The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Plans to movev&a are given mixed reception
THE PROPOSAL to moveV&A at Dundee inland was yesterday greeted with mixed reactions.
While some critics have branded the move “disappointing” others saw it as “commonsense” against the backdrop of the economic climate.
Philip Long, director of the V&A at Dundee, said the look of the building will be unaffected and will retain all elements of Kengo Kuma’s original design but the proposal to move the museum inland, closer to the Discovery will ensure it will be delivered on time and on budget.
The Scottish Government yesterday reaffirmed its support for the project.
A spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to the V&A at Dundee, which is clearly a significant project for the city and the whole of Scotland.
“It is vital that it is properly planned and costed before construction begins.
“As the project board and all those involved in the project delivery have made clear, the iconic design of the building and its impact on waterfront regeneration is at the heart of their new proposals.
“The allocation of more than £18 million Scottish Government funding is an expression of our confidence in this project.”
Lochee councillor Tom Ferguson also hailed the proposal good sense.
He said: “There is a hint of commonsense project planning with this latest development. I had my doubts months ago regarding the overhanging design which would have added considerable cost.
“There is an element of considered responsibility given the economic strictures for the foreseeable future.
“This building will be basically the same iconic design.”
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson, however, said he needed assurance that the integrity of the design would remain intact.
He said: “I’ve today written to the director of city development seeking further information about what is being proposed.
“What would concern me would be if the change had been made purely to save money and if the visionary elements of the design had been lost.”
He added: “Kengo Kuma’s design was a pretty inspired choice and I would like to make sure none of the vision is lost.”
Readers also took toThe Courier website and Facebook page to air their views.
Peter Henry, from the Law area of Dundee, said: “Surely the partnership groups should realise that this design was voted for by the people of Dundee based partially on its proposed prominent position out on the Tay, a location I remember being lauded by the designer as possibly becoming as iconic as the Sydney Opera House, due to its visibility to visitors approaching Dundee by road, rail, sea and air.”
Wendy Kierans wrote: “That’s hideous, going to look out of place,” while another reader wrote: “Terrible compromise as having the building cantilevered out into the Tay was the highlight.
“Almost inevitable given the tiny budget but a disaster for the aspirations of the project. Disappointing in the extreme.”
But other readers rushed to support the new proposal.
Vicky Reilly said: “Why is everyone so down on Dundee? This is a massive thing for Dundee and will bring lots of great opportunities!
“Maybe it’s about time that we all started to appreciate our home town.”
Another reader wrote: “The whole of Dundee waterfront is going to be transformed, looking forward to seeing all the projects finished.
“Hopefully it will give a great boost to local businesses.”
And Andrew McCurrach added: “I think the council are doing the right thing with this project and any forward thinking Dundonian should get behind this.” MOST ORCHESTRAS, in the opening concert of the season, play their strongest hand to demonstrate they are more than ready for the off.
Few, however, open with an ace but that is exactly what the Scottish Chamber Orchestra did in St Andrews.
The SCO and Beethoven’s Eroica is one of the most rewarding and irresistible combinations in classical music and always a winner.
I thought the performance, and the interpretation of Robin Ticciati, was outstanding.
But I thought the opening allegro was taken at too fast a pace but the second movement was a dream.
As for the f inale, Beethoven’s marvellous set of variations, it was perfect in every meaning of the word. It was a complete triumph and proves that within a couple of years Ticciati’s stock has risen considerably.
The works that preceded this were no less palatable. Berlioz’s concert overture to King Lear opened the proceedings perfectly.
It has the lot, emotive unison strings, wonderful switches of colour and mood with Ticciati adding touches of rubato to great effect.
It might not have the depth and scale of the Symphonie Fantastique but it had more than enough to keep the SCO on their toes.
For those expecting Schumann’s violin concerto, they wouldn’t have been disappointed to find out that a swap had been made for the Mendelssohn.
Neither would they have been disappointed with the performance of the young German violinist Veronika Eberle. I did a double-take at the speed of the Andante (who’s choice? Ticciati’s or Eberle’s?) but the outer movements were a joy.
The f irst movement cadenza gave the soloist plenty chance to show off a prodigious technique which streamed throughout an excellent performance.
Courier country music lovers will have the chance to hear this excellent orchestra next month in Perth, where they will be joined by another wonderful soloist, pianist Maria Joao Pires.