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A magical re-creation

Mozart Requiem by Situation Opera @ St Georges Church, London By Matthew Geaghan - 15/12/09

There’s always a first time for everything; especially if you happen to be spending a first Christmas in London, having moved to these shores from the seasonal heat and sunshine of the southern hemisphere. My guest’s first ever mince pie and glass of mulled wine proved quite a revelation as we waited to take our seats for Situation Opera’s final concert of 2009.

December’s first evening also held the promise of the first time a certain seating arrangement for musicians would be employed in the stunning St. George’s Church, Bloomsbury since the early 18th Century. The decision was in line with the group’s unique ethos of honouring the performance traditions of each piece’s era. The music in question on this occasion was two works from Situation Opera’s specialist subject – Mozart.

Beginning with the tenth serenade, known as Gran Partita, leader Nick Newland stepped back allowing the select group of chamber players to demonstrate their skills together. An energetic display from principal oboe Leo Duarte added much to a stunning recital of an unusually orchestrated piece of music, featuring clarinets, basset horns and double bass.

After the break, the full force of Situation Opera took their positions to deliver Mozart’s Requiem Mass. Few pieces throughout history have been enveloped in such fascinating drama and legend. The mysterious commission, emotive music and Mozart’s own death prior to the work’s completion make the composer’s last effort truly spectacular.

Right from the off, the haunting yet beautiful melodies were conveyed expertly through Mr. Newland’s conducting. The singers assembled showed that quality really does surpass quantity; no more than 20 voices were able to produce such dynamic variances that at climax you would be forgiven for thinking there was a

hundred-strong chorus. Soprano soloist Iris Korfker was exceptional, combining delightfully with personal favourite counter-tenor Raffaele Pe, baritone Nicolas Dwyer and tenor Zachary Roberts.

An excellent evening of fine music that showed Situation Opera has established itself as a world class group of young talent. Definitely big things in store for the remainder of their concert season in 2010. Visit www.orchestraofsituationopera.org.uk for more.