Always a pleasure to come to Stoller Hall, a beautiful tranquil and welcoming space with crystal clear acoustics.
Another evening with the wonderful Manchester Camerata, who never disappoint and always manage to surprise and delight with every performance.
Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of my favourite pieces of music but had never heard it played live until this evening. The soloist was Caroline Pether, the orchestra leader. Conductor was the charismatic Gábor Takács-Nagy. What an absolutely stunning performance this was. An incredible piece which follows a skylark as it rises, singing, above a countryside landscape
( inspired by a poem of the same name by George Meredith in 1881 ). It was incredible to hear it as it developed, both soloist and orchestra were breathtaking in clarity, passion and skill. Gábor did comment at the end that audience members were visibly moved during the performance and it was hard not to be, such was the emotion that was felt at such beauty. My companion was unfamiliar with live classical music and is now a complete convert!
Following this was Mozart Symphony No.38 ‘Prague’. This is a lovely cheerful and energetic composition and the orchestra clearly loved performing it as much as the audience loved hearing it. Greatly appreciated by the whole audience before the interval to discuss it and enjoy a young man playing the piano spontaneously in the bar area!
Camerata are still creating the Mozart, Made in Manchester series and are next performing in this series with Soprano Ying Fang, at Stoller next April 15th.
After the interval, Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’ was played. Parts of it are familiar from programme theme tunes and an advert or two. This is another countryside and nature inspired work, Beethoven loved being in nature and was inspired by it, and this was an incredibly vivid and beautiful performance of it. Blissful and soothing. Thank you to Manchester Camerata and Stoller Hall once again!
Christine Ince for Canal St Media