Dunedin's Octagon Ensemble and St Kilda Brass chose music of Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) on Saturday evening, celebrating 150 years since his birth.
A large audience enjoyed an excellent concert in St Paul’s Cathedral, conducted by John Buchanan and supported by conductor John McAdam, David Burchell (organ) and Sharon McLennan (piano).
The 15-voice Octagon Ensemble and soloist Cathy Sim opened with a 1953 work written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, O Taste and See, then Kyrie from Mass in G-Minor.
Their supreme A Capella blend and astute dynamics soared magnificently in the vast cathedral acoustics.
Organist David Burchell followed with Rhosymedre — a prelude often heard on royal occasions, founded on a Welsh hymn tune woven strongly though contrapuntal fabric.
Marcus Millad (bass) and accompanist Mark Wigglesworth performed four songs from the popular Songs of Travel, and tenor Alexander McAdam soloed with the Ensemble in I Got Me Flowers from 5 Mystical Songs.
Vaughan Williams was recognised for his use of traditional British airs and folk songs, which he collected and collated during his travels to the countryside throughout his life — saving many from obscurity.
St Kilda Brass completed the first half of the programme with English Folk Song Suite , comprising two marches and an intermezzo — Seventeen Come Sunday, My Bonny Boy and Folk Songs from Somerset.
The final rousing march featured Blow Away the Morning Dew.
The audience joined musicians for an authentic performance of The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune.
The highlight for me was violinist Tessa Petersen and pianist Sharon McLennan’s performance of extracts from Douglas Lilburn’s Salute to Seven Poets, in recognition of Vaughan Williams’ influence on the New Zealand composer.
Sincerity and interpretation from the two professional musicians was sublime.
It was very cold in the Cathedral, but excellent music warming the soul totally compensated.
