Perth Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert

Feb 26 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE classic rock sound of Queen will be given a classical twist for tomorrow evening’s Perth Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert in Perth Concert Hall.

Invited musicians from Perth Symphony Orchestra and singers from the community will perform the Queen Symphony, the brainchild of composer, conductor and arranger Tolga Kashif in his composition for orchestra and choir celebrating the enormous musical legacy of rock legends Queen.

Tomorrow’s concert follows the success of last year’s Perth Symphony Orchestra Concert in partnership with Cultural and Community Services of Perth and Kinross Council and involving community ensembles and vocalists from across the county.

Perth Symphony Orchestra will perform with members of Perth Youth Orchestra and combine with adult chorus, secondary school pupils and treble voice chorus involving more than 100 vocalists.

The Queen Symphony is based on a dozen well-known melodies from the rock band, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and Who Wants to Live Forever.

London-born Turkish-Cypriot Tolga Kashif heeded the late, great Fereddie Mercury’s words of 1974 when he said he would “like people to put their own interpretation” on his own songs. Kashif spent two years composing The Queen Symphony and he conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in its debut in the Royal Festival Hall in 2002.

The work comprises six movements – Adagio Misterioso, Allegretto, Adagio, Allegro Vivo, Andante Doloroso and Andante Sostenuto – based on the melodic and rhythmic motifs from Queen. This atmospheric piece is scored for full symphony orchestra, mixed voice chorus and treble voices, and is regularly aired on Radio 3 and a Classic FM favourite.

The concert will open with the orchestra alone performing Robert W Smith’s Inferno and Purgatorio from the Divine Comedy, two evocative modern works with vivid atmospherics.

The second half of the concert will be dedicated entirely to the Queen Symphony performance.

Perth Symphony Orchestra conductor, Allan Young, said: “After the success of last year’s Romany Wood Concert which saw the orchestra combining with pupils from all over Perth and Kinross, we were keen to present something just as challenging and involving other groups and ensembles.

“The Queen Symphony is such an exciting piece and is sure to be equally enjoyed by classical music lovers and Queen fans alike. It has been such a pleasure to combine with extremely enthusiastic singers from every corner of Perth and Kinross to prepare for the concert.”

The PSO Spring Concert is part of the Perth 800 celebrations. Provost John Hulbert said: “I am sure this event will appeal to fans of rock music and classical fans alike. This broad appeal is the essence of Perth 800.

“The concert will also showcase some of the best local talent we have here in Perth and Kinross. It promises to be an intriguing show and I’m very much looking forward to it.”

The concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (concessions £5 and free admission for school pupils), from the PCH box office or telephone 01738 621031.