Curtain falls on Perth Festival of the Arts

Jun 2 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE sensational Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, playing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, brought the 38th Perth Festival of the Arts to an appropriately rousing conclusion in Perth Concert Hall on Sunday.

An eclectic programme of cultural events, from young comedian Russell Howard to virtuoso classical musicians, had given Perth audiences entertainment of the highest quality over 11 days, culminating in Sunday’s Brewin Dolphin-sponsored Festival Concert.

“Nicola Benedetti was absolutely sensational,” said a delighted Festival administrator Sandra Ralston yesterday. “She was the perfect choice in this year of Homecoming Scotland, and it was wonderful that many members of her family came to support her.

“She was a real star and so happy to meet and talk to people on Sunday.”

Looking back over the Festival, Sandra commented: “This year’s Festival has been fantastic.

“We met our sales target last Monday so are absolutely thrilled that we have had wonderful ticket sales.

“We had been cautious in planning, wanting to be careful in the current economic climate, and we were very pleased and surprised how well all our events had been supported. We sold a higher percentage of tickets than last year and had seven sold-out shows – Nicola Benedetti and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Prague Symphony Orchestra, Russell Howard, Fascinating Aida, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and two nights of Magic Flute.”

And Sandra pledged that the Perth Festival would continue to “push the barriers”.

“There was a change of policy in the late 1990s to broaden the appeal of the Festival and each year we have introduced new elements, although classical music and opera are still very much central to the Festival.

“And we hope that near year we will be able to celebrate Perth 800 with something special.”

Sandra also expressed delighted at the huge turnout to the weekend’s Art on the River event in Tay Street, organised by Perth city centre management as part of the Perth Festival programme.”

More reviews willappear in Friday’s edition of the PA