The sounds of the winter season rang out in the arches of Hill Auditorium last night as The King’s Singers presented a concert full of holiday favorites. The virtuosity and versatility of the group was made apparent by the several stunning arrangements that they shared with a crowded Hill auditorium audience.
The first half of the concert highlighted the group’s abilities as a classical vocal ensemble. They sang familiar traditional carols, including works in Latin and French, demonstrating their mastery over the affective vocal style that is characteristic of singing sacred music and madrigals. The second half lightened the mood as the group sang more contemporary favorites, such as Winter Wonderland and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride (which they cleverly turned into a samba halfway through). Familiar favorites came to life in a slew of sparkling arrangements that showcased the group’s ability to nail complex harmonies and rhythms.
Between every group of related songs, one of the members would speak briefly about the pieces of music they were about to sing. The program was also interspersed with Christmas-related readings, from Ogden Nash’s humorous The boy who laughed at Santa Claus to a touching diary entry from an unknown soldier dating back to December 24, 1914. This gave the evening a more personal and intimate touch.
The group had an astounding blend. Although there are only two countertenors, one tenor, two baritones, and one bass in the group, they formed such tight harmonies that they created an overall sound that was often as powerful as a church choir. The resonance of their voices ringing out at the end of every piece warmed the soul, in spite of the snowfall happening just outside the building.
The King’s Singers closed the evening with an encore in honor of 30-year UMS President Ken Fischer, who first brought the group to Ann Arbor in the 1980s. This tied up an equally fun and inspiring evening of music with a beautiful bow.
