The premier of a new, musical work is always filled with expectation and nerves, and Wednesday night was no exception.
Iain Grandage put together a beautiful program, which included the new work Towards First Light. The first half consisted of two orchestral pieces by Ross Edwards, sandwiching three choral pieces by Carl Crossin, Joseph Twist and Byrd. This stroke of programming genius meant that five pieces, by four different composers, sounded as though they were meant to be played together, in that order. Grandage and Crossin shared the conducting of this first half, with a seamless change-over. Both the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Elder Conservatorium Chorale were pitch-perfect and exquisitely sweet, getting the audience warmed up and expectant for the main attraction.
Soprano Taryn Fiebig and Bass Jud Arthur joined the orchestra and chorale for the second half, making a moving entrance, during the introitus, to light candles before mounting the stage.
And now what can be said without hyperbole? Grandage’s genius composition, along with a heart-breaking libretto by Kate Mulvany, which was written from the words of war veterans and their families, two magnificent solo voices, and the orchestra and chorale working together at the height of their skill. This was a breath-taking piece of musical magic, as close to perfection as it is possible to be.
How sad that the Adelaide Town Hall was only about three-quarters full for this! Possibly a combination of “Gallipoli over-load”, and Adelaide’s reluctance to experience new music, kept the crowds away. But it was also disappointing to note the absence of the Governor and the Premier, one of whom should have attended.
This was an important night in Australian musical history. It was a night that proved that new music can ascend the heights. It was a night to be proud, without being jingoistic, of our musicians, and of our veterans.
In the words of the final line of Mulvany’s libretto: “Today, this day of all our days, we have seen what the silence can be”.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Twitter: @TraceyKorsten
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