St Paul’s concerts a lunchtime treat

Soprano Emma Pearson and guitarist Barkin Sertkaya perform works for voice and guitar on Tuesday...
Soprano Emma Pearson and guitarist Barkin Sertkaya perform works for voice and guitar on Tuesday in the first of the St Paul’s at One concerts for Dunedin Arts Festival. Photo: Peter McIntosh
ST PAUL’S AT ONE
SERENADES WITH EMMA PEARSON AND BARKIN SERTKAYA

Tuesday, October 18
St Paul’s Cathedral
Review by BRENDA HARWOOD

The "St Paul’s at One" lunchtime concert series got under way on Tuesday with a programme of beautiful works for voice and guitar, superbly performed by Emma Pearson (soprano) and Barkin Sertkaya (guitar).

Ranging from the 16th to the 21st-century, the works selected by the duo were a wonderful showcase of the gentle and romantic collaboration between the two instruments.

Among the concert’s many highlights was Giordani’s beautiful Caro mio ben from "Twelve Italian Songs"; Mozart’s Vedrai carino from "Don Giovanni", with its shimmering guitar accompaniment; Schubert’s gorgeous Ave Maria; and Donizetti’s fabulous Six Romances.

The audience was also treated to several solo guitar pieces performed with flair and sensitivity by Sertkaya.

Curated by Dunedin-based singer Anna Leese, the series continues today with the free "Beethoven to Baby" concert, followed by the Takiri Ensemble on Friday, and the Tararua Ensemble on Saturday, all at 1pm at St Paul’s.

Wrap up and get along to experience some truly fabulous music.