It was an evening of festive magic, of carols sung in English and Welsh, and of popular Christmas songs and orchestral pieces. It was led by Bryn Terfel, one of the world’s leading bass-baritones. He was brilliantly supported by the lyric soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, who hit the high notes effortlessly and with exquisite timing. The two singers were supported outstandingly by the orchestra of Welsh National Opera under the direction of Paul Bateman. Throughout the audience was suitably appreciative, to the point where one fan in the front row proudly sported an Y Ddraig Goch flag, which drew a thumbs-up from Bryn Terfel.
It would be invidious to single out highlights from last night’s concert, since all the numbers were impeccably executed. But Pumeza’s ‘O Holy Night’ was one of the most delicate renditions of the carol that I can remember. Again, Bryn’s singing of the cavatina from Aleko effortlessly conveyed the sheer depth and gorgeous colour of his voice. I was repeatedly surprised by its range, his remarkable ability to go much higher than one might expect from a bass-baritone. If not a Wagnerian Heldentenor, he is undoubtedly a Heldenbaritone, who can and does sing right across the range of the repertory.
There was a disarming, multilingual dimension to this enchanting evening of carols and operatic numbers, with Bryn Terfel singing in English, Welsh, German, and Russian. As for purely orchestral numbers, the WNO’s performance of the Trish-Trasch polka was dazzling, worthy of the Musikverein’s in Vienna. There was more than just an echo of that famous venue’s New Year’s concert, inasmuch as the audience here too were invited to participate from time to time, notably in ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, or in the final encore ‘I’m dreaming of a White Christmas’.
Bryn Terfel on the stage is a remarkably charismatic presence: not only one of the world’s great singers but also a wonderful performer. Over many years I have watched him in productions at the Royal Opera House and elsewhere, but to see him so close-up as we did last night, to interact with him quite so intimately, was a rare pleasure and privilege.
There was a genuine sense of human solidarity about the concert last night, a shared feeling that we are all in this together, that music does bond and unite people across cultures. Bryn’s Christmas is an unmissable treat.
Orchestra: Welsh National Opera
Conducted by Paul Bateman
Singers: Bryn Terfel bass-baritone; Pumeza Matshikiza soprano
Programme includes: Seasonal music, Christmas carols & traditional Welsh songs
Running time: c. 2 hours, with one interval
Photo credit: Mitch Jenkins