It was richly orchestrated and held my ears in sharp focus.įull of tension and anticipation with ominous deep drum rolls, discordant woodwind and full, sonorous climax from strings and brass. It was entitled " Elegy(for a World Obsessed with Violence)" and communicated the fearful effect of the events in New York on September 11, 2001. Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22. It is one of Nelson's most significant cultural treasures and justifies both private and public sector partnership funding to secure its future. The Nelson Symphony Orchestra needs our financial support. Congratulations to all the hard working and talented musicians and to Nigel Weeks for bringing together such musical brilliance and generosity.
Well done NSO for a wonderful programme of beautifully executed works. Then to bring us back to the English context the Orchestra played Fantasia on British Sea Songs arranged by Sir Henry Wood which has been an indispensable item at the BBC's Last Night of the Proms and involved audience participation in the form of hooters, party poppers, much flag waving and dancing on the spot by the conductor.įinally the programme came to a close with the much loved and stirring Pomp and Circumstance March in D Op 39 No 1. The rapport between conductor and ex- student was delightful and added to the enjoyment of the performance. Ben's glorious bass voice was fully exploited in the choice of songs: Toreador Song, from Carmen, Ol Man River and If I were a Rich Man.
The three songs sung by Auckland soloist Ben Kubiak were full of musical character and expertise. The second half began with the demanding Le Carnaval Romain Op 9. Conductor Nigel Weeks was in his element and encouraged an excellent response from the flag waving singers. Then to complete the first half of the concert the audience were invited to sing Hubert Parry's best known work, Jerusalem, with the orchestra, which sparkled with stunning brass effects and brilliant percussion. The orchestra performed this work beautifully with all the tenderness and love Elgar must have felt when he composed it as an engagement present for his future wife. We returned to England's most patriotic composer Edward Elgar for a lovely rendition of Salut d'amour, Op12. Juliet has the sensitivity and the maturity to interpret this operatic, symphonic Intermezzo with all the romantic style and technique it requires and she performed it beautifully. Perhaps the most moving item in the programme was the stunning performance of Massenet's Meditation played by violinist Juliet Ayers and accompanied by the orchestra. The xylophone played confidently by Flutist Annabelle Laing added lightness to the orchestral sound. Percy Grainger's well- loved Country Gardens was next on the programme and offered a chance to relax after the demanding Grieg.
This was such an achievement from such a young pianist. During the Cadenza Louis displayed his virtuosity with outstanding technical ability and sustained a secure approach throughout the movement. The performance of the first movement of the Grieg Piano Concerto by young pianist Louis Lucas Perry and orchestra had the audience holding their breath. A rich, full sonority of orchestral timbres was achieved and the beautiful interpretation of well known folk songs set the scene for the programme which followed, This was played with great clarity and precision and offered plenty of opportunity for each section of the orchestra to shine. The Concert opened with the English Folksong Suite by Ralph Vaughn Williams.
It was a full house, a full and generous programme, a full orchestra and a fully satisfied audience. "Last Night at the Proms" was such a treat.įrom the moment we stepped into the foyer at NCMA, we were captivated by the air of festivity as we received our flags, hooters and party poppers which were to be an essential part of the second half of the concert. REVIEW: Bad luck to those who missed these two concerts by the Nelson Symphony Orchestra held at the NCMA and conducted by Nigel Weeks.