Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers & Band
Created by Sally Whitwell and Daniel Walker
Featuring Rob Mills and Bobby Fox
City Recital Hall, Angel Place
Saturday, 25 August 2012
The timelessness of John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney’s songs was evident in the Sydney Philharmonia Chambers Singers’ foray into the realm of popular music. This select choral group, which was conducted by Dan Walker, communicated the 60’s and 70’s with its convincing combination of song, dance and costumes (colourful outfits ala Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band).
As Sally Whitwell (who created most of the amazing choral settings and instrumental arrangements) said in her notes, it was “genre defying”. The success of this programme was due to the Whitwell Walker duo’s extraordinary skill in choral arranging and their thorough preparation of the singers. It was an imaginative classical and pop fusion in this theatrical choral experience. Other arrangements were by Keith Abbs, Daryl Runswick and John Black.
The Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers are a world-class ensemble. In the many highlights, such as Penny Lane, Yesterday, All My Loving, Let It Be and A Day in the Life (with its Bach-inspired introduction and use of harpsichord accompaniment and even French Overture rhythms later), Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Blackbird and Back in the USSR (with its quirky but effective entrance of the Russian National Anthem), the audience was treated to beautifully blended voices and soothing tones as well as, at other times, robust and powerful moments. Finishing the concert with a stirring Hey Jude brought a return of both soloists, who were impressive in their solos and duos, interacting well with both choir and audience.
The psychedelic projections, gobo lighting, small instrumental ensemble and engaging singing will live in one’s memory showing this organisation is as comfortable singing pop and rock, as it does high-end classical works.