Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
June 15, 2018

It has taken nearly half a century for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to give Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Christ a second shot. The Orchestra’s only other performance took place in September 1969 under the direction of Willem van Otterloo. That’s a long time to go without this charming, inventive and ultimately touching score. (Be sure to catch up with Clive Paget’s extensive and evocative article in the June issue of Limelight to find out more about the origins of this unique work.)

Sir Andrew Davis is clearly a devotee of L’Enfance du Christ, and conducts with empathy and efficiency throughout, allowing the unique soundworld of the score to shine forth. The wind instruments which are given prominence over the strings are on excellent form; well blended and never intrusive. (The Orchestra’s normal string complement is slightly reduced to match.) Along the way there are many evocative moments, such as the delightful trio for two flutes and harp in Part Three, which receives a performance full of panache.

Against this particular orchestral backdrop are placed considerable vocal forces. Of the half-dozen soloists, narrator Andrew Staples has the lion’s share of work. His attractive tenor is made...