MusicFest Vancouver

The playing was great, but there was no need to electronically amplify a concert in a church.

Benjamin Beilman gave a moving, inspired and technically masterful performance on Monday morning. His execution of the Prokofiev Sonata for violin and piano (D Major) was superb, and it was very revealing that he commented (before playing his encore) that Prokofiev is one of his favourite composers. The work by Mozart was also played very nicely and was a moving performance.

Great fun to hear and see the "new" Swingle Singers. We remember them from their hit LP recordings of Bach such a long time ago. Good to know they're alive and well. And, still singing in their own unique style. Super concert. And, of course, the Chan is always a wonderful venue.

Yesterday's rendering of the "Vespers" at the Chan Centre was a scintillating, stunning mix of first-class singers (10 in all), strings, brass/woodwind (the "Whole Noyse"), organ and harpsichord. It was a chamber performance, with an intimacy not found in the usual "cast-of-thousands" readings. I sat transfixed on the edge of my seat during the entire work. Having attended the "Vespers" live several times over the years, I can confidently say that this was the best I have ever heard it given.

This is an ensemble in the finest tradition of German Baroque playing - the equal of the renowned Münchener Bach-Orchester. They played not only with technical precision, but with a sonority and emotional connection with the music which made this one of the most exciting Baroque performances I have attended in many years. Two encores - a lovely Sinfonia from a Bach cantata, and the Aria from the Bach Suite #2, provided a fitting dessert after a sumptuous musical banquet.