Reviews

Omega Ensemble is renowned for its forward thinking and innovative work which is defined by commissioning original compositions and collaborating with solo artists and virtuosos. Elevator music provides a superb example of this approach and highlights compositions that bring the clarinet to the forefront of the performance. This program is predominantly showcasing contemporary works that are bright, lively and often deeply moving. Elevator music is aptly described as raucous and irreverent and provides an evening of delectable pleasure.

There are many ways to kill a play; a bad review, a lack of funding or unambitious management, for example. We are accustomed to this occurring. This play recalls (or anticipates) a time when ideas are considered simply Wrong or Fake, and truths are rewritten by those in power, their originators removed from society. Implausible now, but common in the early C20th Soviet Union in which The Master and Margarita is set.

SO INFECTIOUS was the explosion of talent, exuberance and enthusiasm of the cast that I felt as if I had inadvertently stumbled on to the TV set of Glee.

In truth that I did not expect to enjoy - or even like – this musical. Jukebox musicals always present something of a difficulty to me. However, there is a strong contemporary positive message of being true to oneself - on many different levels.

The Concert Hall at QPAC was buzzing with anticipation on Tuesday night as the QPAC Chamber Choir took the stage for The Dolly and Cher Show, a glitter-sprinkled love letter to two of music’s most enduring icons. It was an evening that mixed pop sparkle with country soul, wrapped in spine-tingling harmonies and buoyed by the choir’s infectious energy. The program covered decades of hits, from the ‘60s right up to more recent releases, with each song given a fresh twist that felt respectful to the originals yet undeniably the choir’s own.