Ravel 150

Being a Ravel fan, I was interested to review this intimate concert presented in a delightful setting with tables, chairs and flickering candles, subtle lighting along with views of bubbling wine glasses and plates of culinary delights.

It graciously set the mood for an afternoon of sophistication a la Francoise, celebrating the 150th anniversary of renowned French composer Maurice Ravel's birth along with various composers connected to his lifelong experiences and artistic growth, and all complete with an on-screen translation.

Venezuelan-born baritone Camilo Lopez, Co-founder and AD of Voxalis Opera, along with established Australian coloratura soprano Katie Stenzel, accompanied by the superb and experienced talent of Alex Raineri at the piano, introduced and performed a delightful mixture of songs, song-cycles and operatic excerpts,  re-enacting various focal points in Ravel’s life, all carefully researched and chosen to outline his remarkable talent and other artists he admired: Manuel de Falla, writer Jules Renard, Gabriel Faure, Debussy and even Gershwin to name but a few.

Being an admirer of the Impressionist era, it was interesting to hear these somewhat obscure works, rarely heard these days, which embellishes one’s view of Ravel’s unique stylistic capabilities through his use of alternative harmonies and interest in folk-like melodic and rhythmical styles: for example the delightful rendition of ‘Cinq melodies populaires grecques’ using  luminescent pianistic idioms; and beautifully performed. In fact most of his music in this concert took one into another dimension, juxtaposing the vocals against a remarkable ‘wash’ of pianistic colour and creative expertise. 

Even Ravel’s use of humour in true French theatrical style came to the fore with a scintillating performance by Camilo and Alex of the composer's witty interpretation of Renard’s texts about animals.

This was a delightful afternoon with a difference, a welcome distraction from the stormy weather outside and a further example of the remarkable local talent we have here in Brisbane. Voxalis Opera along with OQ is also providing more opportunity for our ever-growing output of local talent and is always appreciative of the support we can provide.

Brian Adamson

Photographer: Murray Sumerville