Czech Philharmonic

Czech Philharmonic(3.5/5)
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
27th August 2012

Conductor: Jakub Hrůša
Janáček: Overture to "From the House of the Dead"
Martinü: "Memorial to Lidice"
Dvorák: "Biblical Songs", soloist: Jan Martinik, bass
Dvorák: "Symphony No.6"

Refurbished Hamer Hall has a crystal clear acoustic, every instrument pin-pointable; at times like being caught full-beam. Performed with clarity, sometimes a little head-on, Janáček and Martinü's darkness was strongly present. Biblical Songs a soothing compliment yet missing a cathedral's more voluminous tones. The Symphony was bright if tending to indistinct between adagio and allegro (part of the Hall's learning process?). Hamer Hall has huge potential.