Wed 1

Wednesdays is a regular recording outing at Wesley lunchtimes and the performance this week was Kompactus, our local notable Youth Choir.  From the first notes I was entranced.  Firstly, because the human voice is a glorious, intimate thing and probably the best instrument of them all, at least to us humans.  But also because this is a very sophisticated and hugely capable choir led by a friendly but committed MD.  The music stunned from the start with complex chords of rich colours and demanding intervals and various pitches.  And the precise dynamics from good listeners aware of the unity of the whole.  And a large range of pitch, deep presences through to ecstatic and extended soprano highs.  And the moves of singers between tunes that highlighted the stereo spread, perhaps individuals of one section singing left or right.   And just the fact this was so alive, gentle, delicate, precise.  And those fascinating compositions from Australia and Finland and Malaysia and the inenvitable Eric Whitacre.  And one song from Olivia Swift, MD and conductor.  And a final encore from Tracy Wong with a jazzier feel and an accompaniment of odd syncopations of foot taps, finger clicks, leg slaps, claps, shouts, unexpected triplets and perhaps more.  Intriguing and satisfying and really lovely.

Kompactus Youth Choir performed at Wesley under Olivia Swift (conductor, musical director).