|
|
| Programme |
In a show specially conceived for the valentine's period, Hayley Westenra and Jonathan Ansell, quite possibly the two greatest young voices in classical music today, perform a selection of romantically themed solos and duets supported by pianist Tim Evans, guitarist Andrew Moore, and all-girl string quartet 'Raven'.
When Hayley Westenra first appeared on the international music scene as a callow sixteen year old in 2003 it was obvious from the start that she possessed a prodigious talent. Now a young woman, that talent has matured into something that is even more special. The voice remains as beautiful as ever, but now she has a polish and finesse suggestive of someone who has spent an entire lifetime in the business - but at the same time a quiet, modest manner that is tremendously endearing. Her partner on this tour, rich-voiced tenor Jonathan Ansell, is also enormously talented with an equally remarkable voice and together the pair are stunning. During the course of the evening they each sang a selection of solo numbers, as well as coming together from time to time to sing a some wonderfully romantic duets.
Among the numbers Hayley offered us were a delightful rendition of 'Songbird', 'Both Sides Now', 'Scarborough Fair' and 'I know You By Heart'. But the highlight of her individual performances, and of the evening as a whole, was her rendition of her signature number, the hauntingly melodious Maori love song 'Pokarekare Ana'. No other song could showcase her golden voice so completely, and no other voice could serve the song so well.
Among Ansell's numbers, the standouts were 'My Own True Love', 'Canto Della Terra' and 'If You're Not The One' - a song which amply demonstrates his range as it calls for him to sing some incredible high notes.
When they came together the pair were magnificent. They opened the show with a sublime rendition of 'Un Giorno Per Noi', re-combining from time to time during the couse of the evening. 'All I Ask of You' from Phantom of the Opera was a real show-stopper, possibly the best version of that song that I have ever heard. But, saving the best till last, even that was surpassed by an incredibly powerful performance of 'Par Sempre'.
All girl string quartet, 'Raven', as well as supplying musical backing for Hayley and Jonathan, were given a couple of sets of their own to showcase their own unique arrangements of some well known classics, including a frenetic selection from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'. These girl's are also incredibly talented, and on another night I would happily have paid my ticket money to listen to them alone.
But the biggest star of the show was, of course, Hayley, in magnificent form on the night, amply illustrating why she is the biggest selling classical recording artist of the 21st century. But then, speaking of recordings, if you truly treasure your collection of Hayley Westenra albums do not come to see this show. Once you have seen and heard this Hayley performing live they will never sound the same again.
Addendum: Since posting this review it has been brought to my attention that I have offended a few Hayley fans with my comment in the final paragraph - how dare I tell people not to see the show!!! Well, for the benefit of the offendees out there, that was something called 'humour' (lit. "A message whose incongruity has the power to evoke laughter"). Feeble maybe, but yes my attempt at humour and not intended to be taken seriously.
An unmatched evening of superb classical entertainment.