Festival Review

Simon Sergeant, August 16th. 2007, The Stratford-upon-Avon Herald.

Truly the sound of young angels

"Music is well said to be the speech of angels," wrote Thomas Carlyle, and those of us present for the final concert  of the Virtuoso Violin in Stratford's Holy Trinity Church on Monday were certainly privileged to hear such an angelic treat.

The concert was given by the Stratford Virtuosi Orchestra , an ensemble of young musicians from many parts of Europe attending this year's Bach and Paganini festival for violinists, now in its sixth year, and is the culmination of their week of classes and workshops given by tutors of international reputation. under the direction of Dr Rimma Sushanskaya.

Rimma and Richard Weigall were the soloists in J S Bach's Concerto for violin, oboe and strings in C Minor which began the concert, and it was obvious from the first few chords of the opening movement  that this was to be a special performance.  The exuberance, vitality and skill of this young orchestra grabbed the music and took it into a realm of freshness and zeal which was a joy to hear.  

The spirit of Shakespeare would have been much moved by the next two pieces  - beautifully and delicately performed string orchestra arrangements of William Walton's music for 1944 Olivier film of Henry V.

Richard Weigall returned as soloist for a performance of Guy Wolfenden's concerto for oboe and strings, and the accomplished  playing of the piece must have been a superb 70th birthday present for the composer who was present in the audience.

The evening of musical pleasures was completed with a majestic performance of Dvorak's Serenade for Strings in E Major, and although one had heard it many times, it was like hearing it anew suffused as it was by by the energy and undoubted artistry of this ensemble of young and talented players.

After the extended applause following this piece, the Mayor of Stratford, Cllr Donna Barker, thanked the festival organisers and the players for a most enjoyable evening of music.

The acoustics and the glorious setting of this ancient building all helped to make this a memorable occasion, and the angels adorning the roof and screens must have rejoiced in hearing their language spoken so superbly  by those young players.  Don't miss next year's concert.

Simon Sergeant