Enthusiasm, flair and talent abound at concert

Such is the strength and depth of personnel and the variety of music from the St Andrews University Music Society, you can pick and choose to your heart’s content and never be disappointed.

I chose the St Andrews Symphony Orchestra for one reason – their choice of programme. Shostakovich Festive Overture, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony. What a line-up.

I didn’t expect clinical perfection on Thursday night in the Younger Hall and I didn’t get it. But there was 100% enthusiasm, flair, a huge amount of talent and an overall excellent performance from a huge orchestra.

Considering the vast majority are undergraduates it makes their splendid display all the more impressive. There was colour in the strings, several stand-out solos from the woodwind and the brass were sure and steadfast.

The Shostakovich was energetic and exhilarating and got the concert off to an explosive start. Equally enthralling was the Gershwin, particularly the performance of Viv McLean.

I have heard many fabulous keyboard performances and his was up there with the best of them.

As for the Tchaikovsky? This showed what heights a talented and enthusiastic ensemble can reach. Glorious melodies emanated from every rank of this fine orchestra, but despite some excellent individual performances this was a team effort.

Conductor Chris George brought out the best of this talented bunch, and this “best” is something to behold.