PRESENTS
Sacred Masterworks for Easter St Paul’s Cathedral
— Sunday, March 29
The superbly blended voices of the Octagon Ensemble soared high to the vaulted ceiling of St Paul’s Cathedral in Sunday’s Sacred Masterworks for Easter concert, keeping the audience spellbound throughout.
Conducted by musical director John Buchanan, the 17 highly skilled singers of the Octagon Ensemble presented a programme of Easter-themed works performed unaccompanied in the concert’s first half.
Beginning with Thomas Weelkes’ Hosanna to the Son of David, and continuing through Antonio Lotti’s Crucifixus, Maurice Durufle’s Ubi Caritas, Anton Bruckner’s Christus Factus Est, and John Stainer’s God So Loved the World, the a capella vocal ensemble were excellent throughout.
The emotions of the works, which ranged from baroque to the late 19th century, were expressed through strong dynamics, timings were precise, beautiful harmonies abounded and each vocal section made the most of their opportunities to shine in glorious, ringing style.
Octagon Ensemble artistic director Tessa Romano then gave a solo beautiful performance of Handel’s Poiche giuraro amore, accompanied by David Burchell (chamber organ) and Portia Bell (cello).
With Romano’s technical mastery and superb ability to convey emotion, this work was a wonderful way to conclude the first half.
The concert’s second half saw the return of the Octagon Ensemble singers, with a six-strong instrumental ensemble, for a fascinating performance of J.S. Bach’s major work Cantata No. 182 — Himmelskonig, se wilkommen (King of Heaven, welcome).
Featuring choruses involving the whole ensemble, along with arias superbly sung by bass Richard Holland, alto Natasha Manowitz and tenor Teddy Finney-Waters, the Cantata was filled with Bach’s signature fugues and complex passages — all handled with aplomb.
The instrumental accompaniment by Burchell, Bell, Feby Idrus (flute), Michelle Brown (violin), Grace Shaw (viola), and Ursa Barley (viola), was sensitive and skilful, adding to the enjoyment of the piece.
Overall, the Octagon Ensemble’s first outing for 2026 was a musical triumph. Bravo!
