Fantasia Orchestra, joined by the marvellous soprano Elizabeth Watts, presented Birdsong — a beautifully curated concert celebrating nature, the passage of time, and the subtle spectacles found in the world around us.
Held in the atmospheric setting of St John's Smith Square, the performance felt special. The hall's elegant architecture and warm acoustics created an appropriate backdrop for a set of pieces that wandered between delicacy and emotional depth.
Originally, the soprano was supposed to be Lucy Crowe, who unfortunately had to withdraw last minute due to illness. Stepping in with remarkable resilience was Elizabeth Watts, who delivered a performance so polished and graced audiences with expressive clarity that it was hard to believe she stepped in only the day before. Her effortless tone, poise, and musical awareness is a powerful testament to her talent and professionalism.
The evening opened with "Spring" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons — a well-known piece that worked wonderfully as a musical awakening. Among the orchestral highlights was Messiaen's "Amour oiseau d'étoile", which was playfully brought to life through the flute's vivid mimicking of birdsong.
The London premiere of Kavuma's I Am the Sea felt extra special with the composer in attendance. The piece transcended with texture, and when the full ensemble blended and surged it felt climactic and exciting.
The evening concluded with "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" — a perfect final touch. After music filled with birds, nature, and time evolution, ending with this nostalgic classic felt warm and magical.
Birdsong was an evening of beauty, pureness, imagination, and sincerity — a tremendous last-minute triumph for Elizabeth Watts and the Fantasia Orchestra.
Photo credit: Alex Rimell
