Review: Sydney Symphony Orchestra's LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Brings British Tradition To The Sydney Opera House

Friday 18th March 2016, 8pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

THE LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS delights Anglophiles with a recreation of the relaxed closing concert of the British summer season. Under the baton of the charismatic and comic Guy Noble, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs work through a selection of classical works and the traditional patriotic crowd favorites.

The program showcases the SSO and the wonderful Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, including its Grand Organ, situated high above the stage, with a range of styles from bold fanfares to gentle waltzes and textured medleys. Opening with the traditional God Save The Queen, the Royal connection is carried through the celebratory Crown Imperial Coronation March by Sir William Walton before the audience is soothed by Ronald Binge's Sailing By. The second half of the performance includes more audience participation, much to the delight of many who had come with their own Union Jack flags and fancy dress. Standards which have the audience in full voice include Thomas Arne's Rule, Britannia! and Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance.

Amongst the purely orchestral works Noble has also programmed operatic works from Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini and Michael Balfe plus an obligatory musical theatre number. These are presented by guest soloist Greta Bradman and the Sydney Philharmonic Choirs. The Sydney Philharmonic Choir is featured with John Tavener's hauntingly melancholy Song For Athene, famous for concluding the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is interesting to note the selection of Una Voce Poco Fa from Gioachino Rossini's THE BARBER OF SEVILLE when Opera Australia has this work in its 2016 Summer Season next door at the Joan Sutherland Theatre. With Anna Dowsley's wonderful interpretation for Opera Australia's production so fresh in many minds, it was a bold choice to have Bradman present this number which should be presented with agility, precision and consistent strength to fully utilize the wonderful acoustics of the Concert Hall. It is noted that for the second act, a boundary microphone was positioned in front of the soloist, an unusual move for an opera singer in such a venue. Also, in contrast to Noble's relaxed playful nature, Bradman appeared uncomfortable with the physical expression of the characters she was recreating and more so when sent out in fancy dress costume which caused the audience to also feel uncomfortable rather than amused.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra's LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS is for the most part an enjoyable chance to experience the orchestra 'flex its muscles' and showcase the iconic Sydney Opera House. It is a must for Brits, homesick for a taste of "Old Blighty" and is also a good introduction to classical music or aficionados looking for a more lighthearted night at the Opera House.

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS with SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

18th and 19th March 2016

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