077 905 143 77 | 020 8715 4436 newtowncom@gmail.com

Kiwi Harry at home with chamber opera

Harry Grigg

Director Jonny Danciger and GHO composer Christopher Wood have chosen New Zealand-born tenor Harry Grigg to sing the role of Reynard in the forthcoming new production of the chamber opera No Way Out! at the OSO Arts Centre, in Barnes.

Harry has expressed his excitement at the challenge of a new role in a new work: ‘Chamber opera is such a unique challenge and delight as it offers such an intimate look at its subject matter and No Way Out! is the perfect example of this. I can’t wait to explore Chris’s wonderful opera and to collaborate with Jonny and the team at Oso Arts Centre and Guest House Opera to create a truly special show.’

Harry has just finished his Master of Performance degree as the Kiri te Kanawa Scholar at the Royal College of Music. Prior to his studies in London he was a DMMF Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera. Recent roles have included Amour (Castor et Pollux), Monostatos Die Zauberflöte) and Scarramuccio (Adriadne auf Naxos).

Lost in Life

Lost in Life (dedicated to those who died on September 11) was the most moving piece in the concert. You exactly hit the mood of the time. Congratulations!

John Austin
Fine Arts Sinfonia

Conversation Piece

Great care and thought had obviously gone into the highly atmospheric Conversation Piece by Christopher Wood. The oboe’s announcement of the legato opening subject was well molded, controlled and serious, setting the tone for a warm dialogue with expressive strings. Fluctuations of tempo sounded natural and inevitable and silence was dramatically effective, the parlando musical argument always clear, played with ravishing sound quality. An original twist concluded the dialogue, ensuring an unusual ending to a lovely piece.

Ruth Goslett
Croydon Advertiser

String Quartet

Lovely string playing made the String Quartet by Christopher Wood a joy to hear. Its lyrical opening, with the musical argument effortlessly and eloquently passing from viola, violins and cello, was deeply felt. Pauses were atmospheric and contrapuntal writing cleverly handled. Rhythm was taught and well-sprung in the contrasting middle section and the ending was ethereal.

Ruth Goslett
Croydon Advertiser

Carter in Crisis

Tinged with a deep autumnal melancholy, it tells of an ageing man’s obsession with the bust of a beautiful young Adonis. I found myself mulling over its meaning long after Carter’s valedictory cri de coeur had been sounded.

Donald Madgwick
Croydon Advertiser
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Any singers interested in joining GHO should contact Paddy Cockshutt on 078908 18508

Chris Wood on 077 905 143 77
or 020 8715 4436

Orchestral players should email: newtowncom@gmail.com

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