Review declares concert near perfect

A review published today of Fauré's Requiem and Rutter's Gloria - the Cathedral's concert by candlelight on 14 July - has declared the performance 'close to perfection'.

"Compact, varied and compelling from start to finish, this sold-out candlelit concert by the St George's Cathedral Choir and Consort came close to being perfect," writes West Australian reviewer, William Yeoman, who praises Joseph Nolan's "trademark combination of precision and passion".

The brass octet, under the leadership of WASO's David Elton, also comes in for high praise for their performance of pieces by Giovanni Gabrieli.

Will Yeoman has been closely watching the development of the Choir and Consort under Joseph's direction over the past two years, and attends most choral concerts at the Cathedral, even when 'off duty'.

In this review, he notes "a heightened sense of ensemble, an increased agility, a warmer, more transparent sound" from the choristers, and a "corporate sound of transcendent beauty" from the adults.

All praise indeed from a reviewer with a keen understanding of quality choral music.

The full article can be read here: Close to Perfection.