An excellent performance by the classical music stars of tomorrow
The spectacle of classical music was on full display as Roderick Cox led The Academy Symphony Orchestra in a double-bill of Beethoven’s Symphony No 5 in C Minor and Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben. Staged in a suitably grand setting, the concert showcased some of the country’s most talented young musicians and gives you a chance to potentially see some of the future stars of the classical music world before they become famous.
As a newcomer to the genre with minimal experience of seeing these kinds of shows, the technical ability on display was instantly compelling. The amount of work required to coordinate such a large number of performers, is on its own an incredible feat to witness. Even for those who might not be hugely familiar with classical music, the discipline and talent in the room is impressive to see.
The evening was split by a 20-minute interval, with each piece lasting around 40 minutes. The first half, Beethoven’s Symphony No 5, was very entertaining, with lots of musical moments that you will recognise from climactic moments of films throughout the years. The second piece, Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), proved a more nuanced experience. It was overall less engaging than the Beethoven with some moments being less entertaining and seeming to drag on a bit. However, when the percussion was utilised this was a particular highlight that stood out to my untrained ear.
For the classical newbie, the experience came with a few unexpected etiquette lessons. For example, I had an instinctive urge to applaud during some elongated pauses in the music, but all others in the audience were clearly well aware that this was not the end of the piece and that applause was not required. This minor learning curve, along with some others, has left me feeling better prepared for future classical performances I may attend.
Overall, the concert was a great experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend performances by The Academy Symphony Orchestra to anyone interested in dipping their toes into the world of classical music. These concerts offer an accessible (and typically more affordable) way to experience famous works and gauge whether this kind of live performance appeals to you.
Future performances by the Academy Symphony Orchestra can be found here: https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on