BWW Reviews: Sydney Opera House Kicks Off CHRISTMAS AT THE HOUSE festivities with JINGLE BELL ROCK

By: Dec. 20, 2014
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Friday 19th December 2014, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

The Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House was filled with Christmas Cheer as Brian Castles-Onion, the Sydney International Orchestra, Christmas Choir and singers Emma Pask and Eddie Perfect presented a somewhat eclectic mix of seasonal songs in CHRISTMAS AT THE HOUSE's JINGLE BELL ROCK.

Brian Castles-Onion breaks out of his usual classical music comfort zone to play host and lead the Sydney International Orchestra through a series of classic Christmas carols and some more unusual songs from various eras. Castles-Onion has an endearing charm making the audience relaxed and setting the night up as a slightly more grown up show with quick quips that have the adults laughing and hopefully the children none the wiser. His bouncy enthusiastic style of leading the orchestra and choir and his interactions with the soloists provides an extra layer of entertainment.

The programme has a balance of well-known songs, which Castles-Onion encourages the audience to sing along to, provided they are loud, and more obscure pieces including a carol from Australian composer William G James from the 1940-50's and Jack Murphy and Frank Wildhorn's Christmas Stays the Same. There are also a few moments for audience participation with some interesting physical interpretations of a song.

Emma Pask and Eddie Perfect perform solos and duets and assist Castles-Onion in leading the audience participation components. Pask has a beautiful voice that is reminiscent of the 40's and 50's jazz singers and an old world Hollywood movie singer. In addition to the delightful clear voice, Pask presents as sweet and innocent so more risqué songs allow her to show a playful side. Perfect voice suits the upbeat numbers and looks like he wants to take on more of the "Rock" from the show's title, with body language running at a higher pace than Castles-Onion wants the Orchestra and Choir to follow for some numbers, his tone sits well for an Elvis impression but some of the lyrics for the lesser known songs were lost.

For locals and visitors to Sydney alike, experiencing the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with a full orchestra is well worth seeking out a ticket and the Sydney International Orchestra do the space justice. The Christmas Choir round out the performance with strong clear vocals and the members all appear to be enjoying themselves with energy and enthusiasm.

The interpretations of well-known songs and the inclusion of lesser known numbers sets this show as something that may appeal more to an older audience that are more interested in engaging in the music and lyrics but younger audiences will still be entertained for the most part. The CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG, also part of CHRISTMAS AT THE HOUSE, on the 22nd and 23rd of December may be more engaging for younger audiences that want to join in on full renditions of the old favourites.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

CHRISTMAS AT THE HOUSE

Sydney Opera House

19 - 21 December 2014



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