A packed St Paul’s Cathedral was held spellbound by a feast of baroque music, presented by The Octagon Ensemble and superbly performed by some of the country’s top musicians.
Featuring the Bach "double-double" — Bach’s Concerto in C major for two keyboards (pianos in this case) and Concerto in D for 2 Violins — along with Handel’s cantata O numi eterni from La Lucrezia and Handel’s Coronation Anthem No 3 — My Heart is Inditing, Sunday’s concert was a joy to experience.
The performance began with Bach’s double-keyboard concerto, performed on two pianos by Kemp English and Sharon McLennan, with accompaniment in the first and third movements from the string ensemble, led by NZSO concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppannen and deputy concertmaster Yuka Eguchi.
This brilliant work required nimble and intuitive performances from the two pianists, who handled the demands of the work with flair and accuracy, with the Octagon Ensemble chamber orchestra responsive in support.
A quick change ensued, as Octagon Ensemble artistic director Dr Tessa Romano (mezzo-soprano) stepped up to perform Handel’s solo cantata O n umi eterni from La Lucrezia, with sensitive accompaniment from Sanaz Rezai (harpsichord) and Boudewijn Keenan (cello).
Romano’s performance was utterly brilliant, showing virtuosic skill in tackling the cantata’s many fiendishly difficult passages, while bringing Lucrezia’s passion and despair to the fore.
Another quick change, and the chamber orchestra took the stage for Bach’s fabulous double-violin concerto with Leppannen and Eguchi as soloists.
In a thrilling performance of this delightful work, Leppannen and Eguchi were impressive throughout — tossing the themes back and forth with the string ensemble adding light and colour to the music.
One more change, and the stage was set for the concert’s final work, Handel’s joyful Coronation Anthem No 3 — My Heart is Inditing, featuring the Octagon Ensemble voices, soloists Cathy Sim (soprano), Tessa Romano (alto), Griffin Nicol (tenor) and Jesse Hanan (bass) and the chamber orchestra.
Conducted by Octagon Ensemble director John Buchanan, the work was delightful, spirited and accurate — it was a treat to hear it performed in the cathedral.
All in all, the "Celebrate Baroque" concert was a triumph for all involved. Bravissimo!
