Opportunities to perform with an orchestra are rare yet such an opportunity remains one of the most important steps in the path of an emerging professional musician.

Guest conductor Gyula Cseszko’s easy manner with the orchestra and the young musicians assisted in the polished presentation.

The solid preparation of the six students was translated into a confident and highly musical performance from each. Three in particular stood out. Matthew Lim(violin) in de Beriot’s “Scene de Ballet”, Abigail Hayward(piano), playing the Rondo from Haydn’s concerto in D and Jack Stacey(piano) with the second and third movements of Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto.

These performances contained a sense of the musician belonging there with the music.

The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra bookended the concert with Robert Dora’s “Lex Overture”, an energetic work exploring many tonal colours. Composed only two years ago this work gave all orchestral members the opportunity to display their skills successfully.

The Superman March, from John Williams’ film score, completed the concert in spectacular style. The performance overall was accurate and enthusiastic.