The recent choir concert was a resounding success, showcasing beloved operatic choruses and ensembles performed by Bury Choral Society with soloists from COMO, accompanied by the incomparable Jonathan Ellis at the piano and conducted by the inspirational, effervescent Juan Ortuño.
The programme transported us on a journey through a series of well-known operatic choruses, including the enticing rhythms of Bizet’s Carmen, the grandeur of Wagner’s Tannhäuser, and the spiritual majesty of the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s Nabucco, to mention just a few. Throughout the concert the choir demonstrated its’ versatility of style in various languages, whilst producing a warm tone quality through all dynamics. The duets and larger ensembles were performed, by the singers from COMO, with a command of nuance, confidence and expression.
Accompanying the singers was the exceptional pianist, Jonathan, who at times sounded like an orchestra, or, at the very least, 2 pianos! His virtuosic command and sensitivity to the singers elevated the performances to the highest of levels.
Bringing this all together, Juan conducted the whole ensemble with precision and clarity – and also with his enthusiasm in every gesture. His introductions to the pieces were interesting and amusing, but the highlight was when he “played” the anvil in the well-known chorus from Il Trovatore. Here his humour, acting skills, working the audience and still managing to conduct, came to the fore. The audience loved it.
In fact, the audience were captivated by the whole evening and they showed their appreciation with robust applause and cheers – which granted them an encore!
M. M.
