The timpani rolled, the wind instruments sang, the arco strings called us to church. On Friday, May 8, St. James Anglican welcomed The Kingston Baroque Consort (KBC) for its fifth-season finale: “Baroque Celebration Feast!”
I’ve been fortunate to attend previous concerts by the group. During my formative years, my Grandmother and I spent much of our time attending church and symphonic productions. For this girl, there was a true familiarity as I approached St. James’ on Friday night – the smell of the hymnals; the excited vibration among the ticket holders. As the musicians warmed up, the electricity was palpable. The Consort has become an exceptional orchestra. And tonight, they’ve invited special guests to join the show.
After a brief introduction by co-founder and harpsichordist Michael Capon, the production opened with a message by guest percussionist Edward Reiffel (timpani), as he offered up the fascinating history behind the Prelude to Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “Te Deum.” The concert begins.
Throughout the hour, we are drawn into the messaging and the mystery behind the masterpieces of tonight’s works, delivered by varying members of the orchestra. The Consort shuffles from the sensational and emotive “XXV Balletti per il Carnevale,” by Pavel Josef Vejvanovský, to the exciting “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” by G.F. Handel. The concert concludes with the extraordinary “Brandenburg Concerto No. 4,” from J.S. Bach.
Founded in 2021 by Katie Legere, Jeff Hamacher, Julia McFarlane, and Michael Capon, the Kingston Baroque Consort has been delighting audiences with their meticulous ode to the Baroque era. The KBC features violinists Gisele Dalbec-Szczesniak, Andrew Dicker, Lisa Draper, Venetia Gauthier, Danielle Lennon, and Julia McFarlane alongside Eileen Beaudette on viola, with Jeff Hamacher and Tricia Balmer on gamba and cello. Flautist William Egnatoff is joined by Heather Schreiner on recorder, Katie Legere on bassoon and recorder, and Michael Capon at the harpsichord; the instrument generously donated by sponsor and fellow Kingston musical organization, Melos Choir and Period Instruments. Tonight’s featured guests include Chris Alfano (oboe), Jennifer Day (trumpet), Jill Frick (recorder), Walter Kipp (oboe), Paul Sanvidotti (trumpet), and Edward Reiffel (timpani).
I took my regular seat in the back pew. From my vantage point, I consume the sights, the sounds, and even the smells of this historic church, with its stained glass windows and imposing ceilings. In a setting this size, the music leaps outwards and consumes your senses before crawling to the skies as though a single crescendo higher would send it searing to the Heavens themselves. The strength in the KBC is their propensity to draw you physically to the sound. A simple lilt, a lift, then a pluck and a plink. Suddenly, you realize you’ve closed your eyes because it’s become a full consummation of melodic moments, pp to ff. Your pulse in rhythm with the metronome. Your heart beats in time.
Congratulations Kingston Baroque Consort. It certainly was a feast. And we celebrate you. Looking forward to next season!
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