Standing ovation for BBC Philharmonic (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Standing ovation for BBC Philharmonic

6:00pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Music By Adrian Mullen, Arts correspondent

COMPOSER Maurizio Malagnini’s premiere piece performed by the BBC Philharmonic at Kendal’s Westmorland Hall had the 700-plus audience on its feet.

Also broadcast live by BBC Radio Cumbria, Running in the Clouds received an amazing reaction from concertgoers, some even whistled their appreciation, an unusually occurence for a classcial music concert.

The 20-minute composition painted a vivid musical landscape every bit as evocative as an Ralph Vaughan Williams symphony.

For a modern piece, it came across as extremely accessible and easily understood, reflecting the beauty and toughness of the challenging Bob Graham Round, which had inspired its creator.

Staged as part of the acclaimed Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society season, the society’s Tim Keegan said the whole event was a huge success with a great atmosphere in the hall.

He added: “It was virtually a sell-out and as you will have heard on the radio, the audience were appreciative of every piece. There was a standing ovation for Running in the Clouds with great acclaim for the composer who came on stage. The Kendal audience really enjoys the big orchestras coming, and the BBC Philharmonic were really on form.

“The Running in the Clouds piece was stunning. It was so descriptive of the Lakes. Several people told me that they were moved to tears by it because it was so emotive. It is lyrical with great contrasts in tempo, volume and atmosphere.

“We have had modern pieces before but never a world premiere. We are honoured that the BBC chose the Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society for the occasion. Afterwards Richard Wigley, the general manager of the BBC Philharmonic, praised the volunteer trustees of the society, and the local audience for its support, enthusiasm and loyalty.