Standing ovation for youth orchestra

A few moments of complete silence followed by rapturous applause and a standing ovation greeted the orchestra's dramatic and emotional performance of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony, The Pathetique.

Conductor Roland Fudge steered these enthusiastic and talented young players with impressive clarity and control to give of their best in a work which is not at all straightforward, even for fully professional players. Along the way, there was some warm and expressive playing from all sections of the orchestra, especially the strings (led by Freya Rock) and clarinets. The concert opened with the conductor's Brittenesque arrangement of Clarke's Prince of Denmark's March, led off by the percussion with precise rhythmic playing and well judged dynamics which gave great power to the climaxes. Local student Persia Babayan-Taylor was the soloist in the first movement of Mozart's G major Violin Concerto. She gave an assured performance capturing the essence of the youthful composer's music. Not an easy programme, but with the obvious dedication of the players and the audience's enthusiastic support, a very enjoyable night's music-making.

Richard McGregor