Review: RSNO and PYO @ Perth Concert Hall

Jan 20 2009

MEMBERS of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra have been resident in Perth and Kinross for the past week as part of their community-based project performing concerts at various venues, plus presenting teaching and coaching workshops with children and local musicians throughout the area. On Thursday they combined with Perth Youth Orchestra in the Concert Hall for a free concert of Scottish-inspired music, combining the two ‘Scottish’ works by Mendelssohn with two modern pieces by contemporary British composers.

Introducing the concert Simon Woods, chief executive of the RSNO, thanked Perth and Kinross Council for supporting the event and Allan Young, conductor of PYO, said it was a chance in a lifetime for his young players.

The concert was directed by RSNO’s assistant conductor David Danzmayr, and began with musicians from both orchestras playing Mendelssohn’s evocative Hebrides Overture. The fluid and melodious account of this favourite of overtures was an uplifting experience as the young performers matched their professional elders with playing that was exciting, precise and convincing. The lovely second theme was particularly enticing with the cellos producing a beautifully warm tone and the storm section was truly thrilling. Afterwards I heard a young performer say how much they had enjoyed playing the piece but also stating ‘It was much fast than I expected.’

The second work featured the full Perth Youth Orchestra with members of the RSNO taking the back seats. The piece they choose was Kenneth Platts’ Tapestries. This four-movement work was commissioned for the PYO in 1988 and is based on the life of Mary Queen of Scots. A very atmospheric piece, this was an ideal showpiece for the orchestra and was played with great style and confidence that produced lush string playing in the first movement and strong brass chords with a real ceilidh feel in the lively reel that followed.

The slow nocturne was particularly sensitively played and built up the dramatic tension to a lovely brass chorale before the lively and rhythmic final movement closed the work in very exciting style. The PYO are to be congratulated on their display of musicianship with this complex and difficult work, they demonstrated their high quality, total commitment and joyful enthusiasm that completely enthralled the packed auditorium.

As a short encore the PYO played Martin Dalby’s Cradle Song, a lovely piece based on Scott Skinner’s Scottish folk tune. Again, delightfully played with the strings, excellently led by Iain Murch, proving their quality of tone and full, sonorous sound.

In the second half the RSNO, under Danzmayr, gave a display of their prowess and expertise in a super performance of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 3 ‘Scottish’. This could have been just an average performance after the strenuous week the RSNO had; however, it was a sheer delight to sit back and listen to this wonderful symphony played in impeccable style. Danzmayr turned every corner of the work perfectly and the players obviously enjoyed every minute.

At the end the members of the PYO, listening in the balcony, stood and cheered the RSNO, who deservedly received a rapturous ovation, but the night belonged to the Perth Youth Orchestra who had an experience they would remember for the rest of their lives.

Peter Rutterford