At this time of the year, it’s expected that at least one choir and orchestra will perform Handel’s Messiah in most Canadian cities. The oratorio composed in 1741 has become so synonymous with the season that, for some, it is a yearly tradition to attend a performance. On Dec. 13, I sat among many such enthusiasts to witness my first live Messiah, presented by Early Music Vancouver.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement as we took our seats. A French double-manual harpsichord stood centre stage surrounded by a semicircle of chairs for the players. After a brief introduction, land acknowledgement and thanks to the sponsors, the show began with the Sinfonia.
Pacific Baroque Orchestra & Vancouver Chamber Choir
Photo: Elicea Andrews
Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO), directed by Alexander Weimann, quickly established the atmosphere. Careful looks between the musicians signalled their dedication to perfecting each element of the piece, particularly the timing and tempo. Weimann led from the harpsichord during several sections, showcasing his refined ability on the keys. As the backbone of the performance, PBO transitioned between movements seamlessly, making each development feel intentional.
Alongside PBO, the Vancouver Chamber Choir proved a well-balanced ensemble. During their first chorus, the altos added a beautiful and necessary depth of sound while the sopranos’ voices rang out clearly. In later movements, I was more drawn to the tenor and bass sections’ sustained tones. Though the most dramatic moment was unquestionably the “Hallelujah”, the choir shone brightest in some of the less popular choruses. In particular, “For Unto Us a Child is Born” demonstrated their unity and steadiness.
Jacob Perry with PBO & Vancouver Chamber Choir directed by Alexander Weimann
Photo: Elicea Andrews
The Shining Soloists
The soloists—soprano Myriam Leblanc, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte, tenor Jacob Perry and baritone Sumner Thompson—each had their own distinct strength.
From his first solo, “Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted”, to his last, Perry showcased excellent control with special attention paid to dynamics. His technical prowess allowed him to cast a note to the back of the audience or murmur it to only the most attentive.
American baritone Thompson, grabbed the attention with his enunciation. He approached technically complex pieces as easily as one utters a sentence. His standout moment came midway through the concert with “Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together?”, a commanding and confident performance.
Sumner Thompson with PBO & Vancouver Chamber Choir directed by Alexander Weimann
Photo: Elicea Andrews
Duarte surprised me with the uniqueness of her voice, its rich and honey-like quality. The mezzo-soprano offered a refined and subtle performance that exuded self-assurance. When she sang “He was Despised”, her voice seemed to wrap around the audience like a blanket, comforting them with its warmth.
Quebec-based soprano Leblanc had the most natural engagement with the listeners. She swayed, made small gestures and ensured that her gaze fell upon each section of the audience. Aside from her emotiveness, Leblanc delivered brilliant vocal runs, reminding me of a songbird.
Myriam Leblanc with PBO & Vancouver Chamber Choir directed by Alexander Weimann
Photo: Elicea Andrews
The Soft Sound
From the opening note, the orchestra’s volume seemed softer than expected. At first, I thought this was meant as a gentle welcome; a contrast to the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver just outside the theatre doors. However, the dynamic level was unexpectedly quiet throughout. Some suggested that the Orpheum had poor acoustics, some critiqued particular soloists, but the overwhelming consensus was that there was something missing. Perhaps, with a period ensemble like PBO and the types of solo voices employed, some subtle amplification would have helped to achieve the desired dramatic impact.
Overall, EMV provided a satisfactory introduction to a live Messiah. With such comforting songs and lovely performances, it was hard not to be soothed into the holiday spirit.
The Vancouver Chamber Choir will perform once more this holiday season. For more information about Christmas by Candlelight, visit www.vancouverchamberchoir.com
