Soprano: Janice Watson
The Barry Solomon Trio: Barry Solomon – oboe, Serena Leader – violin, Derek Holland – Keyboard
A gala concert supported by the Rotary Club of the Studios & Elstree and Borehamwood, in aid of Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK, (SMA UK) raised over £500.00 for this supported charity for the club’s president for 2024-25, Sam Covill.
In attendance was the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood for 2024-25 Cllr Alpha Colins and his consort, Revd Louise Collins., along with the president of Elstree Mozart Players Cllr John Graham.
This concert was highly anticipated, as it is not every day a renowned international opera singer such as Janice Watson appearances at a small urban church in outer London, Hertfordshire. Her association with Derek Holland and the Elstree Mozart Players goes back a few years now, long may it continue.
The support act was pretty good too, Barry Solomon – principal oboist, Serena Leader – violinist in 1st violins from The Elstree Mozart Players and of course their conductor – Derek Holland.
The Trio began with Bach’s concerto in C minor for Oboe & Violin with Derek on Keyboard. The playing was bright and clear with spot on tempi, a joy to hear. The audience gave them hearty applause.
Janice then took to the stage and sung 3 Lieder by Richard Strauss – Aller Soehlen, Morgen and Zueignung, Derek accompanied her on Keyboard. A ravishing treat for the ears, her voice was glorious in every part of her range. We were all spellbound and applauded loudly at the end.
Serena Leader followed this with 2 well-loved saloon works by Elgar – Salut d’amour and Chasson de Martin, with Derek Accompanying. A satisfying and complimentary foil to the songs Janice had just sung.
Janice returned to the stage, to sing arias from the world of opera. She began with Vissi d’Arte from Puccini’s Tosca and filled the church with a magnificent sound. Next, she sung Mimi’s aria from Act 3 of Puccini’s La Boheme, the pathos and beauty she projected were palpable. She finished this section with Softly awakes my heart from Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saens. A wonderful colouring of her voice brought out he pleading and flirtatious elements of Delilah’s words.
Serena and Barry returned for 2 pieces from films. Firstly, the lovely theme from Schindler’s List, with Barry playing the Cor Anglais part, lifted straight from the original orchestral score. Next, Barry gave us another glorious tune from The Mission, Gabriel’s Oboe. Derek filling in the rest of the orchestra for both pieces on the Keyboard.
To finish the first half, Janice sung 3 numbers from Musicals, beginning with a Rodger’s and Hammerstein cracker, The Hills are alive, from The Sound of Music. The Church was alive with the sound of music, beautifully sung. The second number was Bill, by Jerome Kern from Showboat and what wonderfully expressive singing from Janice. The final number, Roxie from Chicago by Kander & Ebb, a sassy and saucy song and Janice didn’t hold back on either. A real hit with the audience.
To begin the second half, Serena played a Kreisler gem, Praeludium & Allegro, a fantastic display of technical brilliance, she brought the house down and prepared the way for Janice.
More German Lieder, Schumann’s Song Cycle – Frauenliebe und Leben. Before each song, Janice gave a short explanation, which added to our understanding of the words and mood. Her touching, expressive and sensitive singing, provided all the explanation we needed! A gem of a performance and enthusiastically applauded.
Barry & Serena provided a baroque interlude, a Trio Sonata by Graun for Violin, Oboe and Keyboard. Barry played the baroque Oboe d’amore for authenticity. Applauded warmly much to the delight of the performers.
Janice returned with more opera arias. Lascia ch’io pianga from Handel’s Rinaldo. What a glorious sound she made in a church setting. Then back to Puccini, O my Beloved Father from Gianni Schichi. Another wonderful performance, showing just what range and experience Janice brings to the art of opera and singing in general. Much appreciated by the audience.
The Barry Solomon Trio returned for a final time. Serena played Tchaikovsky’s intimate and touching Melodie, then Barry followed with a light classic by Ronald Binge – The Watermill. Both received well by the audience.
The finale was all Janice. Returning to musicals, she sung 2 Rodgers and Hammerstein numbers. Firstly, If I loved you, from the tragically beautiful Carousel, then to finish, Edelweiss from the Sound of Music, but with a twist! She asked the audience to join in on the second verse. We were all up for that, it’s not often you get a chance to sing with the renowned Janice Watson.
Janice received a standing ovation, and I would say matchless is the word that comes to mind when describing her voice tonight, what a memory we take away from this event. Bravo! Fantastic!! Please do it again!
Graham Wilson (Freelance Reviewer for EMP)
Photos: Andrew Grady & Clive Butchins