2nd December 2024
Bardi’s biggest audience this year, almost 900 concert goers, enjoyed a fantastic concert on Sunday afternoon, and the enthusiastic comments from the enthusiastic audience are still coming in!
The music was a celebration of centenaries for three of the four pieces which featured in the programme: Sibelius Symphony No.7, Respighi’s Pines of Rome and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
Conductor Jonathan Lo struck up an immediate rapport with the Orchestra in rehearsals and the result was an electric performance. Joining the Orchestra for the Gershwin was internationally known pianist Tom Poster, an old friend of the Orchestra, and he and Jonathan clearly enjoyed themselves in the piece.
Many have commented on the mesmeric performance of Ravel’s Bolero too, including several who had never heard it live before. More guests joined for the Pines of Rome in the shape of the Kibworth Band who appeared on stage in their striking green jackets and featured in the stirring last movement evoking Roman legions marching down the Appian Way. The piece reached a crescendo when joined by De Montfort Hall’s magnificent Taylor organ with all the stops out.
Certainly a concert which will remain long in the memory of those who came, and those who played.
Photography by Chris Roe
