Southern Sinfonia 2007 Season Reviews

Passion in presence of calm enthrals audience

The Nikolai Demidenko Concert in the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday 25 August 2007 was reviewed by Holly Mathieson for the Otago Daily Times:

"Principal guest conductor Werner Andreas Albert and returning pianist Nikolai Demidenko performed... before an enthralled audience, the consuming passion of the Russian and calm, humble reserve of the German creating magnificent energy in the concerto", she says of Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto. "From the outset [Demidenko] produced a commanding tone, sensitively accompanied with balance and perfect ensemble by the orchestra."

Demidenko in interview with William Dart of the New Zealand Herald, on Thursday 30 August 2007

Demidenko praises the Southern Sinfonia, with whom he played Beethoven's Emperor last week - "its Bruckner Fourth had the real sound that you know from Beecham and Furtwangler, thanks to Werner Andreas Albert, and I wish it had been recorded".

Enthusiastic audience enjoys diverse range of music

The Carey's Bay Historic Hotel Celebrity Concert in the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday 26 May 2007 was a delight for performers and audience alike. This performance was given a rave review by Abbey Smith for the Otago Daily Times:

"The Sinfonia and Mr Evans produced a shining transparency of sound which was delicate and evocative" she says of the Debussy. "Antiphonal sections [for the choir in Poulenc's Gloria], in particular, were well done with precise entries and exits. Emma Fraser sang the soprano solos with a pure tone that suited the music". Of the Beethoven she says: "Tecwyn Evans allowed the gentler moments to hover, and drove through the more exciting bits with enthusiasm; the result was excellent and much appreciated by the audience."

Choristers combine well with orchestra

The Southern Symphonic Spectacular! concert at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill on Saturday 19 May 2007 was a great success. The Invercargill performance was reviewed by Lyn Daly and here is an extract from her review:

"The choir was impressive"... "Congratulations to freelance conductor Tecwyn Evans who conducted with energy and precision. The orcherstra's performance deserves special mention and responded well under Mr. Evans's baton."

Southern Pride - Dunedin Heritage Festival Concert
24 March 2007

This is what the critics had to say about the Southern Pride Concert:

"As well as the thrill of hearing soprano Anna Leese (so happy and beautiful in a stunning gown), there was the incredible experience of watching NHNZ's wildlife series Equator on a huge screen with latest high-definition projection, accompanied by an orchestral transcription of Trevor Coleman's original Emmy-nominated electro-acoustic score." "Leese was absolutely brilliant... delivered with confidence, strength and thrilling top notes... sailing effortlessly above orchestra and exemplary woodwind obligato."

"Equator Circle of Life... and incredible wildlife movie with a rich orchestral canvas... a soaring solo voice (Cally Hammond-Tooke) and varying harmonic vocal effects from the choir." "Congratulations all round for an absolutely amazing journey..." "There simply has to be a DVD!"