What has now become somewhat of a tradition for the Manchester University Music Society (MUMS), their farewell to the calendar year is a festive concert full of seasonal music wishing us all well for the season, and looking forward to a brighter and better new year.
This year's Festive Concert featured three of the society's various music ensembles. And first to take to the stage was The String Orchestra. They started in festive mood, playing a lovely arrangement by none other than Gustav Holst of 'In The Bleak Mid Winter'. This was followed by Sibelius's 'Andante Festivo' which was also a lovely piece and in the seasonal spirit. The third piece the orchestra chose however, seemed to be a little out of context with this evening's programmatic idea. It was The Concerto For Double Bass by Serge Koussevistsky, which was performed and arranged this evening by student bass player, Jan Cowell.
After a hiatus and reconfiguration, the next group to take the stage was the Wind Orchestra, and although they may not have been playing what we would recognise as festive music, this was popular cinematic fayre and considered 'light classical', and as such fits the remit. We heard David Johnson's 'Symphonic Animation', and this was followed by Gregson's 'Festivo'. The Wind Orchestra had already performed these pieces at an earlier concert but it was lovely to hear them again. Upbeat brass music always stirs the soul, and they made a fitting end to the first half.
The conducting of all the above was divided by three students, Naomi Isaacs, Jessica Pun Lai Yuen, and Ali Wilson.
After the inetrval and The MUMS Session Orchestra took pride of place on the stage. Conducted by Gina Hazell, this was John Williams at his most famous and possibly best, his theme to 'Star Wars'. Following this the orchestra played various dances from 'The Nutcracker' by Tchaikovsky, variously conducted by our act one trio, and we finished in true orchestral festive fashion with what has become a staple for all orchestral concerts at this time of year, Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' (conducted by Ben Nicoll).
Before and after the concert proper, members of the brass section were arranged around the foyer balcony playing carols and Christmas songs for us to enter and leave this afternoon. A lovely idea.
A wonderful first term completed, and now it's family time. Thanks for the music so far, and I look forward to hearing what delights you have in store in 2023.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 15.12.22
on - 15.12.22
No comments:
Post a Comment