Candlelight Tribute to Joe Hisaishi: An Evening of Mixed Emotions
Location: St. Stephen’s Church, Sydney
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Candlelight tribute to the music of Joe Hisaishi at the enchanting St. Stephen’s Church in Sydney. This beautifully adorned venue, aglow with candlelight, created a captivating and inviting atmosphere. While the visual setting was stunning and added to the overall experience, the acoustic qualities didn’t quite match the ambiance, falling short of impressive.
The Ash Quartet, consisting of enthusiastic and amicable musicians, unfortunately, did not deliver the caliber of performance I had hoped for. The sense of preparation seemed lacking, as the quartet occasionally stumbled through the pieces with noticeable errors and inconsistent timing. While the cellist provided a reliable foundation and the violist delivered a particularly rich sound that stood out, the performance was marred by issues among the violinists.
The second violinist struggled significantly, losing their place multiple times, leading to a string of mistakes throughout the evening. Both violinists seemed to lack the precision and interpretative depth one would expect given the ticket price of $100 for front-row seats. In fact, I’ve witnessed student performances that displayed a higher level of competence.
While the evocative ambience of the evening was enjoyable, the musical quality did not align with the ticket cost. For those who may not be deeply invested in music, the picturesque setting might compensate for the performance’s shortcomings. However, anyone with a background in classical, jazz, or Baroque music may find the experience disheartening.
In the wake of this concert, I’ve opted for a significantly better investment: premium tickets to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s The Music of Joe Hisaishi this September, priced at just $70 more. This offers a guarantee of exceptional talent and artistry.
It’s also worth noting that my intent in writing this review is to provide constructive feedback rather than an outright critique. I feel that the art of critique has diminished over recent times, and it’s vital for audiences to be discerning.
I wholeheartedly support local artists and musicians, having attended every Strathfield Symphony Orchestra concert for the last fifteen years. Tickets to these performances are reasonably priced at $40 for two hours of classical music, showcasing the talents of both seasoned and emerging musicians. Additionally, I regularly support concerts across Sydney, Penrith, and Wollongong, often hosted
