Breathtaking and Inspirational Duo - Anna Larsson, contralto and Matti Hirvonen, piano...

Anyone who was lucky enough to be at the wonderful recital in Oxford last Saturday evening, 22/10/11, at the magnificent Holywell Music Rooms - the first 'purpose built' European concert hall, erected in 1742 - was treated to a blissful evening of delights, by these two brilliant creators of musical magic...the programme series dedicated to Swedish Artists, offered a generous helping of compositions from well loved repertoire, plus some impressive contemporary works. All were treated to the same loving care of vocal and pianistic interpretation - and what an amazing rapporte Anna and Matti have developed in their continued collaboration...fantastic...they radiated creative perfection...and I've never heard Anna find so much depth and soul searchingly heartfelt intensity in well known favourites, plus fun in the lighter repertoire ...I was SO surprised that, after our years of 'breathing' music into her uniquely beautiful and extraordinarily flexible voice - she has unexpectedly 'found' a totally new and even more incredibly fascinating vocal expressiveness - and ooooh, the gorgeous variety of dynamics throughout her entire contralto to top soprano range 'PPPP' to 'FFFF'..and back !...unbelievable...sincere and heartfelt congratulations to this Dynamic and well loved Duo ..toi toi toi...don't forget to k..p b.......g....