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Arts, Concert, Music, Reviews 0

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – Christmas Unwrapped at Festival Theatre Review

By Tony Polese · On December 17, 2023

By Pearl Tizzie

10/10

Image Credit: Ben McMahon

Christmas Unwrapped: Experience the Magic of Christmas with the ASO at the Adelaide Festival Theatre”

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s final show of the year, held at the Festival Theatre alongside the Graduate Singers and the Elder Conservatorium Chorale, was a mesmerizing Christmas extravaganza.

This festive spectacle catered not only to the most enthusiastic holiday lovers but also managed to enchant even the grumpiest of grinches.

The program offered a delightful variety, blending familiar carols with innovative arrangements that breathed new life into beloved classics. The performance created a captivating atmosphere that resonated with the audience.

The venue buzzed with Christmas cheer, offering printed lyric sheets for sing-along carols.

The magic began with the orchestra tuning their instruments, instantly creating a magical atmosphere from the first note, as the sound resonated through the theatre.

Conductor and Presenter Guy Noble provided a cheerful introduction, humorously demonstrating how any piece of music could be made ‘Christmassy’ with the addition of sleigh bells.

The stage was adorned with a beautiful festive set, featuring white Christmas trees, dangling ornaments, and twinkling fairy lights, while Christmas decorations and costumes added a tasteful touch throughout the orchestra, from an angel atop the double bass, the conductor’s bench done up like a wreath, a santa hat on the cello, a tinsel wrapped chair, reindeer antlers on a violin, and even the harp has a stocking but of course also Santa on third horn.

The evening commenced with The Holly and the Ivy (Fantasy on Christmas Carols)  by Arnold arr. Palmer, weaving recognizable themes like Noel Noel into a delightful tapestry. The piece seamlessly transitioned into Away in a Manger, featuring tuned percussion accompanied by the double bass, leading into the lively tune of Christmas Day in the Morning.

Soprano Desiree Frahn showcased her technical prowess in Ding Dong! Merrily on High, beautifully synchronising with the and orchestra, demonstrating her vocal stamina on the extended ‘Gloria’ in the vocal line.

One of the show’s special features was the fusion of orchestra, choir, soloists, and audience participation, offering something for everyone.

Audience participation was encouraged during a rendition of O Come, All Ye Faithful. Desiree guided the audience through a quick lesson on choral singing, conducting both the chorale with one hand and the audience with the other.

Before the intermission, the enchanting piece The Snowman Op. 323 by Howard Blake, conducted by David Sharp and narrated by Guy Noble, transported the audience into a picturesque world. The symphony, coupled with spoken word narration, vividly illustrated scenes of falling snow and distant footsteps, creating a rich auditory landscape. The orchestra skillfully mimicked various sounds, from a terrified cat to the gentle pitter-patter of footsteps. It was incredible how they replicated sounds like a light switch, a makeup brush, a waltz from a music box, and even a trip on a motorbike.

A standout moment was the inclusion of Boy Soprano Phillip Cheng, whose performance in The Snowman captivated the audience with its delightful and evocative nature.

The show blended beauty and humor seamlessly. After the intermission, conductor and presenter Guy Noble returned dressed as an elf. Gould’s Serenade of Carols showcased the orchestra’s various sections, with strings creating waves of recognizable Christmas tunes.

The iconic sounds from The Nutcracker, including the running bass line and interplay between woodwinds and strings was heartwarming.

Additional highlights included Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque, Mendelssohn arr. Willcocks’ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Rodgers and Hammerstein arr. Green The Sound of Music: Edelweiss, among others.

The night concluded with a humorous and delightful rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas, cleverly updated relevant to living in modern Adelaide society.

From start to finish, the show was engaging, aesthetically pleasing, and offered something for everyone. Here’s hoping this becomes a cherished Christmas tradition.The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming program for next year promises more excitement. Details are available here: https://www.aso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – Christmas Unwrapped at Festival Theatre Review
Tony Polese
December 17, 2023
10/10
10 Overall Score

adelaidefestivalcentreASOchristmasclassicalmusicConcertfestivaltheatrereview
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Tony Polese

Writer & Editor

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