Scottish Chamber Orchestra ‘virtual’ concert raises spirits
It was a new first on September 24 for Perth Concert Hall during lockdown: the streaming of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Season Opening concert.
Soloist Nicola Benedetti and new chief conductor Maxim Emelyanychev really raised the spirits, as sponsor representative Andrew McGlone of Quilter Cheviot Investment Management said they would.
Socially distancing was in force: the 34 members of the SCO occupied the entire width and depth of the stage of the versatile Gannochy Auditorium.
The stalls area, minus seating, was raised to platform height giving lots of space for Nicola Benedetti and Maxim Emelyanychev.
And at the back, one visible cameraman.
With Maxim Emelyanychev’s encouraging wave to the timpanist and we were off on the most emotional of Violin Concertos: Bruch’s Violin Concerto No1 in g minor.
Though merely labelled ‘Prelude’, the opening movement brought intensity from soloist and vitality from the SCO, Maxim Emelyanychev, energetic and dapper in his bow-tie.
Tuttis were powerfully played, the much praised acoustic of the hall lending clarity and bloom to the excellent sound.
Several camera positions gave varied but always pertinent images.
Nicola Benedetti played the Adagio, the heart of the concerto, with affection and open-hearted warmth.
Her playing drew you in. Fine sound and noble solos from the SCO added to the feeling.
Then the overbubbling joy and release of the Finale: An exciting quiver of crescendoing repeated notes and Nicola Benedetti launched Bruch’s enticing, virtuoso tune.
Vivacious and happy, all accelerated to its applause demanding emphatic end.
Granted, I am sure, by the over 1000 watching online.
In the hall, appreciative mutual applause, an elbow bump for Nicola and Maxim and a thank you for watching.