The concert program entitled Oceans 13: Music out of the Blue promised some light-hearted entertainment, judging by its reference to the Oceans 13 film with its hip jazz score. A balanced program with some fun ‘out of the blue’ musical gems, as well as more serious pieces, might have been expected. With so many composers and poets engaging the sea as a central theme, it was surprising that this program left one underwhelmed and even disappointed by the end. The music chosen was neither bad nor uninteresting, while the quality of musicianship was as usual very high. But it offered almost entirely sad, depressing themes without much joy; the first three pieces ending on melancholic notes. French music, in particular, gives us many delightful light-filled musical images of the sea. Three French pieces were chosen in this program, but only one could have been described as uplifting.

As a presenter and the Master of Ceremonies, Damien Beaumont did a fine job and kept the conversation light and entertaining as he introduced the various artists and compositions. But despite his jovial nature, he could not lift the rather sombre mood of the evening.