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The University’s concert series was kicked off in spectacular style this Wednesday with a wonderful performance from the world-renowned soprano Dame Emma Kirkby accompanied by the Yorkshire Baroque Soloists. Titled ‘Handel in Italy’, the programme was dedicated to the memory of John Paynter, former head of the Music Department who sadly passed away during the summer. A capacity audience was far from disappointed, witnessing a simply faultless display from both singer and her colleagues.
Emma Kirkby struck a colourful figure on the stage, bursting into life with Handel’s ‘Alpestre Monte’. Connecting with the audience from the offset, she judged the music’s varied moods perfectly, from the sorrowful to the exuberant, performing with passion and energy. She also collaborated deftly with her accompanying instrumentalists who performed with vigour and panache, yet without overpowering the voice.
The playing was highly impressive throughout, and when the ensemble took centre stage for Handel’s Trio Sonata in F Major, the sound that emanated was fresh and bright, faster passages rendered with ease. Emma Kirkby brought the first half to a close with more Handel, ‘Armida Abbandonata’, the passion her and her fellow performers share for the music becoming evident.
Further exploring the Italian theme of the programme, Corelli’s Sonata da Chiesa in D opened up the second half, before Handel’s delightful ‘Salve Regina’ allowed room for the amazingly expressive sonorities of Kirkby’s voice. A brilliantly virtuosic rendition of Sonata Op.1 No.12 ‘Folia’ by Vivaldi followed, unbelievable speed and deftness on show from the string players met with rapturous applause from the packed Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall.
The evening was drawn to a close magnificently by Dame Kirkby who sang ‘Figlio d’alte speranze’ in a dazzling performance that further delighted the audience, so much so that a performance of Purcell’s ‘ If love’s a sweet passion’ was offered as an encore, a trend that could have continued well into the early hours.
On being fortunate enough to speak with Dame Emma after the concert, she gave a wonderful insight into her work and her passion for it was palpable. It is more of a question of what she has not done that what she has; made a Dame in 2007, in the same year she was also included in BBC Music Magazine’s list of the Top 20 sopranos of all time. She expressed her delight in singing in York, describing it as ‘the perfect place to be for any musician’. On asking what advice she might give to young musicians, she replied ‘Take every chance you get.’ Her busy schedule as a performer is one she enjoys, leaving for engagements in Cologne the very next morning; not a bad life really! It was a real privilege to interview such a famous face of classical music; based on Wednesday’s concert, I am sure that for many more years to come, Emma Kirkby will be a name associated with performing at the very peak of the classical music world.
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