by Eric Greer

Had an incredible evening seeing the fantastic Melissa Errico make her Victoria debut with the Victoria Symphony.

I’ve been a huge fan of Errico ever since I first bought the Amour cast album, and it was a thrill to finally see her live. The first half was a mix of older musical songs (well and some Phantom and Les Miz–in fact she sang a favourite “I Saw Him Once,” from Miz, stating how the song never made it to North America and I had to remind myself I know the song only because I grew up with the London cast album.) A wonderful mix–and actually the full version of my favourite Phantom of the Opera song.

But the highlight of course was the second act which was almost entirely Sondheim songs (with her stated mission to spread Sondheim to the world.) Capping everything off was a perfect version of Move On. As with all of the numbers, some were faithfully presented, others jazzed up, all thrillingly accompanied by the full symphony orchestra (shout out to Russell Bajer)

Melissa was charming, and in absolutely stunning voice, perfectly adjusted for each song.

I admit sometimes, even 30 years after discovering and becoming obsessed with Sondheim when I was 10, I still feel like I’m one of the few fanatics here in Victoria, so it’s always great to see his stuff get such a great reaction (although much/most of that reaction was for Melissa herself.)

(One tiny caveat directed at the Victoria Symphony marketing team… The event was well advertised in papers and online, but nowhere does it mention that any Sondheim will be performed–My Fair Lady, Phantom and Miz are all mentioned–whatsoever. Was there concern that might confuse or scare people away? 😛 When I first saw the announcement, for a split second I almost thought “I’m not sure I want to see this concert if there’s no Sondheim, despite how connected she has become as one of his top interpreters” but luckily I snapped out of it. I suspect it was just an oversight, but it might have attracted even more people, though the venue seemed pretty well sold.)

(Caveat two–nothing from my pet obsession, Do I Hear a Waltz? which Errico did so well at Encores! But I suppose that might have sent me over the edge.)

And for those keeping count, Melissa wore four stunning dressed, plus a fifth one at her pre-show talk. This concert will be hard to top.