A majestic and noble memorial in the grand tradition of great orchestral choral music.

Adelaide Town Hall
April 24, 2015

We are in a canoe, on a lagoon, heading to an island. Ross Edwards’ self-described antipodean barcarolle Emerald Crossing opens dreamily as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of composer Iain Grandage takes us on a brief journey. Our captain conducts reservedly, until the seamless transition when he passes the baton to Chorusmaster Carl Crossin, and Edwards transforms into Joseph Twist. The Elder Conservatorium Chorale delivers an emotive and exacting rendition of Do not Stand at my Grave and Weep, with superb diction and meticulous harmonic balance. Crossin’s own Mater Dolorosa is as richly moving, with delicate and exquisite phrasing; Crossin laudably turning the sorrowful theme into a piece of great beauty. Disappointingly, the final of the choral trios, William Byrd’s Agnus Dei lacks subtlety, and when perhaps the most important words of the evening “Dona Nobis Pacem” are sung, the chorale do not aptly convey an understanding of their meaning.

Edwards’ compositions bookend the first half; Grandage returns to the helm with authority as White Ghost Dancing brings unexpected unity in syncopation and wonderful imagery with the presented...