BBC Philharmonic rise to challenge superbly (From The Westmorland Gazette)

BBC Philharmonic rise to challenge superbly

6:30pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Music By Brian Paynes

BBC Philharmonic

Westmorland Hall, Kendal

The BBC Philharmonic, under the athletically-balletic direction of Gary Walker, brought an interesting programme to the Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society concert.

Elgar’s much loved Symphony No1 provided a glorious finale to this auspicious occasion. The Phil, living up to its reputation as one of the finest of British orchestras, was in impressive form, presenting Elgar in all his noble magnificence; grand climaxes, gentle English wistfulness, sensitive phrase shapes, sweeping melodies, rich textures and an ever-present energy.

Preceding this was Bruch’s less familiar Concerto for Clarinet and Viola, a piece that is in turn beautifully melodic, delicately-charming and rhythmically exhilarating. The soloists - two of the Phil’s principals – John Bradbury (clarinet) and Steven Burnard (viola) - despite certain difficulties of balance - combined well, both together and with their colleagues, in proving that Bruch was more than just a one-work composer.

The world premiere of Maurizio Malagnini’s Symphonic Suite Running in the Clouds opened the concert. Those loving the Lake District will have instantly empathised with this work, inspired by the achievements of Joss Naylor during his running of the Bob Graham Round. In colourful, film-music-like language, it vividly portrays the physical and mental challenges of fell running and the spiritual beauty of the hills in all weathers. Strongly projected was the sentiment ‘Hallelujah, I’ve done it and (on the whole) I’ve enjoyed it!’ With typically wonderful commitment and musicianship the orchestra rose to its challenge superbly.

Brian Paynes