On a damp November day, the Orchestral and Ensembles Concert proved to be an uplifting and happy occasion, bursting with tunes and bringing a smile to the faces of the audience who were fortunate enough to witness the spectacle.
The Cello Ensemble opened proceedings with an engaging arrangement of Bach’s Prelude from the G major Cello Suite. The inclusive nature of this work requires significant ensemble and rhythmic skill from the whole group, which was duly delivered, and set the scene for what was to follow.
The Chamber Orchestra then produced two fine performances, firstly of Eric Whitacre’s attractive October, followed by two movements from Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony. Augmented by percussion, Director of Strings, Mrs Sara Stagg, coaxed bags of colour and control from the Chamber Orchestra in the Whitacre, before the humour of the ‘Playful Pizzicato’ in the Britten kicked in to offer excellent contrast.
The Symphony Orchestra then tackled three demanding works, which allowed all departments to shine, whether in Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance, Delibes’ Prelude and Mazurka from Coppelia, or Carl Ziehrer’s Vienna Waltz. There was an admirable energy and a joy to savour throughout, with some sublime and ravishing cantabile playing, alongside some punchy articulation and crisp rhythm. Just the ticket….
Congratulations then to all involved on an evening of real sparkle.
Philip Dukes
Artistic Director
