Kendal Midday Concert Club, Kendal Town Hall, Kendal
Those members of the Kendal Midday Concert Club present at the recent Commemoration Concert would have found it to be an emotive occasion, coming, as it did, after a succession of international events commemorating the start of the First World War.
Artists of world renown graced the Town Hall’s stage to perform a programme of music by George Butterworth, Ivor Gurney, Percy Grainger, Frank Bridge and Sir Arthur Somervell - composers who were, directly or indirectly, all affected by the horrors of the conflict.
The baritone, Stephen Varco, was joined by the Dante String Quartet and the pianist, Michael Dussek (all distinguished artists) and they, with performances of emotional intensity and great musicianship, showed us that the War, despite its utter depravity, inspired creations of real beauty and substance.
The Hall’s acoustics, though, especially for those seated in the gallery, did not favour the artists.
During loud passages the vocal line was swamped by both quartet and pianist. Wonderful vocal expertise was doubtless being displayed, but often to no avail.
A rethink about artist’s positions on stage would, perhaps, sometimes be worthwhile.
By Brian Paynes
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