Review: New Zealand Aria

The New Zealand Aria was held in Rotorua last night. Photo/Tony Whitehead

WHAT: New Zealand Aria - Celebration of Song
WHEN: Sunday October 29
WHERE: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre

This reviewer has had the privilege of attending this annual concert over many years but last night's event will be one that I think set a benchmark in the evolution of this aria competition.

So what was different?

I think several things.

First, having German born conductor Johannes Fritzsch taking musical charge of proceedings was a big win. His opera expertise presented in many ways but especially in terms of the tonal quality and sensitivity of the Auckland Philharmonia in support of the voice.

To my mind the APO has never sounded better in this theatre.

Then there was the quality of the rapport between conductor and singer that was a delight to both the eye and ear. Working with young singers requires special skills and Fritzsch has these in abundance.

Third, the quality of the guest artist added much to the event in allowing the large audience to witness from an established artist not just a very good voice but also an obvious love of music.

Jud Arthur's physical rendition of the duet Bess You is My Woman Now from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess performed with his wife Taryn Fiebig was an aural and visual delight. And last but not least there was the quality of the finalists who each acquitted themselves with commendable maturity.

In this regard there would have been few in the audience who would have disagreed with judges Sharolyn Kimmorley and Peter Lockwood's choice of baritone Jarvis Dams as the 2017 winner.

His performance of Puccini's Questo Amor from Edgar was without peer on the evening.

Soprano Moonyoung Jang and tenor Boyd Owen deserved their second and third ranking respectively.

Review by Barry Smith