Shanay Holmes' debut solo concert at Cadogan Hall was perfectly suited to the venue's intimate atmosphere. Joined by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra under the baton of Chris Poon, this was a significant undertaking for any solo artist. Holmes, however, proved she has the stamina, charisma and vocal ability to command both the stage and the audience throughout the evening.
The programme was thoughtfully varied, opening with the classic The Sound of Music. Once I'd got over the slight surprise of hearing riffs in this iconic Julie Andrews number, Holmes quickly won me over with her beautifully spun phrases and innate musicality. The first half featured a selection of reflective ballads, including Maybe (Annie) and Smile (Michael Jackson). While she initially seemed a little restrained, she relaxed noticeably after the interval, finding her stride with the evening's bigger, more dramatic numbers.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra provided a sumptuous accompaniment, their sweeping phrases and beautifully crafted arrangements elevating her performance. For me, the standout moments were I Will Always Love You (The Bodyguard) and Maybe from Miss Saigon. Of course, many of us had been eagerly anticipating As Long As He Needs Me from Oliver!, which Holmes saved for the encore. It was an incredibly moving conclusion to the concert.
Holmes possesses a truly beautiful voice. Interestingly, her quieter singing is perhaps the most powerful weapon in her vocal arsenal, drawing the audience in with remarkable intimacy. She sings with apparent ease, moving seamlessly through her registers while maintaining warmth and control. After some slightly laboured breathing during the opening number, she settled into what can only be described as a Rolls-Royce of a voice. She navigated a wide range of musical styles with complete assurance, always delivering the text with honesty and emotional sincerity.
The concert also served as a showcase for Holmes' forthcoming album, Becoming, due for release on 16 October. We were treated to a heartfelt performance of No One Is Alone from Into the Woods, which will be released as the album's first single. If this performance is anything to go by, Becoming promises to be well worth the wait.
Review: Jane Wilkinson