Review of Concert 21 March 2009

A Concert of 20th Century American Music

Shirley Hall, Kings School, Canterbury

soloist: Peter Foggitt (Piano)

Andrew Lowen conducted The Canterbury Orchestra in a thrilling concert of American music at the Shirley Hall.

The brass and woodwind sections gave us a rousing start with Sousa's Liberty Bell March, followed by the whole orchestra in John Henry by Aaron Copland. This powerful piece is based on a folksong and portrays a railroad-building slave who competes against a mechanical steam hammer doing the same work. The hero wins the day, only to die later from his exertions!

The orchestra's Leader, Chris Brown, then took up the baton to conduct Barber's haunting Adagio for Strings, played with romantic fervour and controlled passion. The guest soloist of the evening, Scottish pianist, Peter Foggitt then produced a wonderful account of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. His playing had a classically-trained discipline and he was ably supported by the orchestra who brought off the jazzy effects as to the manor born. It is interesting to note that the original jazz band parts were arranged by Ferde Grofé and labelled by the first names of the players rather than the instruments.

After the interval came a bubbly account of Bernstein's Candide Overture, Appalachian Spring by Copland and Gershwin's Porgy & Bess Suite, with its popular tunes.

Altogether a magnificent concert presented with great enthusiasm by these dedicated players.

David Ruddock     (Kentish Gazatte)

Next Concert

Saturday March 31st at 7.30 pm

St Peter's Methodist Church, Canterbury CT1 2BE

Our next concert features a selection of works by Franz Schubert and Richard Strauss, composers who effectively bracket the Romantic school of art music, with Schubert (1797-1828) as one of its pioneers and Strauss (1864-1949) one of its most notable 20th Century adherents.  The programme begins with Schubert’s Quartettsatz, arranged for orchestra by our Musical Director Andrew Lowen; originally composed in 1820 as the first movement of a twelfth string quartet which was never completed, like several other works during this difficult period of Schubert’s life.   Strauss’ Oboe Concerto was written in 1945 during the final stages of his career and is considered one of the finest works ever composed for the instrument; we are very pleased to welcome Rosie Lowen as soloist. In contrast, the Serenade for 13 Winds is amongst his earliest works and is clearly modelled on Mozart’s Gran Partita, to which it stands as a fitting tribute.  Schubert’s Symphony no.6 is also an early work written when the composer was 20; exuberant, assured and clearly reflecting the musical ethos of the time with echoes of Haydn, Beethoven and Rossini. Tickets are £9.00 for adults and only £3.00 for children of school age and students.  They are available on the door, from the Secretary on 01227 751196, and online through WeGotTickets by clicking on the button below.. 

More Information

Details of forthcoming concerts are also listed in the Events Diary of the Canterbury Arts Council website.