Concert showcases the best of Europe

Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, St David’s Hall, Cardiff

IN THE week that Brexit negotiations began, it was perhaps ironically appropriate that the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra should appear at Wales’ premier concert hall to perform Beethoven’s mighty Choral Symphony.

This was an excellent concert by one of Europe’s finest orchestras. One fervently hopes that any Brexit deal will not hinder future appearances in Wales by this or other European orchestras.

The evening began with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No 1.

If it was very occasionally a tad ponderous for some tastes, on the whole it beautifully balanced nobility, elegance Samantha Price, mezzo, Alexander and charm. There was a brooding anger James Edwards, tenor, and Thomas in the first movement which was dissipated Faulkner, bass, were on fine form. in the sublime slow movement. The Cardiff Ardwyn Singers and Cardiff

Chief conductor Michael Sanderling Polyphonic Choir were wonderfully urged restraint in the boisterous scherzo, alive to the music and Sanderling’s conducting, allowing the power of the finale to be giving a world-class performance fully realised. of controlled, masterful singing.

Sanderling placed the basses behind There were many soul-stirring passages the violins and the soloists behind the in this performance, none more so orchestra, just in front of the choir. It was than when Thomas Faulkner broke into a slightly unusual arrangement which the clamour of the finale to plea for a certainly enhanced the clarity and forcefulness turning away from discord at the start of of the performance. the Ode to Joy. Soloists Anita Watson, soprano, Peter Collins The winning numbers in Saturday night’s main draw were The bonus number was The Thunderball numbers were and and

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