Review: Western Wind Vocal Sextet

Over the weekend, the Grammy-nominated Western Wind Vocal Sextet performed a stunning one-night-only event at Church of St. John's in the West Village. Singers include sopranos Linda Lee Jones and Elizabeth van Os, countertenor Eric S. Brenner, tenors Todd Frizzell and David Vanderwal, and bass Steven Hrycelak. The group was also joined by guest artist Richard Kolb who played the lute and theorbo.

In honoring Women's History Month, the concert titled "Of Dreams, Desires & Dragons: Music by Women from Hildegarde to Joni Mitchell" featured work by women composers from both the classical and modern eras.

The group sang cappella renditions of "Ave Maria" by Rebecca Clarke, "Silenzio Nocivo" by Barbara Strozzi, and a lovely version of "Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell which made the audience smile and mouth the words along with the singers.

There was also new work which included "Certain Dragons" by Martha Sullivan along with a Medieval chant by Hildegarde von Bingen. Each song was handled with delicate care and powerful emotion, bringing us all out of the busy city and into a beautiful, tranquil space.

In the end, there was no surprise when the group received a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd with some crying out "more, more!"

For more information on Western Wind Vocal Sextet or to learn about upcoming concerts please visit their website.

Photo courtesy of Western Wind Vocal Sextet

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