Oxford Times, July 2003

Every so often, an ensemble comes along which fills you with awe at the talent and artistry of its members. Such was the effect of the Amadeus Orchestra at the Sheldonian. This training orchestra exists to provide young musicians with a gentle transition frmo student to professional and, judging by Thursday's performance, most here should find that path relatively smooth.

 

First, there was conductor Philip Mackenzie, who founded the orchestra in 1990, and has since enjoyed international success. Then there's leader Lucy Baker, still only 22 but with a CV that a player twice her age would be proud to own. One wonders how she has managed to cram so much activity into such a short time. Between them, these two young luminaries led an enthusiastic ensemble in a highly ambitious programme, which was tackled with freshness and panache.

 

Sibelius's Finlandia was treated with appropriate patriotic fervour, from the deep throated opening chords to the spirited finale.

 

In Prokofiev's Sinfonia Concertante, cellist Raphael Wallfisch gave a delightful account of the demanding solo passages, combining an exceptional technical proficiency with a bubbling joie de vivre. The orchestra, clearly relishing the composer's prancing rhythms and meoldic inventiveness, gave sensitive support throughout, resulting in a beautifully cohesive and finely judged realisation of one of Prokofiev's most beautiful pieces of music.

In recognition of the bicentenary of Berlioz's birth, the second half was devoted to one of the composer's most famous works, the Symphonie Fantastique. The premiere of this epic work was a defining moment in the development of classical music, its vivid imagery of an impassioned, tormented soul quite unlike anything that had been heard before.

 

The Amadeus Orchestra gave an informed and faithful interpretation, digging deep to convey the complex mix of emotions. The end, when it came, was almost a relief after the frenzy and terror that preceded it, but also brough, once again, that feeling of awe.

 

Nicola Lisle

© Amadeus Chorus & Orchestra 2007. All rights reserved