Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@mayfestivalcincy opened its 2024 season with an absolutely spectacular performance of Franz Joseph Haydn’s oratorio The Creation, one of the most significant choral works to emerge from the early romantic period.
Originally set to a German libretto by the Austrian diplomat Gottfried von Swieten, The Creation was the first of two oratorios Haydn completed in the last decade of his life. Tonight’s performance used an English translation prepared by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw.
Retelling the story of creation found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, it was vividly brought to life by a starry cast of international soloists. Soprano Camilla Tilling as the archangel Gabriel (and Eve in Part 3 of the work) sang with crystalline purity, effortless fluidity of tone and pastoral grace. Tenor Nicholas Phan (@grecchinois) as the archangel Uriel was gorgeously supple throughout, with a beguiling sense of drama and sweetness. Baritone Alexander Birch Elliott (@alexanderbirchelliott) as the archangel Raphael possessed a fiery intensity combined with a warm, agile sound to match, reminiscent of singers like Christopher Maltman, Simon Keenleyside and Sir Thomas Allen
@cincysymphony and the May Festival Chorus were in top form, as always, in this evening’s concert. But tonight proved especially meaningful as this was the last May Festival concert Robert Porco would conduct in his role as Director of Choruses (having served in that role since 1989). Porco’s conducting was relaxed and dramatic, without being forceful or heavy-handed, calling to mind greats like Colin Davis and Frans Brüggen.
Porco has left an indelible legacy as a choral director which will no doubt be felt by generations of May Festival singers who have worked with him and been inspired by his leadership. Cheers to an incredible tenure in Cincinnati, Maestro!