This performance highlighted the value of co-ordination: here it was between the enterprising conductor, a composer familiar with the instrument, a gifted soloist and generous funding by members of the Friends of Opus Orchestra.
The orchestral scoring was rich and imaginative, but it was a pity that so much the audiences' attention was turned to the soloist.
Copland's Quiet City depicts the remorse of a man over his life's choices and this was captured well as a misty atmosphere by the orchestra, and playing of a high order by solo trumpet and cor anglais.
Haydn's Farewell had excitement and drive until the finale when the real farewell began by 'Petering out' with a light-hearted mass exodus by the players; even the conductor, too.
One by one, they left the stage until only two lonely but graceful violins were left behind.
- Hanno Fairburn
