Soprano Jane Sheldon and performers from Circa. Photo: Steven Godbee
I’m not confident about reviewing classical music, but I am a big fan of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and have been lucky enough to attend many of their concerts over the years, so I just want to tell you that their latest offering, English Baroque with Circa, is an absolute knockout! A celebration not just of wonderful music but of the human form, courtesy of circus troupe Circa, who bend their lithe and strong bodies to the music of this talented orchestra. Combined, it is a true feast for the senses. Just sublime.
In his opening remarks, artistic director of the ABO Paul Dyer spoke of his inspirations for the work, among them the music of Purcell and Handel, Shakespeare, English country gardens and traditional folk tunes. With Circa’s artistic director Yaron Lifschitz, these have ideas have been honed into four acts; The Court; The Bedroom: The Chapel; and the Fairground, and let loose the musicians and the dancers.
Except there is nothing loose about any of this. Everything is pure, precise and sublime.
We begin with soprano Jane Sheldon taking the stage in an elegant black gown, patterned with large flowers. All around her, veiled “statues” are being placed on podiums – these soon come bursting into acrobatic life, as she sings. Behind them is a backdrop of rosy-pink cloud against a blue sky; the Circa performers wear costumes that are muted gold, green and rose-gold, redolent of a Tudor court gown. It is visually and aurally superb.
On the Sydney opening night, there were behind-the-scenes dramas that required last-minute cast changes for Circa. The audience were told, but otherwise would not have known. Jessica Connell, Amanda Lee, Scott Grove, Gerramy Marsden, Alice Muntz, Noah Nielsen and Jake Silvestro held us spellbound with feats of strength, tumbling and juggling.
Equally impressive was the orchestra. The harmonies achieved by Sheldon and fellow soprano Lauren Stephenson were ond highlight, among many.
I think you can tell I loved it!
At City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney until 17 May, then Melbourne and Brisbane. More details https://www.brandenburg.com.au
Carrie Kablean
