A Song of the Emerald Isle | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

Soprano Emma Horwood, supported by her own harp playing and that of Christine Morphett, sings of Celtic mists and whimsy.

Adelaide Fringe 2022. A Song of the Emerald Isle. Picture: Supplied

A Song of the Emerald Isle

Music

Rating ****

The Village Well

Until March 17

Soprano Emma Horwood has something of a legendary reputation around these parts as the girl with the heavenly voice, and her following turned out strongly at this event.

Supported by her own harp playing, plus that of Christine Morphett, she performs numbers full of Celtic mists and whimsy in her inimitable style, wonderfully folk-rooted and intimately projected.

Her vocal tone quality, agility and genuine feeling are to die for – no question – but disappointingly, her songs only made up about half of the program. While two harps and sometimes a guitar playing together is a very pleasant ensemble sound, it can’t compare with the rich Irish vocal tradition she presented.

Even with such reservations it was still well worth going, if just for that voice.