This latest concert by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra was superb. Under the energetic, bouncy direction of maestro Tom Woods we were treated to a glorious 19th Century Romantic program.
After a brief introduction by Tim Long, head of performing arts at Willoughby Council, first came a jaunty, sprightly Mozart overture, crisply played and with breathless use of repetition. Much fun.
The main theme of both of the major works in this concert was prolonged introspection, with the highlight being the eagerly anticipated Beethoven Piano Concerto no 5 Op.73 E Flat Major (‘The Emperor’) written in 1809. For this performance, the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra was joined by special guest pianist, Piers Lane.
Maestro Lane, looking very distinguished in a tuxedo, played on a polished, reflective, black Steinway. At times his playing was fiery and passionate and he played with a quivering intensity. At other times his playing was fragile and delicate. Rippling and shimmering, the notes cascaded like liquid jewels. His exquisite playing was matched and supported by that of the orchestra, in this sometimes sharp and explosive, sometimes lush, rich, lyrical and soaring work. The audience went mad at the end with screams of ‘Bravo!’ and Lane was coerced into a short, sparkling encore full of musical in-jokes that had those in the know in fits of laughter.
After interval came Schubert’s Symphony no 9 D.944 C Major (‘The Great’) written 1825-26. The heavy length of this work was treated as natural; in it, one could hear the influence of Beethoven’s majestic 9th Symphony influence on Schubert. With a distinct emphasis on the strings, we were treated to a marvellous performance of this piece. The orchestra, as led by Woods, was in great form, with fine ensemble playing and a buoyant sound, sometimes scurrying and storm-tossed, at other times lushly Romantic. Particularly in the third movement there was tumultuous, controlled yet exuberant playing. Throughout the work, under Wood’s excellent baton, the various contrasting moods were carefully delineated. The concluding fourth movement was very Allegro Vivace indeed!
A magnificent concert to be richly treasured. Book now for the rest of the series!
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
The Emperor
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Tom Woods
Concertmaster: Caron Chan
Mozart – ‘Der Shauspieldirektor ‘ K486 (‘The Impressario’) Overture
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 5 op 73 E Flat Major (‘The Emperor’)
With special guest pianist Piers Lane
Schubert – Symphony No. 9 D 944 C Major (‘The Great ‘)
The Concourse, Chatswood
27 – 28 April
