[art]seen – Page 386 – Reviews by University of Michigan student writers about arts and culture on campus & around Ann Arbor.

REVIEW: Johnnyswim

December 14, 2014December 14, 2014 musickim

Johnnyswim, one of the most passionate ensembles I have ever seen, has once again managed to leave me speechless. Friday night at the Ark cannot get much better than having a sold out crowd, everyone excitedly anticipating the lovely couple Amanda and Abner to take the stage. Of course the Ark always offers itself to a more intimate atmosphere than the common concert venue, but there is something about the chemistry between these two performers that makes you think you have truly witnessed something personal and beautiful.

To start their concert, they walked straight out and jumped right into the Christmas classics, followed up shortly by some of their favorite hits. Although I was skeptical as to how one could work Christmas tunes in with a Johnnyswim concert, I was amazed at how smoothly it worked. They made each of their Christmas renditions their own and put no less than their usual amount of passion and soul into every song. I have to say their version of “What Are You Doing New Years Eve” will be making an easy appearance as my favorite holiday song this season. And of course the additional surprise of realizing they were releasing all these covers on their very own Christmas EP was frosting on the cake. I highly recommend it.

And what would a Johnnyswim concert be if they didn’t reaffirm every belief you had about the world being a beautiful place. Right before they went to intermission, they performed their single “Hallelujah”, an empowering song they wrote while volunteering abroad. They managed to throw in a very genuine description of their experience with orphans on an island off the coast of Asia, asking the audience to spare whatever they can to make the world a better place.

Overall, this concert reaffirmed my belief in music to touch your heart in the most powerful way. Listening to their music, the audience cannot help but smile and move their bodies to the beautiful melodies as well as listen in awe to the lyrics written by this inspirational duo. There is not a single song in their repertoire that I would not have loved to hear live, but I feel blessed to have been there that night, just to experience their zeal first-hand for the second time in my life. I urge anyone who has the opportunity to see this band live. You will not be disappointed.

REVIEW: Rossini’s William Tell

December 12, 2014December 12, 2014 Tsukumo

Photo credits: Teatre Reggio Turin Orchestra

For four hours on Tuesday night, I was not an undergraduate student driven by pre-exam stress in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Teatro Regio Torino Orchestra and Chorus, coupled with phenomenal acoustics at Hill Auditorium, made me feel like I was in an opera house in Italy. It was one of the most memorable concert experience I have ever had.

Teatro Regio Torino Orchestra and Chorus hail from Turin, Italy, under the baton of Maestro Gianandrea Noseda. First led by Maestro Arturo Toscanini at the end of 19th century, they are one of the most historical and prestigious opera companies in the world. I was very excited when I found out that the entire opera company was travelling overseas to give a performance in Ann Arbor. (Fun fact: Teatro Regio Torino’s first-ever North America Tour included only 4 cities: Chicago, Toronto, Carnegie Hall in New York, and Ann Arbor.)

This was my first time seeing an opera performed unstaged, in concert setting. While it was sometimes difficult to follow the plot because they did not act or wear any costumes, I liked watching an opera this way because I got to observe everyone involved in the performance — orchestra, chorus, and soloists — react to each other’s music-making. The soloists were truly amazing, too. Special shoutout goes to Ms. Angela Meade, who played the role of Matilde. She has a resonant voice that fills up the large auditorium, expressivity that truly shows, and ability to do some crazy virtuosic passages with no difficulty at all. To all performers, “wow” is all I can say.

It was really unfortunate that the performance was on a Tuesday night during the last days of classes. I couldn’t help but notice many seats in the auditorium empty, while they totally deserved a full house. I hope they come back to Ann Arbor again with some other amazing operatic repertoires!

REVIEW: Handel’s Messiah

December 12, 2014December 12, 2014 Tsukumo

UMS Choral Union after the performance. Photo courtesy of President Kenneth Fisher from UMS.

Whenever I sing Handel’s Messiah, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be able to share this wonderful music with hundreds of people.

These annual performances mean a lot to audiences and performers alike. Some have been a part of these performances for decades. Some are experiencing Messiah for the first time. All of these people come into one space — none other than the historic Hill Auditorium — to enjoy this year’s performances. By experiencing Handel’s Messiah together, we are joining not only the thousands of people that have seen this performance in the Hill Auditorium for the past century, but also many more that have seen the Choral Union for more decades before, and even more — millions of people that are either involved in or watching Messiah during this holiday season across the world. We are being a part of something that is bigger than just ourselves. To me, that is a wonderful feeling of connection with people across the borders and time periods.

