A sublime performance all around
by max2 on 8/17/12Chan Centre for the Performing Arts - VancouverThe performance was absolutely flawless; five vocal soloists, including English counter-tenor Owen Willetts, combined with the considerably-augmented Pacific Baroque Orchestra conducted by Alex Weimann to produce a silky-smooth sound. The musical flow between recitatives and arias was seamless, and the almost buttery tone of Owen Willetts’ Orlando created a magical effect, alternating between rising tension and soothing calm. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire performance. The four other vocal soloists were also superb. Especially noteworthy was an aria in which Orlando was accompanied by two viole d’amore. The PBO, ably directed by Alexander Weimann, were the equal of the finest European Baroque ensembles I have heard. The brass, especially the two natural horns, contributed power and majesty to this great work.