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Held Spellbound
Haydn's 'Die Schöpfung'
in Wellington, New Zealand,
heard by HOWARD SMITH
As August drew to its close, New Zealand's near capacity Michael Fowler Centre, seating 2209, was held spellbound by a highlight of the Wellington musical calendar. Haydn's audacious late eighteenth century oratorio The Creation was realized with superb exultance from the Orpheus Choir of Wellington and joyous, vernal assurance by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
With vigorous baroque guest conductor Nicholas McGegan looking like an excited insect, the meticulous NZSO focused as though their lives depended on responsiveness. The strings, led by concertmaster Donald Armstrong, had a military certitude, while winds and brass brought the birds and animals to the audience's attention with picturesque skill...
Copyright © 3 September 2014
Howard Smith,
Masterton, New Zealand
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