REVIEW: Mendelssohn's full Dream a treat after inspiring concerto
SOMETHING was definitely stirring in the woods and what a joyful entertainment it provided as the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra began its glorious season finale at the Dome.
The first of three March concerts to conclude the current programme was a complete theatrical treat as the 200th anniversary of the birth of Felix Mendelssohn was celebrated with a performance of his Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Celebrated actress Joanna David was due to deliver Shakespeare's wonderful prose but was a late withdrawal because of illness.
Under the circumstances, the BPO were fortunate to be able to call on the services of Rohan McCullough, who has narrated the work with three of America's top orchestras and gave a masterful performance.
The work also calls for soloists and chorus, and again the BPO were magnificently served by the acclaimed Brighton Festival Youth Choir under Juliette Pochin.
Soloists Katrina Holloway and Sophie Bowles underlined the immense talent at the choir's disposal and how well served we are by Brighton Festival singers, both young and not quite so young.
It was just as well, mind you, as the first half proved a hard act to follow.
Young violinist Soojin Han deservedly earned rapturous applause for a truly inspiring performance of the Mendelssohn masterpiece, the Violin Concerto in E Minor.
Her rapport with the orchestra and primarily conductor Barry Wordsworth was clear to see and although the conductor's facial expressions were hidden from view, the virtuoso's gentle smiles and knowing glances were as much a joy as the music.
The Dome faithful are always generous in their appreciation of visiting performers but seldom can they have been quite so taken by what was a quite amazing performance and it will be a major surprise if the gifted Soojin Han does not return sometime in the near future.
The penultimate concert in the 2008-09 season comes on Sunday, March 15 when Papa Haydn figures prominently, with his Piano Concerto in D and Symphony No 83 (La Poule - the Hen).
Ralf Gothoni is the soloist.
Schubert's Symphony No 5 and Sallinen's Introduction and Tango Overture will complete the programme.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
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