Sublime Skill in this fitting closer
“What a way to finish a season”
As ever when seeing this iteration of the ‘International’ Scottish Chamber Orchestra, from the first note to the last, these players are flawless. They have shown time and again this season just how talented a group they are, and they close the season in the same fashion, while tackling some challenging compositions.
The first half concerns two pieces by Shostakovich. Firstly, it is Symphony No.9, led and conducted by the elegantly effervescent Maxim Emelyanychev. This Symphony is big, bold and in points a challenging listen. It floats between some form of dissonant atonality and big brash movements, which keeps the listener on their toes. None of this, of course, seems to be a problem for the SCO, as they weave through the movements with monumental skill.
Emelyanychev was in total command throughout the evening. This is a conductor who flourishes on a stage. He waltzed between the sections of the Orchestra, always keeping the full attention of every player on show. His overt style of conducting is truly magical to watch, and only added to the dramatic flow of the pieces.
For the second of the Shostakovich pieces, Piano Concerto No.1, the SCO were joined by Steven Osborne and Aaron Azunda Akugbo. On Piano and trumpet respectively, these two harmonised instantly to create a truly remarkable watch. There is virtuosity in both players, Akugbo’s ability to move from tenderness to epicness is a joy to hear, and Osborne may have the fastest fingers known to humanity. His playing was flawless and at a speed that needs to be seen to be believed.
Lastly, we finished on Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony, a beautiful uplifting and challenging piece that allowed the Orchestra to show the full breadth of their talents. Once again, this was a wonder to behold and a truly fitting end to this season of work. You can only look forward to the next season and what it may behold.
As the show began, we were told that this show was in memory of a member of the Orchestra who has sadly passed, Brian Schiele, Violist. This was as fitting a tribute as could be made. The musicians all played their hearts out in creating another memorable evening.
It’s hard to give anything other than five stars to an Orchestra who seem to be at the top of their game.
Dvořák ‘New World’ Symphony played at Usher Hall in Edinburgh on the 14th May,