Review: Perth Youth Orchestra

Perth Youth Orchestra was back recently displaying platform-filling strength at Perth Concert Hall - all the instruments, including harp and saxophone, and a superb string section with the presence and unanimity of professionals.

Conductor Allan Young led a Johann Strauss I’s Radetzky March with swagger and colour – the only thing missing were repeats.

The first of two excellent and engaging soloists from the orchestra was Andrew Hart in the first movement of Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major K313.

After an alert, well-played tutti, Andrew entered with fine tone and timing. So good, he should have had a longer cadenza. He looked and was justly pleased with his playing… and the enthusiastic applause of the Perth audience.

A Perth Youth Orchestra favourite, the Suite from Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings was given with aplomb, its tunes clear and confident - and a bonus in the form of Chloe Moodie of Perth Grammar who sang When the Cold Dark of Winter Comes.

The second, most able soloist was Niamh Clark, also the orchestra’s leader, with Haydn’s Violin Concerto in G Major, First Movement. The string orchestra accompaniment again gave a most musical preparation for the soloist, again sovereign in her rôle. Granted a longer cadenza, she was stylish in barriolage and apreggios. Altogether an excellent advertisement for the ability of Perth Youth Orchestra.

Last advertised was Bizet’s colourful L’arlésienne Suite No2.

Warm strings took the melody of the Pastorale. In the Intermezzo a stern outer section led to the delightful drum-tap dance at its centre. Flute Hazel Martin was excellent in the daunting solo spotlight of the Minuet.

All played the final Farandole with great gusto and mounting excitement to a stupendous end.