A large audience enjoyed the extraordinary sight and sound of more than 50 cellists, of all ages and stages, playing in unison during Sunday’s Cellists of Otago "Cello Extravaganza".
Curated and led by Cellists of Otago director Heleen du Plessis, with valuable contributions from conductor Peter Adams and soprano Rebecca Ryan, "Cello Extravaganza" showcased the mellow sounds of a "cello choir".
The first half of Sunday’s concert featured the core group of Cellists of Otago players performing works including Preludio from Bachiana Brasileras No. 1 by Villa-Lobos, a gentle rendition of Peter Adam’s arrangement of Arrival of the Birds from movie The Theory of Everything, and a thrilling performance of Shostakovich’s Prelude No. 1 arranged by du Plessis and featuring herself and Boudewijn Keenan as soloists.
An arrangement of Schindler’s List featured solo cellist Sophie Hamer, in strong form.
Soprano Rebecca Ryan sang in several pieces, including an arrangement of Rheinberger’s beautiful Abendlied and Villa-Lobos’ fascinating Aria from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.
A large contingent of more than 50 cellists for the concert’s second half, which began with a jaunty performance of Kibbe’s Mellow Cellos Tango by the Cellists of Otago group.
Rebecca Ryan joined the cellists for beautiful performances of traditional New Zealand songs Hine e Hine (arranged by Peter Adams) and Tarakihi.
Conducted by Peter Adams, the massed cello choir joined in for the final two pieces on the programme — traditional African American piece Gospel Train, and The Cello Song by Nelson — giving it their all and delighting the supportive audience.
As an encore French Folk Song, with Ryan adding vocal elements, to thunderous applause.
