Old
favourites and a few surprises
Monday.
15th September 2003
(Article published with kind permission of Northeast Press
Limited,
Sunderland Echo)
REVIEW
by Roy Horabin
THE Gala Promenade Concert presented by
Sunderland Symphony Orchestra was held in West Park Church ‑ a change of
venue from the usual Empire Theatre.
Participating artists were Irada Akhundova
(soprano), Miles Hanson (bass baritone) and the newly formed 'Sound, Rhythm
and Soul' group.
The audience was taken on a musical journey
through several decades of popular pieces from stage, screen and concert
hall.
The starting point was Brahms' Academic
Festival Overture, made up of German student songs and composed in 1879.
Then Irada, whose singing radiated much
warmth, gave us a touching rendition of Handel's beautiful song, Leave Me
In Weeping followed by the livelier Page's Song from Mozart's Figaro.
Her operatic gems by Donizetti and Puccini
were also greatly appreciated.
In a break from tradition, the 'Sound, Rhythm
and Soul' group gave a wellrehearsed drumming display. Spontaneous in
presentation, it provided an opportunity for the 10 percussionists to
prove their mettle, and they did. During the finale, tambourines were
featured.
Under Rupert Hanson's direction, the
orchestra's interpretations, despite lapses in cohesion, displayed
commendable standards of musicality.
The Harry Potter film music and an Abba medley
drew prolonged applause, whereas Elsa's Procession to the Minster
(Wagner), performed with emotional intensity, was truly thought‑provoking.
Receiving its first performance, the overture
Sir Bob (Shaftoe) and Sir Ted (Elgar) ‑ composed by principal cellist
Gregory Pullen ‑ proved imaginative and amusing.
Miles, the conductor's son, who made an
indelible impression with Moon River and later contributed to the finale,
was left in no doubt as to his popularity.
In festive mood, the promenaders loved the
Last Night favourites. Of the Pomp and Circumstance March, (Land of Hope
and Glory), Elgar once remarked: "I've got a tune that will knock 'em
flat." He was certainly proved right.
GALA PROMENADE CONCERT;
Sunderland Symphony Orchestra, West Park Church
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