“An engaging performance combining Legs on the Wall and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra
“…breathtaking and assists the climax of the music composition “
Anna Shannon
4 / 5 stars
Next Chapters. An evening out at the Chatswood Concert hall, The Concourse. An engaging performance combining Legs on the Wall and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
As the Conductor, Sarah Penicka-Smith enters the stage, the performance opens with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Willoughby Symphony Choir performing Holy Dreaming. A wonderful masterpiece composed by Alice Chance. The combined sound of the choir and orchestra resonates a powerful church-like sound and immediately the audience is drawn in. The aerialist, Jana Castillo, enters from stage right, slowly with grace as if she is about to dive into an ocean. Her orange and black costume gives contrast to the performance behind her. The modern expressive/contemporary movement of Castillo compliments the symphony and orchestra behind her as she slowly is lifted in to the air and flies over the top of the audience continuing her movement. This moment is breathtaking and assists the climax of the music composition. It is a stunning performance and as the choir exits, the stage is reset.
Enter the Nexas Saxaphone Quartet to perform along with the orchestra, Five Chapters composed by the renowned Elena Kats-Cherin. There are five chapters in this performance; each chapter has its own character. The quartet changes melody and intensity as crescendo and volumes are executed. It is a cheerful tone and, in many instances, sounded much like an overture to a musical. The musicians work well together to highlight the significant differences between each chapter.
After interval, we are presented with Joseph Newton’s The Phoenix, winner of the 2021 Young Composer Award. There is a deep and dark intro that builds into an engaging crescendo and the string instruments are beautifully in time with the contrasts of the sound. It is evident that Newton’s intention was to build suspense and explore the emotions of turmoil and the resolution of these emotions in renewal and tranquillity. There is depth as the bass drum and percussion acts as anchor to hold the orchestra. The finale brings a beautiful romantic intense sound. The different levels in this piece are intriguing.
In the final performance we are presented with Symphony No.9 in E-flat major, Op.70 Allegro, Moderato, Presto, Largo, Allegretto; by Dmitri Shostakovich. There are quick, happy notes executed with the percussion which explore levels with volume. It gives the feeling of a soundtrack to a comedic solider skit. Uplifting and contrasting. Aerialist Jana Castillo and Todd Sutherland enter the stage as they partner in a contemporary duet. It is playful yet expressive and they are lifted above the orchestra crossing over each other. The aerialists compliment the music as it changes to a slow and mysterious vibe. The audience is then greeted with a climax of powerful crescendo as the aerialists finish their movement flying above the stage.
A welcome fusion of two art forms, this was a change of pace for date night for my partner and I and one to be recommended for anyone else looking for something a little different on their night out!
Anna Shannon, Theatre Now
