JUDGING from audience response at the Music For All Concert given by
Sunderland Symphony Orchestra, these events are growing in popularity.
The musical menu, well chosen by musical director Rupert Hanson, began
with Beethoven's Overture, Leonore, Number Three. In presenting this
dramatic piece, few details were missed - stirring trumpet calls had
telling effect and the ending, bravura displays of virtuosity.
Guest
soprano, Katrina Campbell from Murton, changed the mood with two
operatic arias. Both from Mozart's Magic Flute, they had a strong
impact, some extremely high notes and florid passages being accurately
articulated.
Later, excerpts from Puccini were artistically presented with
appropriate depth of feeling. Katrina obviously has a promising future.
Elgar's
Cello Concerto, composed after the First World War, reflects the
composer's creative gifts. Cathy Donnelly performed the first movement,
a sombre atmosphere being created by her four opening unaccompanied
chords.
Following the orchestra's gentle response, the cello became agitated
before finally submitting to Elgar's moving lament for lives sacrificed
during the war.
Associate conductor Gregory Pullen took the baton for the next two
items.
Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite evokes the nature and aura of Nordic scenery.
Colourful playing brought to life the refreshing sounds of Morning,
while the climactic build up In the Hall of the Mountain King made
exciting listening.
In the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony the playing radiated
verve and energy.
After the interval we returned to the terrors of war as depicted in
Mars, from Holst's The Planets. Percussion and brass sections provided
remorseless dominating rhythms and the trumpets, a rallying call to
arms. Tension increased as the music reached its cruel, discordant
climax.
Peaceful
and restful was Massenet's Meditation, so beautifully rendered by David
McCourt, the young lead violinist.
Music from the film Harry Potter and the Strauss - rousing Radetzky
March constituted a satisfying evening in which standards were
praiseworthy.
