Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
This year the Symphony Orchestra plunged headlong into a demanding programme of rehearsals and concerts, performing the March, Dance and Waltz II from Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite No. 2 for the St Cecilia Concert. Spurred on by Mr Perrins’ vitality and energetic conducting, the clarinets pushed their blistered fingers through ever-faster renditions of the music, whilst the rest of the orchestra listened with amazement or amusement alternately.
Having performed at the St Cecilia Concert, the orchestra members were treated to a welcome, albeit unintended, break whilst we waited for our music to arrive. We returned in the New Year to find copies of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 waiting for us. At the same time, we lost the orchestra’s Leader, Stephen Webster, who was replaced by Leonie Rainbird-Tilson. We were not to fear, however, as Stephen returned to play the piano in the First movement of the Piano Concerto. From the imposing rising scales of his entry, to the stunning virtuosity of his exit, the performance was a true tour de force, and the perfect way to end a busy year.
Alexander Hurst