Review of concert on 2nd February 2008
On 2nd February, the community's newest orchestra - the Watford Symphony Orchestra took to the stage at St Lukes for the second concert of its inaugural season. Once again tickets had sold out well over a week in advance of the concert - quite exceptional for an amateur orchestra. The concert was staged this time for and on behalf of the Watford and District National Trust.
The programme opened with a performance of Hamish McCunn's most famous work - the Land of the Mountain and the Flood. An evocative overture whose performance demonstrated the energy and sensitivity of the orchestra.
Tom Watson then performed the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with much gusto and flair. Tom, a former Watford Boys School student and now professional trumpeter showed an obvious love of this particular work and his beautiful tone was given full reign in the church's excellent acoustics.
The first half of the programme concluded with the William Tell, that well known overture by Rossini. The opening section was performed brilliantly by the orchestra's talented cello section. The wind also excelled in this work with their demanding solo passages and with beautiful cor anglais playing from Louisa Osmond.
The concert finished with Elgar's Enigma Variations. This is a beautiful work and a great piece for orchestras to show off their abilities. The Watford Symphony Orchestra did not disappoint demonstrating their range of accomplishments from the sensitive Nimrod to the rousing finale. It is hard to imagine that they are still a fledgling organisation. Their performance reflected an orchestra who had been together for many years. This must be down to the excellent leadership of their conductor, Edward Kay who directed the orchestra with confidence and musicality, and of their leader, Rebecca Boyle.
Another great and inspiring concert from this talented group of local musicians. The next concert is to be held at St Lukes on 19th April. Buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
