Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra - St Georges Church, Barbourne (From Worcester News)

Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra - St Georges Church, Barbourne

11:14am Monday 16th March 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

COMPOSER Jean Sibelius was arguably not the greatest when it came to writing symphonies.

There are sweeping and over-expansive gestures that are so busy in their portrayal of Finnish nationalism that the overall symphonic structure leaves a feeling of running out of steam. So Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra had a job on its hands playing Sibelius’s Symphony No 1 at St Georges Church, but performed well.

What came before it was more gripping. Lyadov’s Kikimora - a musical portrayal of a Slavic mythological story - and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Italian violinist Alessandro Mingrone as soloist had very impressive control from both the orchestra and the conductor.

Mingrone’s playing was not always flawless as far as intonation was concerned, but there was plenty empassioned and brilliantly virtuosic playing from him. Accompaniment in the orchestra was on the ball from all sections throughout this piece.

Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra concerts are occasions to look forward to.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)