A superb concert of opera-inspired music introduced by genial compere John Eastwood, of Halifax Thespians, not only delighted a large and responsive audience but also raised funds for Overgate Hospice.
The Halifax Symphony Orchestra, under Nichola
s Simpson's lively and graceful direction, was in top form. The Die Fledermaus, Mikado and Orpheus in the Underworld overtures were all well-characterised and enhanced by some particularly expressive oboe-playing.
The waltz from Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin showed the strings with retiring leader John Marshall at their best, and the trumpets were resplendent in Verdi's Triumphal March from Aida.
Simon Lindley conducted the Overgate Hospice Choir, augmented by members of Leeds College of Music, in some famous operatic choruses.
Angela Helliwell was the sweet soloist in a glorious rendition of Mascagni's Easter Hymn. The Pilgrims' Chorus from Wagner's Tanhauser swung along strongly and Freudig Begrussen was suitably bombastic.
The highlight of the concert was the quite outstanding and very moving singing of Halifax-born soprano Emma Williams. Fortunately her microphone was not working, for her beautiful voice, particularly her effortless higher register, had no need of distorting amplification.
It was unfortunately working for the Rule Britannia soloist whose gruff vibrato almost drowned out Arne's sprightly orchestral accompaniment. Not that it mattered as the flag-waving crowd were happily clapping along, singing with gusto and stamping their feet. Land of Hope and Glory brought proceedings to a triumphant conclusion.
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