The programme opened with Concertmaster Nathaniel Otley conducting Crown Imperial, a short work imparting a sense of anticipation and importance which has a history of performances at British Royal occasions, most recently at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
As the programme title implies, cuckoos featured, particularly in On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring and Summer Night on the River by Frederick Delius, where the latter of these two short tone poems ended with subtle clarinet cuckoo calls. Creek's Chorus composed by University of Otago music student Ihlara McIndoe featured a backing track of Dunedin's native bird song. A certain degree of freedom enabled performers to individually interpret aspects of this instrumental soundscape, described as an immersive experience.
Cellist Tessa Dalgety-Evans featured in a secure interpretation of the first movement of Elgar's popular Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85, with excellent intonation and sensitive thematic shaping.
2019 Young Musicians' Awards were presented by Philippa Harris to cellist Sophie Hamer (cello) and Jonty Schmidt (oboe) before the second half of the programme opened with Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance No. 4 - a march brimming with British patriotism.
Four dances from Facade (1922) by William Walton, were accorded a bright well-paced delivery for the variety of jazzy rhythms and themes, a seaside carnival atmosphere, (I do like to be beside the seaside), "tap dancing'' from the percussion ranks, and several very effective woodwind passages.
The concert finished with a jaunty walk through London with Knightsbridge March from Eric Coates' London Suite.
- Elizabeth Bouman
Cuckoos & Creek's Chorus
Dunedin Youth Orchestra
Hanover Hall
Thursday, September 26, 2019
