Although Bryn Terfel has been a revered and prominent opera singer for many years, he’s also been a crossover artist too, and in his latest festive showcase, Bryn’s Christmas, we get examples of both.
Introducing the Welsh National Opera Orchestra as “not great, but fantastic” (and he’s right) and offering an energetic “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” as an opener, Bryn shares singing duties with South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza.
Flanked by a Christmas tree on the Royal Festival Hall stage, the music showcases a range of orchestral pieces (a very lively “Deck The Halls”; a soaring “Sleeping Beauty”, and a showy bit of Strauss’s “Trish-Trasch Polka”.
Paul Bateman, conductor and arranger, has a lovely rapport with both singers and a sense of fun. As a programme of carols, traditional pieces, and musical songs unfolds, you’re guaranteed festive fun.
Bryn Terfel can sing this kind of thing in his sleep, but he always makes the songs sound fresh – and of course as a proud Welshman he includes “Tua Bethlem Dref” in the carols and switches languages in other numbers.
It has the air of end-of-term showing off, but all in good fun. Particular highlights for me were the traditional German carol “Still, Still, Still” and the lovely setting of Joyce Kilmer’s poem, “Trees.” And a touch of “Bruderlien” from Die Fledermaus is always welcome.
In Pumeza Matshikiza’s repertoire, we were treated to “O Mio Babbino Caro” alongside “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “O Holy Night”. Her knowledge of carols seemed less sure, with constant reference to a book, but her singing was enthusiastic enough when it came to “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and that delicious figgy pudding!
A little more interaction with the audience might have been welcome between the numbers, making us feel more part of proceedings (there were opportunities to ‘sing alonga Bryn’ with “White Christmas”). It’s always nice to have that interaction aside from the briefest of introductions.
Overall, this was just what it promised – a family-friendly show delivered by a safe pair of hands. And I particularly appreciated the inclusion of “Edelweiss” as my first real exposure to Terfel was his 1996 Rodgers and Hammerstein album.
We go full circle. Bryn’s Christmas continues at Swansea Arena, Bridgewater Hall (Manchester) and Bristol Beacon, with tickets available here.
***.5