The impressive lineup of musicians gracing the stage during this years Adelaide International Guitar Festival is in itself a masterpiece, as is the collaboration between Geoffrey Morris & Siobhan Stagg in what could pass as a mini-opera. The pair presented a delightful merging of Baroque & Classico-Romantico guitar with soprano vocals in a medley of playful and bubbly love songs.
Supported in the first half by Guitarissimo, which consisted of exceptionally talented students from Elder Conservatorium, this was an exquisite display of guitar mastery and perfection.
Guitarissimo member Aloysius Leeson performed two laid back and breezy flamenco pieces, which had seamless transitions and set the bar for the entire performance. Next on stage was Saxon Wilson, Dylan Boller & Corey Davis with the World Premiere of two works, ‘Autumn Sunrise’ and ‘Manta Point’, which were the musical tale of an exhilarating speed boat journey to a tropical island, and then the observation of manta rays in flight. The music indeed matched the story telling in a wonderful composition that enabled a temporary escape from the present reality.
The ten-piece Guitar Ensemble joined the trio to present a Parisienne string symphony entitled ‘Paris’ which offered many intricate layers overlapping in a truly 3D musical experience. They group finished with ‘Mbira’, which replicated the sound of an African finger piano. The volume on this piece was perhaps a little low and could have been amplified further to better grasp the energy of African beats. Nonetheless, a solid and impressive set from Guitarissimo who show exceptional promise as future stars.
After a short interval, Geoffrey Morris presented several Baroque Guitar pieces written by a former priest turned crime turned priest again. The story alone of the composer was amusing, and Morris did well in conveying the origins and mood of the music he played. Soprano Siobhan Stagg accompanied Morris for the remainder of the performance, offering support for the medley of love and romance songs which were supported by Chitarra Atiorbata, Guitarras Dos Seis Cuerdas Dobles and of course the Classico-Romantic Guitar.
The duo created a story of love and consequence in a well oiled and vocally splendid convergence of masterful picking and divine vocals.
Reviewed by Darren Hassan
Dunstan Playhouse
Saturday 19 July
http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/guitar-festival/
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