Claire Philpot shares this review of the first Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra concert of the new season. Images with kind permission of Allan Marsh. Ed
An evening of exclusively British music, the less well-known mingling with the more familiar, provided the theme for the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra’s opening concert of its 2025-26 season on Saturday at the Medina Theatre.
Beautifully crafted movements
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was an early twentieth century composer whose repertoire is enjoying something of a renaissance currently, and in his ‘ Petite Suite de Concert’ which opened the evening it was easy to see why.
Four miniature, but beautifully crafted movements, each one full of sparkle and charm were played with impressive precision and commitment by the orchestra.
An impeccable performance
The second composer of the concert, Carl Davis, is perhaps more commonly recognised for his film and TV repertoire, but this time the audience heard his Clarinet Concerto – also known as ‘Reflections’, written for the evening’s soloist, David Campbell.
Mr Campbell gave an impeccable performance with his effortless dynamic range and his ability to switch from introspective moods to brilliant virtuosity, all of which the piece demands.
Elgar’s Symphony No 1
The second half of the concert was devoted to the mighty Symphony No 1 by Edward Elgar. This very large work was the first purely orchestral piece to gain him major recognition after the smaller scale Enigma Variations and the Choral work The Dream of Gerontius.
Elgar himself described the piece as having no particular meaning, other than to convey as many human emotions as possible, and this it does.
The noble beginning soon converts to more restless and passionate melodies, with haunting tunes and light playfulness darting around throughout.
Tight-knit ensemble playing
Finally, the orchestra itself must be applauded for their tight-knit ensemble playing, which was most ably steered by the charismatic conductor, Jonathan Butcher.
A very fine evening of music making.
Next concert
The next IWSO concert takes place on Saturday 17th January 2026, from 7.15pm at the Medina Theatre as always.
Look forward to evening of exceptional music by pioneering female composers under the baton of guest conductor, James Thomas.
