"Conductor Andrew Wailes engineered some splendid passages in Sunday evening's reading of The Dream of Gerontius, eliciting a powerful and evenly distributed dynamic range from the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir, Melbourne University Choral Society, and the Australian Catholic University Choir; a large body of singers with praiseworthy responsiveness and precision… the female voices gave exemplary service."
Clive O’Connell, The Age
"The highlight of the program was Prokofiev’s great cantata, Alexander Nevsky. After hearing this wonderful performance I have to wonder why it is not heard more often. However, its massive concept and complexity could only be tackled by a few choirs in this country – and they would need the support of a great orchestra. On this occasion both factors were present plus, in Wailes, a conductor who could hold it all together. The choir impressed with the rounded sound needed for Russian music, and singing that was harmonious and full… . I could not imagine a better performance – even in Russia!"
Suzanne Yanko, Arts Hub Review
“…the conductor and director of the choirs, Andrew Wailes chooses the full ensemble with great care…. The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Melbourne University Choral Society are joined by the Australian Children’s Choir. All bear witness to Wailes’ mastery of choral direction, yet elements like diction, pitch, harmony and balance are beautifully unforced whatever the carol – and inspire confidence in the audience…”
Heather Leviston Classic Melbourne
"The choral forces made a splendid sound in the great outbursts that occur (...) the large body produced some exhilarating moments. Singing in Russian, the singers complemented the VCA players in bringing to vivid life this remarkable, rarely heard masterwork."
Clive O'Connell, The Age
"The Choral Society had moments of mystical beauty... (they) touched the poignancy button... Conductor Andrew Wailes coaxed some creditable dynamic ranges and phrasing... under Wailes' musical persuasion, the choir had crisp diction and dynamics"
Xenia Hanusiak, The Herald-Sun
“The combined choirs of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society and the Melbourne University Choral Society, under the leadership of Andrew Wailes, outlined the passion of this work with aplomb. The dedicated preparation was obvious on all levels: first-class diction, intonation and vocal power were all abundant.”
Clive O'Connell, The Age
"The choir responded with alacrity to conductor Andrew Wailes, moving smoothly through their responsibilities in the work's fast-moving narrative flow, the solid alto corps an impressive presence at exposed points... ...the benefits of having a solid force of young tenors also shone through, the MUCS young men producing a clear and unstrained contribution."
Clive O'Connell, The Age
“The Kyrie set the solemn tone of the mass, with Maestro Wailes paying great attention to detail. He conducted with conviction, clear beat and good eye contact with the musicians who responded accordingly. Wailes brought out the best of the orchestra and chorus, with a good understanding of the nuances, dynamics and tempi. The choral singing and performance demeanour were superb.”
Ron Jontof-Hutter, J-Wire 2018
"Always thrilling, always exciting, the traditional concert of festive carols and readings presented by Royal Melbourne Philharmonic is a spectacular and ambitious event, this year being a mammoth program scheduled four times within two days. Few conductors would tackle such a marathon Christmas spectacle with three choirs under their direction – RMP, Box Hill Chorale and Melbourne University Chorale Society totalling over 200 voices – in an almost continuous flow of music for a 90 minute program of varied texts and styles. "
Julie McErlain, Classic Melbourne, 2021
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