7th October 2024
There was a distinct air of anticipation building in the foyer of De Montfort Hall on Sunday afternoon in advance of the Orchestra’s first concert of the New Horizons season under conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa.
Orchestra Manager Robert Calow had to step in at the last minute to do the pre-concert talk as listed host John Florance was laid low with covid. Robert did a sterling job and said afterwards it was easy as Natalia and soloist Lydia Shelley were a real pleasure to talk to!
The concert opener Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz brought smiles to the faces of audience and orchestra alike, with a very large orchestra and an amazing battery of percussion instruments. The main theme of the piece emerged and with repetition became a pleasing earworm remaining long in the memory.
This was followed by a popular return by soloist Lydia Shelley who performed Dvorak’s Cello concerto and provided clear evidence of the rapport between conductor and soloist as they gave a powerful and memorable performance of the work which was clearly appreciated by the audience.
New merchandise proved a talking point in the interval with the ‘Bardi bears’ making a welcome return to the Friends desk, lots of them went off to new homes after the concert.
The second half consisted of a single work, Brahms Symphony No. 2 which was, under the dynamic direction of Luis-Bassa, clearly enjoyed by players and audience alike with enthusiastic applause at the end.
The new season is off to a flying start! See you all at the next one on Sunday 1st December for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and more.
Photography by Chris Roe
