A Celebration of Music: Kiwanis Music Festival concert review

On Monday evening, "A Celebration of Music", presented by the Kiwanis Music Festival Association of St John's, showcased a variety of acts ranging from voice, piano, and violin, to flute, trombone, and choral singing.

This "must see" concert opened with the vigour of Instrumental Rose Bowl winners St Bonaventure's College Jazz Band, directed by Vincenza Etchegary.

"Stormy Weather", arr by Jerry Nowak, featured Hillary Simms, voice, whose lyrical and when necessary raunchy approach led the jazz band in this convincing blues number. Next up was "Madrid", Erik Morales, which was a lively rhythmic, and dynamic performance, with a certain wow factor. A great range of sound, satisfying blend, and super intonation highlighted this selection.

Young vocal trio , "The Glitter Girls" (as veteran emcee Clayton Handrigan introduced them), comprised of Mary Antle, Ella Antle, and Lisa Bourne, stole the show. Their entertaining stage presence and well choreographed antics complemented their sunny disposition, and, delightful unison singing. "Put On a Happy Face" followed by "One Small Voice" were great choices for their outgoing performance nature.

Flute soloist Lauren Stringer was another of the evening's outstanding talent. Her playing boasted a full, round tone, always clear, lyrical, and well projected, made possible by seemingly great breath control. A wide dynamic range and a natural sense of pulse resulted in beautiful, stylistic playing.

The concert continued with charming 7 year old pianists Jiwan Wang and James Song, 11 year old Maura Maguire, followed by the dignified piano trio of 10 year old Katie Steeves, Sarah Drover and Ella Sutherby. Later, teenage pianist Chelsea Abbott provided energetic Bach, and, musical Mendelssohn.

Vocalist Emily McKim offered a warm, appealing performance, while Maeve Collins-Tobin sang with sensitivity and clarity. Both girls were accompanied by solo guitar, an enjoyable companion to the voice in the folk-song genre.

Junior Vocal Rose Bowl winner Siobhan Donovan displayed moving, heartfelt gentleness in her lovely cohesive performance of Faure's 'Mai".

Violinist Alex Cho dazzled with his fanciful opening and formidable technique and precision.

Stars of the Festival would not be complete without healthy choral singing. In this category, Lakecrest Primary and Elementary Choirs graced the stage under the capable direction of Angela Warren. Expressive singing, great diction, and a flair for the dramatic defined the young primary group. The lively " Donkey Riding" sung by the Elementary Choir, was an audience favorite, obvious by the many who left for intermission singing this tune! Equally fine was St Bonaventure's College Elementary Choir, director Brenda Gatherall, with descriptive, nicely in tune, rhythmic singing.

The overall performance of Holy Heart Chamber Choir was stunning, as the choir moved the audience with extreme emotion and feeling. Under the direction of Susan Quinn, the Choral Group Rose Bowl winners performed with maturity and magic. Their exquisite pianissimos, perfect blend of SATB, and highly polished singing was quietly moving in "Esto les Digo", and spiritually uplifting in "Hold On". The choir excelled here with it's huge dynamic range and stylistic interpretation.

Hillary Simms, trombone, Junior Instrumental Rose Bowl winner, gave a confident, articulate performance, showing good stamina and sustaining quality as a trombonist. This musical girl was decidedly the busiest for the duration of the concert, to play yet again to close the evening with St Bonaventure's College Trombone Quartet.

                                                  Sally Rowsell is a pianist and teacher in St John's

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