SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL

Palestrina, von Bingen, Ronzani, Merula, Arañés, Purcell, Mozart, Joel, Herbert Howells, Davis, Gruber, Arne; Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir: Louise Prickett (soprano); Christine Leonard (saxophone); City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, 18.12.2010, 5:00pm session (ZT)

Palestrina: Hodie Christus natus est

Hildegard von Bingen: O Ecclesia

Tradititonal arr. Carter: Angelus ad virginem

Hugh Ronzani: Alma Remdemptoris Mater

Merula: Aria di Ciaconna Su la Cetra Amorosa

Juan Aranes: Chaconne A la vida bona

Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord Alway (Bell anthem)

Mozart: Laudate Dominum

Billy Joel: Lullabye Good Night my Angel

Traditional arr. Coelho: Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Traditional arr. Coelho: Coventry Carol

Traditional arr. Coelho: Noël Nouvelet

Howells: Here is the Little Door

Traditional arr. Coelho: The Little Drummer Boy

Gruber: Silent Night

Wade arr. Willcocks: O Come all Ye Faithful

Angels with pure sax appeal: so promised the media release of Nov. 19, 2010 announcing the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s Christmas concert series, Noël!Noël! Also indicated was that of the seven suburban and regional recitals, the Dec.19 to be held at Cremorne was also ready sold out.

The sixteen-item programme was diverse and in addition to anticipated items such as Gruber’s Silent Night, and O come all ye faithful (arr. Willcocks), Hugh Ronzani conducted the world premiere performance of his Alma Redemptoris Mater. Billy Joel’s lullaby, Goodnight My Angel, also made an appearance.

Most memorable were the items arranged by Tristan Coelho in which the score incorporated a soaring soprano saxophone line above the voices. Those familiar with The Hilliard Ensemble and their collaboration with saxophonist Jan Garbarek will have previously experienced this fascinating combination. To improve on perfection, in the rendition of The Coventry Carol (arr. Coelho), Jess Ciampa performed his special magic with percussion incorporating a variety of exotic sounds.

Whether it was the excellent playing of the Orchestra, the precise harmony and controlled dynamics of the Choir, or the creative programming that centred on pure entertainment, those attending were once again reminded what a world-class act the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir are. The usual full house is indicative of how patrons generally feel about ABO recitals.

This was a no-interval recital, and the imminent 7:00pm session allowed little latitude for encores. For those left with a penchant for more, the recital was later broadcast on ABC FM radio. This particular performance was recorded, and a CD will be released in the future.

Time flies when you are having fun, but it was interesting to briefly reflect on how much preparation and work is required to provide one hundred minutes of entertainment of this quality and diversity. Even professional musicians with extensive experience require about eighteen hours of rehearsal for such a concert.

Zane Turner