Scotch College

Concordis and Pro Musica – Mozart Requiem

Following the success of the Fauré Requiem last year, it was decided to once again combine chamber choirs Concordis and Con Brio with Pro Musica to present Mozart’s great unfinished last work. Concordis and Pro Musica are both OSCA affiliated ensembles, comprising a number of former students and (in the orchestra’s case) several music staff. The first half included concert arias from Joanne Blankfield, Catherine Northey and Peter Mander. There was also a performance of Mozart’s 4th Horn Concerto given by Lin Jiang. Lin left Scotch in 2002 and is on a scholarship at Melbourne University where he is taught by Geoff Collinson and the legendary Barry Tuckwell. He has already performed as a concerto soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and has been offered another concerto with the MSO next year, as well as a recording contract to record both the Strauss concertos and the Gliere concerto. A remarkable achievement at the age of 19! His performance of the Mozart concerto was beautiful – the phrases never losing direction, and the tone always full and controlled. The ‘hunting’ last movement was filled with humour and verve, and was also clearly enjoyed by the orchestra (and the conductor!).

The second half was the Requiem. Professional soloists, Catherine Northey, Lynlee Williams, Peter Mander and Manfred Pohlenz blended exceptionally well, and were complemented wonderfully by the choir. While modesty precludes comment on the direction and interpretation, the performance was certainly enjoyed by the capacity audience of 500, and certainly bodes well for future professional Scotch performances in the fabulous new hall.