The Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra


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From the Basingstoke Gazette...

Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra Scores a Success

On Saturday the 19^th June, the Anvil played host to an event involving Italian, Swiss, French, and German masters, but it was English players that commanded the pitch. However, the only score in sight was of the musical variety.

The event was Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert. The concert kicked off with Rossini’s overture “William Tell” (of Swiss sharp shooting fruit fame). The opening was delicately handled by the cello section, with no less than five solo parts representing a mountain sunrise. After a brief pastoral section, the familiar theme from the ‘Lone Ranger’ ends the overture. This was attacked with such great gusto, I couldn’t help wondering if the Ranger’s horse, Silver, was surely a contender for the next Grand National. The contrast in dynamics and sheer enthusiastic playing kept the audience thrilled right to the end.

Emmanuel Despax has a rare combination of dexterous precision and raw emotion. He commanded an absolutely stunning performance of Grieg’s piano concerto. Grieg does not make the pianist’s job easy; in parts orchestrating a battle between the orchestra and piano – yet we always felt that the young Frenchman won through using the concert grand to amazing effect. The more delicate parts of the piece were handled with superb poise and maturity. All in all a spell-binding performance of Grieg’s popular piece.

After half-time, we were treated to Debussy’s tone poem “ Prelude à l'après-midi d'un faune”. This intricately woven fabric of sound is a real wind section show piece – and they did not disappoint. The wind were beautifully balanced and played with great finesse as the music ebbed and flowed.

Beethoven’s 1^st Symphony in C minor ended the concert. Although not his greatest work, this piece still shows the flashes of genius that are the hallmark of the later symphonies. In contrast with the preceding work, the orchestra provided a less refined performance more in keeping with the Germanic nature of the symphony. We were entertained with an energised performance throughout; particularly of note was the third movement, which was tackled with considerable vigour.

So with the full-time whistle blown, the audience had a very enjoyable evening. The varied accessible programme provided something for everyone. We were also privileged to witness what must be a rising star, in Emmanuel Despax.

Simon Haynes.