WASO in moving Anzac tribute
CONCERT
Anzac Commemoration
WA Symphony Orchestra
Perth Concert Hall
3.5 stars
Review by Neville Cohn
An ominous, implacably tramping beat - portents of conflict - made the WASO’s account of Gustav Holst’s Mars, the bringer of war, an appropriate curtain raiser at an Anzac commemoration concert.
Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending was at the other end of the emotional scale with violinist Shaun Lee-Chen a perfect choice to evoke its serene, uplifting essence. This was a high point of the evening with conductor Christopher Dragon taking the orchestra through a finely measured accompaniment.
A very different style was on offer by an on-form Australian Army Big Band which did wonders in hits of the 1940s with Glen Miller’s In the Mood coming across in great style. And Troy Fleming’s vocal line in I’ve got you under my skin understandably brought the house down. Bravo!
With Amazing Grace as a sonic background, Sinead James spoke the words of John McRae’s deeply moving In Flanders Fields.
A linking commentary was provided by Captain Wayne Gardiner.
Throughout, the WASO Chorus was much on its mettle, not least in a finely considered account of Abide with Me. Hymn to the Fallen from the movie Saving Private Ryan was drenched in melancholy.
And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda sounded overlong.
Adding to the evocation of the World War period were fascinating photographs which were projected on to three big screens. On a large wall area in the main foyer was a myriad of red poppies knitted by ladies of the RSL and positioned by WASO volunteers.
WWI memorabilia were on display in the upper foyer with members of the Great War Living History Association in period dress in attendance. Many fascinating wartime artefacts were on display including a Victoria Cross awarded in 1916 to Martin O’Meara, a stretcher bearer.
After the Last Post and The Ode, uttered by RSL State President Graham Edwards, audience, orchestra and choir stood for a minute’s silence.
This was a particularly moving Anzac commemoration.
