Congratulation to both the University Orchestra and the Chorus, for their terrific concert on Saturday.
In rehearsal: the University Orchestra
From the lively Slavonic Dance by Dvorak which opened the concert, the Orchestra showed themselves to be in fine form. There was some real power-house brass-playing in the Sacred Pieces by Verdi to accompany the Chorus; great ensemble, spot-on intonation and tremendous excitement.
The strength in the strings was evident right from the opening of Dvorak’s Symphony no.8, with the cello section’s lyrical opening; the orchestra fairly skipped through the minuet-and-trio Allegretto grazioso third movement, before the heraldic trumpet fanfare declared the final movement was underway, delivered with greart verve. Some eloquent playing in the woodwind section demonstrated what a fine crop of players the Orchestra has this year.
Well done to everyone who participated – and to those who helped both with setting up the Hall and striking it afterwards. A fine evening, greatly appreciated by an enthusiastic audience.
Bring on the might of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and the majesty of Mozart Requiem in the magnificent surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral next term!
