A very intriguing programme for this single evening at the Stoller Hall with possibly the best acoustics of any venue in town. Manchester Camerata were presenting a programme of music which challenges conventional expectations of what music is, and how music can illustrate extremes of emotion and iterations of mental illness.
There was an expectation that this would be a challenging performance, so was prepared for the experience and came with an open mind.
First half was firstly, surprisingly a very small group of Camerata musicians compared to the usual full orchestra. This gave the performances an intimate feel and was much more focused and intense an experience as a result.
Judith Weir’s Blue Green Hill, influenced by Scottish folk music, was a wonderful start with recognisable traditional melody made much more complex and varied and was fascinating to listen to.
Errollyn Wallen’s By Gis and by St Charity was next, sung by soprano Rebecca Hardwick accompanied by the ensemble. This was a short and intense performance indeed, influence taken from Hamlet’s Ophelia, who overwhelmed with grief, spirals into delirium and madness.
Next was Schumann’s stunning Kreisleriana which we discovered he wrote whilst suffering severe schizophrenia. There are 8 movements and a constant change of mood and musical pace in each one which somehow didn’t feel jarring at all. This was our favourite part of the evening and the very small ensemble played with as much heart as a full orchestra!
Second half was the title of the whole evening ‘Eight Songs for a Mad King’ by Peter Maxwell Davies, sung by Mezzo Soprano Rosie Middleton and accompanied by Manchester Camerata of course. The ‘madness’ of King George III is the subject in this work and Maxwell Davies’ signature is challenging the conventional. Ben Powell, pianist with Psappha, contemporary musicians in Manchester was also performing. The work was partially staged in partnership with Company Chameleon. John Andrews was conducting. We had the pleasure of printed text to enhance our experience and the performance was incredibly emotional and moving, unpredictable and challenging certainly. A real treat and one to make you think about how live modern classical music and opera is experienced.
Manchester Camerata never fail to impress with their performances and breadth of productions. It is indeed a privilege to be able to see the varied programmes they produce and I would highly recommend any of their performances.
Christine Ince for Canal St Media