You can always count on the Hallé to put on a spectacular show. The Manchester based orchestra exudes an easy class that – coupled with its personable warmth – succeeds in taking out some of the stuffiness which can sometimes taint classical-music-type affairs.
Of course, Thursday’s performance at the Royal Concert Hall already had an extra sprinkling of sugary light-heartedness: the annual Christmas Concert was indeed spectacular and could have given any old Scrooge that warm and fuzzy feeling.
Despite the festive cheer, however, the programme achieved an effective balance between the Christmassy and, well, those pieces that don’t require jingle-bells. The shrewd decision to begin the evening with a dedication to the Russian greats – Rimsky-Korsakov, Prokofiev, and a little bit of Tchaikovsky – prevented the festive frivolity from becoming too sickly, and meant the Christmas favourites (when they did appear) packed an extra punch.
The Prokofiev was tremendous and worth a special mention. I’m a great fan of the Lieutenant Kije Suite anyway, not least because it features the saxophone (tenor, to be precise); a solo that was exquisitely delivered by said gentleman of the Hallé. Each of the five movements were of course beautifully executed, and a neat reminder of this orchestra’s immense professionalism, passion and sophistication.
The evening also featured guest performer, soprano Shona Lindsay, who first bounded onto the stage to deliver a suitably animated and elaborate rendition of ‘Glitter and be Gay’ from Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.
Lindsay also loaned her lungs to some of the true Christmas greats: ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ in particular were sung with tenderness and warmth, and just the right amount of West-End pizzazz.
Conductor Stephen Bell was similarly a delight to watch, and danced his way through the whole concert; like he was the Nutcracker himself. He oozed charm and personality, and perhaps most importantly, was in no way contrived. The way that he – and indeed the whole of the Hallé – was so invested in the music was infectious. The enjoyment was palpable, and I think it’s safe to say that both audience and perfomers left the Concert Hall in very high spirits.
Unfortunately, and much to my perturbation, it seems it’s still not correct protocol to sing along at this sort of shindig, and I admit, by the time Leroy Anderson’s Christmas medley surfaced, I was about ready to explode (I love a good sing-song).
Nevertheless it was a fantastic show. The thing I love most about Christmas concerts is that the music – like the holiday – oozes an uncompromised decadence and grandeur that you can’t help but gobble down. And the Hallé provided the perfect indulgence; theirs was the richest of tones, slick, expert, and with just the right amount of added glitz.
The Hallé performed at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 22 December 2011 with Stephen Bell Conductor and Shona Lindsay singing Soprano.
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