This special concert celebrating the work of Richard Rodgers is certainly an enchanting way to spend the evening – thanks to a wonderful cast of talent involved.
With a line up of performances from Lesley Garrett, Ruthie Henshall, Gary Wilmot and Michael Xavier, this tribute concert was already irresistible but it is only when looking at the programme that you truly appreciate how special the evening is going to be.
Featuring a wide variety of songs from throughout Richard Rodgers career, including songs he composed alongside Lorenz Hart his first songwriting partner before Oscar Hammerstein II.
With a back catalogue that includes over 900 tunes and 85 of those becoming standard classics of the great American songbook, there was plenty to choose from in this special performance.
Opening with the overture from Oklahoma!, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra’s performance really set the tone for the concert throughout: charming and sophisticated, drawing out every note of emotion from all of the songs.
Gary Wilmot’s elegantly playful rendition of ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ was perfectly matched with Ruthie Henshall’s rich and warm performance of ‘My Funny Valentine’, which also suggests the beginning of the more romantic style in which Rodgers would develop in his partnership with Hammerstein.
During The Boys from Syracuse section, both Ruthie Henshall and Michael Xavier provided excellent chemistry together while performing ‘This Can’t Be Love/Falling in Love With Love’, adding personality and charm to the performance that really makes the audience smile.
Lesley Garrett’s performance of the classic ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel, sounded down to earth but still maintaining the profound nature of the music and was spine-tinglingly good.
But their performances weren’t the only ones that delighted the audience. The vocalists were joined by the ArtsEd Ensemble who proved their worth on the stage (many will hopefully have a successful career in musical theatre) particularly during ‘There is Nothin’ Like a Dame’ and The Sound of Music section – providing great energy and enthusiasm throughout.
Meanwhile, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra’s performance was as exquisite, delicate and respectful as anyone listening to it could ever want it to be. Their performance of ‘March of the Siamese Children’ was particularly beautiful and enjoyable to listen to.
It would be possible to go on and on about the quality of the performance given, but there are so many highlights that it would be a shame to ruin anymore of the surprises that musical fans would have in store if they have an opportunity of seeing the concert. An enchanting evening indeed.
Some Enchanted Evening has its final two performances today (20th August). For more information or to book a last minute ticket visit: http://www.cadoganhall.com/event/some-enchanted-evening-2016/