Elin 2008 reviews

xcept · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 1:09 am Post subject: Elin 2008 reviews

MUSIC REVIEW: Tavener Requiem, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Feb 29 2008 by Glyn Mon Hughes, Liverpool Daily Post

AS WORLD premieres go, Tavener’s Requiem was one of the most anticipated of recent years.

A stupendous performance using the entire cathedral space, the work fused the common traditions of four major religions into one vision – the notion that “our glory lies where we cease to exist”.

The Dies Irae had to be one of the most hellishly disturbing of any similar movement, while the mantra-like passages of serene beauty almost transcended thought.

Soprano soloist Elin Manahan Thomas and her tenor counterpart Andrew Kennedy surpassed themselves in their highly complex and demanding lines, while solo cellist Josephine Knight – acting like a narrator – added an additional almost celestial sound.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, under Vasily Petrenko, again produced a commanding performance.

The choir was particularly disciplined in their unaccompanied performance of excerpts from Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil, a piece of serene power and intensity.

Last night’s concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3, on March 5.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post

xcept · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 3:13 pm Post subject:

Dido and Aeneas at Middle Temple Hall, EC4 (review)

"...Plenty of plaudits, though, to Elin Manahan Thomas’s crystal clear Belinda..."
Source: The Times

CLICK HERE for full article

xcept · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject:

Elin review NCH, Dublin Aug 08

"...soloist Elin Manahan Thomas took the intricate passagework in her stride.

This was an auspicious NCH debut for the flourishing Welsh soprano, who since turning from high prospects in Celtic academia has steadily risen to prominence in the early-music sphere. It was her uncommon balance of clarity and expression that made the well-worn Rejoice and I Know That My Redeemer Liveth seem like fresh and individual creations.

The intonation may have had its momentary imperfections, but the tone was silvery, the fioratura affectingly modulated, and the ornamentation artfully spontaneous..."

Source: Irish Times CLICK HERE for full review.