Michael Francis, the San Diego Master Chorale, and the All-Star Orchestra bring passion to Mozart’s Requiem
This year’s Mainly Mozart festival consisted of five concerts at the Del Mar Surf Cup Sports Park over the span of eight days. It’s less than we’ve been accustomed to pre-pandemic, but these days, we’ll take what we can get.
What was noticeable at Saturday’s concert was the engaging performance of the San Diego Master Chorale, soprano Tasha Koontz, mezzo Guadalupe Paz, tenor John K. Russell, and bass Steve Pence and tight, gripping playing by the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra under Francis’ direction. Koontz’s bright, angelic voice was heard to great effect in the “Benedictus” and “Lux Aeterna.” Paz’s velvety lower register had the heft of an alto in the “Recordare” and “Benedictus.” Pence powerfully held onto notes in “Tuba mirum” without any discernable diminuendo, and Russell’s tenor had clarity and force.