The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra’s “Youth Concerto” concert last Sunday at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts was a resounding success, with finely honed performances from three of regional Victoria’s rising stars. Conducting honours were shared by Reuben Morgan, first half, and Hugh McKelvey, second half.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cellist Charlotte performed Bruch’s “Kol Nidrei” with a clear sense of melodic direction. The warm tone enhanced the beauty of the Hebrew melodies on which the work is based.
The second movement of Mozart’s seventeenth piano concerto was given a precise and confident reading by Rebecca Clarke. The unexpected mood changes were well prepared and Mozart’s cadenza received the intensity expected.
Alex Johnson delivered a sparkling performance of the first movement of Haydn’s popular trumpet concerto. She maintained rhythmic precision throughout, with purposeful tone production from the first note. The three musicians worked seamlessly with the orchestra in their respective performances.
The remainder of the program featured works of highly colourful orchestration. The exotic tones and marching rhythm of “Procession of the Sardar”, by Ippolitov-Ivanov, were comfortably projected.
The complex rhythms of Chabrier’s popular tribute to Spain, “Espana” moved with ease, with excellent work from the brass and percussion.
The finale was “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, of Dukas. Paul Dukas, the French early twentieth century composer, teacher and critic is now and somewhat unfairly remembered for this single atmospheric work. The well-controlled pace set up the mysterious and menacing character of the drama, with the irresistible forward movement punctuated by perfectly timed pauses.
