‘Sacred Sonic’ // Angel Strings

‘Sacred Sonic’ was stratospheric.

St Stephen’s Cathedral was alight with colour and sound with the combination of Angel Strings, Pipe Organ, Soprano and Live Lighting captivating the packed audience. The spiritually uplifting performance showcased the synergy between classical instruments and powerful vocal artistry. The strings, organ, and vocals in such a grand and acoustically rich setting was nothing short of extraordinary.

Beautiful, bright colours danced around the ensemble of highly skilled musicians, played with precision and sensitivity, weaving together melodic lines with elegant ease. The quartet known as Angel Strings (Laura Thompson, Hayden Burton, Katie Sillar and Kathryn McKee) resonated beautifully, their sound both delicate and robust, providing a rich, intricate foundation for the evening.

The organ, with its immense power and grandeur, elevated the atmosphere further. In a space like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the deep, reverberating notes of the organ filled the cavernous space, complementing the subtler string tones. Organist Dominic Perissinotto skillfully navigated both the thunderous and quieter moments of his solo piece “Mad Rush” by Phillip Glass, creating an impressive balance that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Vocalist Eva-Marie Perissinotto, soaring above the instruments, was a highlight of the evening. Her vocal control was impeccable, moving effortlessly between delicate pianissimos and resonant fortissimos. The soprano’s voice blended with the instruments while maintaining a distinctive clarity, carrying the audience through a range of emotions. At one point she left the stage and reappeared at the back of the cathedral, hauntingly filling the space with her rich tone during “Nimrod” from Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

The acoustics of St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its gothic architecture, played a crucial role in amplifying and enriching the sound. Every note, every subtle shift in dynamics, resonated within the space, creating an almost otherworldly experience. The combination of these exceptional musicians, the cathedral’s atmosphere and the creative lighting by Daniel Endicott, was a sensory delight.

The program itself flowed seamlessly. Each piece was thoughtfully chosen, blending moments of reflection with passages of great intensity. The dynamic shifts, from sombre to exhilarating, kept the audience engaged, as did the interplay between the strings, organ, and voice. From Sigur Rós’ “Fljótavík” to “How Sweet the Moonlight” from The Merchant of Venice, the evening ended too soon and the audience gave a roaring applause for the work of these talented musicians.

‘Sacred Sonic’ was not merely a concert – it was a spiritual journey. It reminded everyone in attendance of the profound beauty that classical music, when played with such finesse and in such a breathtaking venue, can offer. The evening was a testament to the power of creativity to elevate the soul, and St Stephen’s Cathedral proved to be the perfect venue for such a transcendent experience.

‘Sacred Sonic’ performed for one evening only. For more information about Angel Strings, visit their website.