Jonathan Dodd was unable to attend this month’s Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra (IWSO), so thanks to Tim for sharing his write up instead. Ed
A sell out audience at Medina Theatre were treated to a wonderful concert last week given by the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra welcomed two local guest conductors for this concert.
Farnham Festival Overture
Isle of Wight teacher Gareth Balch opened the programme with the delightful Farnham Festival Overture, a piece that would not be out of place as a TV theme!
This was followed by the magical Nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Mendelssohn. This piece is famous for the French Horn solo which was superbly played by Elliott Seidman.
The final piece in the first half was the popular Cello Concerto by Elgar. For this, Major Tony Smallwood (rtd) took over the baton. He welcomed on to the stage the young cellist Richard Harwood who proceeded to give an impeccable performance of the concerto very ably accompanied by the orchestra.
What a talent this cellist has, his interpretation was sublime and the tone he produced helped him soar effortlessly above the orchestra. Note the name of this soloist, he is going places!
The one piece in the second half was the 6th Symphony by Dvorak. This beautiful and dramatic work is rather underperformed and the audience responded warmly to the performance given by the orchestra, especially the exciting conclusion.
This was the second concert in the present series, and the second sell out.
Book now for next concert
The next concert is 12th March and tickets are already selling well – need I say more?! Book online or call Medina Theatre on 823884.
Well done IWSO.
Images: © With kind permission of Allan Marsh full set of shots from the night can be found here
