THE Westmorland Orchestra Concert in Kendal's Westmorland Hall had a celebratory air.

Barry Sharkey was celebrating his 30th year as conductor of the orchestra, and John Upson his 15th year as leader.

Added to this, one of the pieces in the programme, Eric Coates Suite: The Three Elizabeths, marked two further anniversaries: the 400th anniversary of the death of the first Queen Elizabeth and the 50th anniversary of the Coronation of Elizabeth the Second.

The concert opened with a sparkling account of Eric Fenby's amusing overture Rossini on Ilkla Moor. This is a tongue-in-cheek work, loosely in the style of Rossini and based around the famous tune which gives the overture its title. This was followed by Frederick Delius's lovely orchestral interlude, The Walk to the Paradise Garden, from the composer's opera, A Village Romeo and Juliet. There was some impressive solo playing from the woodwind principals in this performance and the orchestra produced a beautifully controlled pianissimo ending. Eric Coates's Suite which followed received an enthusiastic performance; clearly, the orchestra revelled in Coates's jaunty sing-along melodies and his big climaxes. In these, the brass and percussion section showed great restraint, adding the necessary weight, but not, as sometimes happens, overwhelming the strings.

The main work in the programme, Dvorak's Symphony No. 8, followed after the interval. This beautiful work offers a challenge to every section of the orchestra and the players responded. Delicate woodwind solos abound in this work and again there was some impressive playing from this section of the orchestra. The strings rose to the challenge of Dvorak's broad sweeping melodies while the brass offered firm support to the composer's thrilling climaxes.

Without doubt, this concert revealed once again what a fine group of local players we have in South Lakeland and both conductor and players should be proud of their achievements on this occasion. Their performances throughout this season have been of a very high standard. Clive Walkley.

May 29, 2003 12:00