Scarborough Symphony Orchestra comes highly recommended after successful dance-themed concert
The latest concert from Scarborough Symphony Orchestra was curated to a theme of ‘dance’ and was delivered at Queen Street Methodist Central Hall.
Conductor Shaun Matthew said it was not disco or Strictly, it was early classical and Renaissance.
The programme began with Joseph Bologne, an underrated early classical composer.
He was an incredible man who overcame being a ‘man of colour’ in the late 1700s, by composing beautiful music and becoming a virtuoso violinist as well as a champion fencer and being accorded Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the French equivalent to a knight of the realm.
His Symphony No1 is charming and lyrical and with a musical conversation rather like a fencing contest being passed between the strings and the wind. The orchestra was authentically stripped down for this piece and it was delightful to hear.
Next came my highlight of the evening, Mozart’s Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra.
For the solo we were lucky to have the wonderful Esther Williams. I can honestly say I have never heard the oboe played so sweetly and with such skill.
The gorgeous melodies floated gracefully around the packed house, full of character and spirit, taking the audience on a beautiful ride through the mind of the master composer, as always backed so deftly by the orchestra giving Esther the space and balance to shine so brightly.
After the break the Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No 2 by Ottorino Respighi, a piece I had not heard before but enjoyed immensely.
Based on Renaissance lute music, the four sections were all original and different, showing Respighi’s skill at transforming the medieval form into something more modern while retaining the original themes.
A special mention must go to the two harpsichord players, Christopher Wright and William Oseland, as well as Anita Aslin on harp.
The grand finale for the evening was Brahms’ Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel.
It’s a fairly long piece consisting of 25 variations of the theme and completed by the fugue.
It certainly kept the audience on their toes. The variations range from intimate to epic in mood but the final fugue is immense, showing a kaleidoscope of colour and range and a demonstration of real technical prowess pulled off fabulously by the orchestra.
I cannot recommend enough coming to see the Scarborough Symphony Orchestra, you can’t beat seeing ‘live’ music.
I guarantee you will not be disappointed if you give it a try. I can only urge you not to miss the next concert on May 9.
Tickets from www.scarborough-orchestra.org