Shrewsbury Chronicle - 29 Nov 2007

Orchestra provides four seasons in one evening

The English Chamber Orchestra

THE English Chamber Orchestra, directed from the leader's chair by Stephanie Gonley, played a well planned programme at St Mary's Church, a concert which delighted the audience and the organisers, the Shropshire Music Trust.

Bartok's Divertimento for Strings opened the concert, a beautiful work in which the ECO excelled. In particular, the basses and cellos sounded glorious, full-toned and meeting the challenges of Bartok's writing.

Written in 1939, it is not fanciful to hear a musical pre-echo of the impending war as well as hints of jazz and Eastern European folk music. Here, as throughout the programme, the orchestra played with a wonderfully resonant sound and a tightness of ensemble which drew unqualified admiration from their listeners.

Sunny work

Haydn's Cello Concerto in C provided a Solo opportunity for Caroline Dale, the principal cellist. It is a sunny, genial work which has a deserved place in the hearts of listeners and musicians alike.

From the opening notes we arc in a musical landscape of warmth, energy and good humour, all realised in abundance by Ms Dale. She has a full tone, and a superb feel for the music, helped by the equally impressive orchestral accompaniment.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons brought the evening to a rousing conclusion. Stephanie Gonley played the solo violin and directed the orchestra in a vibrant, impassioned performance which did full justice to this extraordinary score. Soloist and orchestra alike brought out the seasonal variations - the chill of winter or the drowsy feel of the summer. A fine end to a glorious concert.

Andrew Petch

Last Updated : 13/12/2007