing each "tale" with a burst of solo violin, and the orchestra was on point in every aspect of the complex work.

Brahms' Requiem, a monumental and sombre work, was a powerful showcase for City Choir Dunedin, which handled its demands with aplomb. Featuring seven movements sung in German, the Requiem moved through a range of moods, from gentle pastoral sound to triumphant praise.

The DSO and organist Simon Mace provided sterling support, while soloists Jarvis Dams (baritone) and Rebecca Ryan (soprano) were equally strong.

Another thoroughly enjoyable showcase from two Dunedin musical treasures.

Review for The Star by Brenda Harwood, 5 October 2017

Accolades for Lullabies concert

Some feedback from the Lullabies concert of 2 September 2017, in Knox Church:

Praise for Anthony Ritchie work: 
"Anthony Ritchie - congratulations on the very successful debut/premiere of 'Lullabies' at Knox Church last night. The work was captivating from first 'hush' to last whisper. Your music set the words with wonderful sensitivity, imaginative sound painting and limning of the myriad moods. David Burchell, City Choir Dunedin and the choirs of St Hilda's and Columba were polished and powerful; Tom Chatterton was outstanding, playing sensitively and astutely balancing the various vocal forces artistically - his organ registrations, apt at every turn. Kudos for this, your latest triumph. John van Buskirk, ODT 5 Sep 2017

Thank you so much for the wonderful program last night. It was thoroughly enjoyable. The mix of items and the mix of voices was great. Dunedin's choral history is in good hands! Again, thank you!
Moss Arnot (Facebook)

Congratulations on a fine concert last evening! Especially the performance of the Duruflé, I felt was spiritually inspired and a deeply moving musical experience. Thank you.
Jack Pritchard (Email to City Choir)

I attended last night's performance and was mesmerised from beginning to end. The precision of the choir was impressive and the voice blend was magical. Children and soloists equally fabulous. The friends I was with were equally impressed.
Brenda Jones (Email to City Choir)