Big bold and pulsating best describes the sound that filled Dunedin's Town Hall last Friday evening, as internationally acclaimed The Ten Tenors reached Dunedin on their "Double Platinum World Tour".
There were many moments of spine-tingling sound, both solo and harmony, with contemporary favourites and popular numbers from opera and music theatre, but overall, the atmosphere was more that of a rock concert with appropriate lighting and loud, regimented delivery demanded by full orchestral pre-recorded backing.
The two-hour programme was very professional, never a missed entry, even the body language and movement oozing with disciplined rehearsal, and no allowance for individuality in interpretation, or indulging in passionate climactic over-runs.
Some well-received Aussie/Kiwi banter built rapport, and a lone keyboard player alternating between grand piano and synth was generally inaudible, but visually helped fill centre stage.
Among the highlights were Leonard Cohen's great hit Hallelujah, an outstanding rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, The Boxer, Against All Odds, I'd Do Anything For Love, in softer mode Angel and impressive harmony for Hine E Hine.
Tenors generally get the great love arias in the classic operas, and a powerful encore was Puccini's Nessun Dorma, with shared Pavarotti-famed themes. Beatles all-time favourite Hey Jude with the entire audience on their feet singing along, clapping and waving, closed the show, assuring these 10 Aussie guys of their popularity.
The world is full of aspiring young tenors. Few make it to famedom as soloists, but groups banding together in collaboration with astute music arrangers and dedicated sound men provide great entertainment, and Friday night's concert was indeed a real buzz for the Dunedin audience of more than 1000.
- Elizabeth Bouman
