Perth High musicians in St Ninian’s concert

Mar 12 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

IF ‘variety is the spice of life’, then the audience in Perth’s St Ninian’s Cathedral were certainly given it on Saturday morning when young musicians performed at the lunchtime concert series.

Fifty-five young Perth High School musicians presented a first-class concert which amused, educated and entertained the large audience. The musicians played classical, jazz and traditional music with enthusiasm which stirred us all.

They began with the swing band playing ‘Moondance’ and Duke Ellington’s ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’, bringing the concert to a close later with Neil Diamond’s ‘I’m a Believer’.

It is impossible to select everyone who deserves recognition but mention must be made of Robert McCully and the Ceilidh Band. They set everyone in a happy mood with the audience tapping their feet. We were fortunate to be listening to traditional Scottish music played with such verve.

Next, there was Fiona Scott with ‘The Spark of Creation’ by Stephen Schwarz. This caused a great stir in the audience. Fiona not only vocalised well but expressed her feelings with dramatic effect and sincerity. Her schoolfriends as well as the audience were appreciative.

Hilary Scott’s euphonium solo, a difficult piece to approach, was confidently played. We were also treated to Bach and Gluck solos on the flute and Handel on the trumpet, all of which were well interpreted. The choir sang John Rutter’s well-loved ‘Gaelic Blessing’ in beautiful harmony.

Christine Black, the school’s director of music, and her staff are to be commended for such a pleasurable morning’s entertainment.

The series of music in the Cathedral continues on Saturday, March 27, at 7.30pm when the Friends of Perth Cathedral Music present an organ recital by Richard Walmsley, director of music at the Cathedral.

June Smith