SUNSHINE sparkled onto background curtains creating a brilliant white lustre and outside an absolutely clear sky provided Canberra with a wonderful May morning. Nature’s perfect accompaniment for a concert of glorious music and that is exactly what a large, appreciative audience received. “Vivaldi Unseasoned” explored lesser known works from the prolific Italian composer in a delightful program which was refreshing, engaging and wide ranging in music variety.

The Boccherini Trio was joined by Forma Antiqva, 5 Young Festival Artists and the brilliant Anna McMichael to form the 12 strong ensemble and, from the opening ‘Allegro’ of the Concerto No 10 in B for four violins, cello and strings, the sound was joyous, bright and frankly, toe-tapping! Anna and the equally brilliant Suyeon Kang shared the solo violin duties with two of the Young Festival Artists which seemed to epitomise the collegiate spirit amongst the players. The second movement was dramatic and tight then another ‘Allegro’ with quite fascinating rhythm underlying happy melodies.

Second in the six work program was a Trio Sonata. This was seemingly more simplistic in its writing but the neat, straight and disciplined playing made it most appealing in its constant variation between calm serenity and uplifting cheerfulness. Next an 8 member vocal ensemble of Young Festival Artists joined the instrumentalists in the ‘Credo in E Minor’. It was directed with great precision and passion by Aaron Zapico from the harpsichord. The four movements varied entirely in colour and style – a driving opening sung and played with great gusto then a lush slower movement highlighted by excellent vocal balance and delightful well drawn out phrasing. The ‘Crucifixus’ was sort of spooky with its eerie alto and bass lines then a joyful ‘Et resurrexit’ to end a most satisfying Fire and vigour from Paolo Bonomini and his Young Artist partner highlighted the ‘Concerto for 2 Cellos’ with depth of feeling, constant bounce in the energetic music and fine dynamic control all most evident. Yet more fine contrast when fantastic soprano Anna Fraser joined in the ‘Cantata for alto, strings and continuo’. She sang with heartfelt passion and hearing her voice soar over the impeccably plucked strings background as the tempo and music mood frequently changed was something special.

Another delightful short concerto (for two violins, cello and strings) completed a concert of wide ranging variety even though every note had been written by the same composer! The players obviously enjoyed performing this music (the constant grin of pleasure on the face of the young bass player was infectious) and the audience was treated to a most worthy exploration of a little of the huge output of Vivaldi, the master of the baroque instrumental concerto.

[Photo by Peter Hislop]