It’s not the break in decorum that one minds, having long ago resigned oneself to the fact that such things will, like flies gathering at a picnic, happen. Rather, it’s the unreasonable passion of it all – the concert was good, but it wasn’t that good. But like Il Divo at the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House earlier in the month, these concerts often provoke a sort of mania in the audience that does nothing but build in intensity throughout the night, and that was certainly the case on this evening, as Watson found himself taking five encores before permanently retreating from the stage.
‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story began proceedings, followed by Lucio Dalla’s ‘Caruso’. Here Watson proved, thankfully, that he had a voice up to the task of entertaining for the two and a half hours remaining, hitting all the notes with a confidence and assuredness that allows one to relax. Also in the first half, the lighting constantly shifting throughout, the orchestra miked to the nines and scattered with lamps on their sheet music, was a John Williams’ medley, featuring the theme to Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, among others. ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ was another highlight, while Watson’s rendition of ‘Volare’ took far too long to begin, as he trained the audience (who were nevertheless enthusiastic throughout the process) to sing along with him. ‘Funicili, Funicula’ brought act one to a close, and the following interval gave this critic time to peruse the expensive program purchased from the foyer beforehand. One cannot be scathing enough about its quality, with the book thinner than the hair on the heads of many male members in the audience, and being almost exclusively filled with photographs of the English tenor, though one would not know of his nationality from the program alone, what with it having no biography of the performer everyone was paying to see. One would be wise to spend the $20 on something more worthwhile.
Thankfully, unlike the program, Watson, while having a lot of flash, also had much substance. The second half began with a Phantom of the Opera medley, with special guest for the evening, Australian soprano Greta Bradman (who miraculously managed to have a biography), taking on the role of Christine, and Watson the role of the Phantom. Both singers performed ‘The Prayer’, while Bradman had a moment alone to sing Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’, which she did quite beautifully. Among other popular hits, Watson sang ‘Never Walk Alone’ somewhat stirringly, as well as ‘Dream the Impossible Dream’ most excellently, and, of course ‘Nessun Dorma’, which he rattled off and took a reprise of; the choir, Cantillation, at the back of the platform continuing the fine quality they had maintained throughout the night.
The encores came upon us, such as ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’, the ‘Toreador’ song from Carmen, and ‘O Sole Mio’, to end the enjoyable evening. Watson is a charismatic presence, though sometimes he is slightly indulgent in hamming it up, but with a voice such as his, with its variety and power, one can forgive such excesses.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Russell Watson in Concert: La Voce Tour
The Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
February 26
