In what must be the favoured pairing of any self-respecting movie set in the middle-ages, this harp-soprano combination leaned into this characterisation with a hymn by Edmund Rubbra and eight folk songs from Benjamin Britten's Eight books of Folksong Arrangements from the British Isles and France.
My favourite piece, however, was a heartfelt rendition of The Nightingale by Deborah Henson-Conant, a rather sad song that ended today’s presentation contradicting the ‘end on a high-note’ ethos commonly recommended for these affairs.
I’m a bit worried about where the proverbial bar has been set today; all those musicians following have a very high standard to aspire to!
Ms. Montgomery's voice is penetrating & clear, and her theatrical talent is evident through her performances, and Ms. Nicholson's extensive accolades barely do her justice: you might remember her from last year's visit of the Polaris Duo in late January, when she had the initiative to explain her instrument to us; well, this time around she even turned it around for all of us to admire! I do hope that the logical progression of her pedagogical undertakings will lead her to lifting it above her head for us in 2026.
Date of concert: 8 of January, 2025