Westmorland Youth Orchestra, Kendal Parish Church

AS ROLAND Fudge’s farewell concert after some 30 years with Westmorland Youth Orchestra, this was one to remember - a typically varied and entertaining programme at Kendal Parish Church from the outgoing musical director, writes SARAH DAVIES.

Soloist Amy Thompson directed a Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto herself, keeping her string ensemble under effective control. She showed herself the worthy recipient of the annual Probus Award, presented by the club's chairman Michael Clarke.

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Cellist Madeleine Hurley gave a thoughtful performance of Adoration by Felix Borowski, explaining that she "loves the way the piece is shaped and how it sings."

When the orchestra came together in full, Khan Durnall was a confident narrator for Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf; there were some beautiful solo moments from flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon, cleverly depicting the various characters.

The orchestra captured the unrelenting, ominous passages in Mars, from Holst's The Planets suite, complimented by a poignant performance of Venus.

Earth Dwellers, composed and conducted by Roland Fudge himself, gave the percussion section the opportunity to show off their skills.

Roland was first violin tutor for 25 years before taking over the baton six years ago and the evening concluded with him performing Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street with solo voice and solo violin. There was thunderous applause for a conductor who may be ‘rolling on...’ but has left a powerful legacy.