A concert at St Mary’s Cathedral last month has drawn glowing praise from the Director of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, not only for the achievements of the Academy’s students who performed, but also for the venue in which it was delivered.
Professor Julie Warn AM told eRecord journalist Mark Reidy that she had enjoyed the experience immensely, as she had in previous years, and was pleased with both the vocal and instrumental aspects of the occasion.
“I thought it was a glorious concert of very beautiful, uplifting music – made even more special by being performed in the magnificent surrounds of St Mary’s Cathedral,” she shared.
“I was extremely proud of the students and it was evident that the large audience really appreciated the performance.”
Some 280 people braved the cold and wintry conditions to be inspired by the now annual event, with the main works of the program including the Messe Solenelle of Jean Langlais, one of the masterpieces of the French liturgical repertoire, and Poulenc’s celebrated Gloria.
Professor Warn was impressed by the efforts of Music Director Kris Bowtell who, she said, elicited a wonderful performance from the youthful singers involved.
“The singers were supported by the magnificent Cathedral organ, played by Stewart Smith, and by WAAPA’s wind, brass and percussion students,” Professor Warn said.
“The soloist in the Gloria was Samantha Clarke, a recent graduate from the Academy’s postgraduate Classical Vocal program, who has recently won a scholarship to extend her studies at the Great Northern College of Music in the UK.”
Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Jacinta Jacovcevic, was equally impressed with the talent of the 70 singers and 19 orchestral musicians on display as well as the choice of music delivered to the enthusiastic audience.
She praised WAAPA’s Music program for its choice of music and instruments, believing it perfectly complemented the acoustics of the Cathedral and enabled the performers to produce a powerful and memorable event.
“The presentation was unique in that both these works date from the 20th century and most concerts from that century present works in combination with older repertoire or not at all,” Ms Jacovcevic said.
“It is very refreshing to host a program such as this – and a wonderful opportunity for Perth concert-goers to experience these modern masterworks.”
Students from WAAPA first performed at the Cathedral in 2010 and then each year from 2013-15. Professor Warn is hoping to continue to provide her students with the opportunity to perform in such a unique and inspiring environment.
“The Classical Vocal Department at WAAPA produces many wonderful singers and this annual concert at the Cathedral has become one of the highlights of our performance calendar,” she said.
“We certainly hope to continue the tradition by presenting another exciting concert next year.”