Berlioz L’enfance du Christ – Britten Sinfonia & Chorus, Sir Mark Elder

The premature and extended applause echoed that of the very first performance. I wanted encores throughout this lovely, dramatic performance by a really sensitive orchestra: natural horns, small drum, and trombones who left at the interval. Allan Clayton (tenor) drew us into Berlioz’s strange, compassionate story of the Christ-child. Sarah Connolly and Roderick Williams sang the warm-hearted parents and Neal Davies convinced as both cruel Herod and the loving man who opens his door and saves the starving family. This youthful orchestra and their newly formed chorus responded so well to the nurturing direction of Sir Mark – Thank you!

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 10 December 2011

Rating: Rating:
Andrew Connal