Fez Festival Opening Night

HRH Princess Lalla Salma greets Jessye Norman

What is it about opening nights? For some reason the opening nights of the Fez Festival promise much but fall short on delivery. In this case the portents were wonderful. A superb evening, gloriously balmy with flights of Atlantic swifts circling overhead in the dusk. Security and ticketing caused no problems, and the venue absolutely sparkled. It was also great to see Gerard Kurdjian back as artistic director.

HRH Princess Lalla Salma

The crowd, though smaller than previously, was made up of all the usual A list, B list and C list folks, dressed to the nines! After three announcements asking people to turn off their mobile phones, which most people heeded, HRH Princess Lalla Salma arrived to a very warm reception from the crowd and all was set to begin. Amal Bennani introduced the concert in English that was both clear and perfect.

Definitely A list .... Nadia Benjelloun, International Director

Jessye Norman and Rachael Worby

It was at this point that the choice of opening night performer again came into question as it has done in the past. The Lyrical Orchestra of Avignon in Provence, conducted by Rachael Worby, was lacklustre in both choice of music and delivery although some blame can be attributed to the wind. An opening with quiet double basses was singularly inappropriate for such an august occasion. What was needed was something joyful, triumphant and festive.

Jessye Norman

When Jessye Norman arrived on stage a ripple of excitement flowed through the crowd, but what we experienced was a singer past her prime. The lack of fine tonal quality in her voice was evident as was her struggle to deliver the depth and colour we have heard from her in her illustrious past. Strangely she only sang three songs before being helped from the stage for a short break.

However, although the opening night proved somewhat of a disappointment, the remainder of the programme is full of gems that promise to deliver. We congratulate the organisers on the opening of the festival and look forward to a great week of sacred music.