Messiah is rarely performed in full; here at UMS, we don’t go for anything less than full, 3-hour performance. Honestly, it could be tiring to listen to any music that long, especially if you aren’t the biggest classical music fan. However, the Choral Union, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, and the soloists have convinced us that it’s worth it to spend 3 hours out of your precious hours in the weekend. The soloists — Ms. Brugger, Mr. Daniels, Mr. Ainsworth, and Mr. Pittsinger — executed their arias with precision and virtuosity. The basso continuo players including Mr. Parmentier on harpsichord supported the soloists, the chorus, and the orchestra flawlessly. From the first chord in the Overture to the very last chord in “Worthy is the Lamb,” each and every ensemble member put out their best.

I often get asked which movement is my most favorite in Messiah. This is a difficult question to answer. As cheesy as it sounds, I like all the movements — but if I have to pick one, I might say No. 44 — “Hallelujah.” Yeah, it’s that one. Choral Union members (and anyone else that has sung Messiah) will probably laugh at me for choosing THE one that everyone knows. But the moment Dr. Blackstone hits the downbeat for “Hallelujah,” the house lights go up, and the entire audience, choir, and soloists stand up to sing together… It’s powerful, and I get goosebumps every time. I could see the soprano Ms. Brugger smile as she finally gets to sing with the fellow sopranos in the choir. I could see the old man in the audience pull out his reading glasses to follow the score and sing with us. I could see Mr. VanOrnum, our organist, joyfully accompany us. I could see the choir members singing their hearts out, perhaps to show that we actually know how to sing past the “Hallelujah, Hallelujah…” part. Every time I sing Hallelujah, I truly feel the connection with each and every one in the auditorium. This is the power of music at its finest.

May this tradition continue forever and ever. Amen.

Review: William Tell

December 12, 2014December 12, 2014 Alexandria Strother

The $1.5 million which Gianandrea Noseda personally raised to take an orchestra of 88, chorus of 80 and 11 soloists on an international tour was well spent if Tuesday’s performance was any indication. The opera William Tell, performed as a concert with music stands placed at the front of the stage for the soloists and the choir remaining on risers throughout the performance, places intense demands on each member of the company but especially the tenor who portrays Arnoldo. John Osborn was clearly up to the task, stealing the show during his act two duet with Mathilde, sung by the equally impressive Angela Meade.

A high musical standard was maintained throughout the entire performance which lasted over 4 hours (even with cuts to the score and robust tempos) and consisted of two intermissions after the first and second acts of the opera. The four-section overture that begins the opera was especially impressive, particularly the subdued cello solo that grew to include the rest of the section setting the mood of resignation which the opening of act one requires.

Conductor Gianandrea Noseda on the podium at the Chicago performance of William Tell. (Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune)

Yet, the night truly belonged to Conductor Gianandrea Noseda. In August, Mr. Noseda publically threatened to resign after disagreements with Walter Vergnano, General Manager of Teatro Regio Torino. It was only just before this tour that Mr. Noseda announced that he would be staying, although further details must be worked out before his contract is renewed. This 4 city North American tour (Chicago, Toronto, New York and Ann Arbor) was designed to show the company’s growth and newfound international stature, and last night Mr. Noseda’s production did just that. On the podium, Mr. Noseda was a dramatic force of nature with his arms energetically carving through the air making the average conductor look lethargic at best. Although grandiose at times, Mr. Noseda’s ictus remained clear and extracted such a magnificent sound from his musicians at all times that little was left to be desired from this rare performance of Rossini’s William Tell.

PREVIEW: LIGHTWORKS FALL 2014

December 10, 2014December 10, 2014 Phillip Wachowiak

Have you ever wondered what Screen Arts and Cultures students do each semester? Interested in seeing the next generation of filmmakers? Looking for a relief from studying?

Come to Lightworks!

Where: Natural Science Auditorium

When: December 12 & 13 at 7-10:30 PM

This is a two day event with a ton of student films. If you are strapped for time, at least check out the upper level projects at the end, as they are the best of the best the SAC department has to offer.

PREVIEW: The Nutcracker

December 9, 2014December 9, 2014 musickim

What: The Nutcracker!

When: FRI DEC 12 at 8:00pm, SAT DEC 13 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, SUN DEC 14 at 2:00pm

Where: The Power Center

How Much: Adults: $25, Seniors: $20, Children: $15 (at Michigan Union Ticket Office)

Why You Should Go: It’s the holiday season! And what better way to feel in the spirit than see the Nutcracker performed by the Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre/CAS Ballet Theatre School?? I definitely can’t think of one. So come out, take a break from finals, and enjoy an amazing and much-beloved ballet!