Soprano Sarah delights
Monday, 16th September 2002
(Article published with kind permission of Northeast Press
Limited,
Sunderland Echo)
THE Gala Promenade concert
featuring Sunderland Symphony Orchestra at Sunderland Empire Theatre was an enjoyable
event.
The musicians responded well to conductor Rupert Hanson's
artistic direction from the opening Die Fledermaus overture, during which the music's
sparkle and gaiety were adequately conveyed.
Guest soloist Sarah Busfield, a former pupil at St
Anthony's School, is to be congratulated on her graduation from the Birmingham
Conservatoire with first-class honours. Displaying a fine soprano voice, her renditions of
0 My Beloved Father (Puccini) and Meine Lippen from Lehar's The Merry Widow won
well-deserved audience approval.
Jupiter, from Holst's suite The Planets, is imbued with the
joy of living and simple revelry. With each department of the orchestra coming under the
spotlight, we heard some impressive sectional work. Eventually, the strings brought warmth
to that majestic melody linked with the words, "I vow to thee my country."
Further pieces included the Swan Lake Waltz, an Abba medley
and classical marches by William Walton and Eric Coates. Apart from a few blemishes, the
playing was colourful and convincing.
The choir from St John Boste RC Primary School made its
first appearance at a major concert. Enthusiastic renditions of music hall songs and
popular war songs were a credit to the children's teachers.
Miss Busfield's aria following the interval was the Waltz
Song from Merrie England. Clearly articulated, the high register notes were produced with
apparent ease. Sarah surely has a promising future.
Guest soloist Sarah Busfield, Gala Promenade Concert,
Sunderland Symphony Orchestra, Sunderland Empire.
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