Victoria Hall, Cromarty, 9 September 2006

Donald Goskirk and Rachel Snow

THE GLORIOUS sunny weather served as a satisfying prelude to an enjoyable evening of music, performed by the strings of the Highland Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Donald Goskirk, under the auspices of Cromarty Arts Society. A good-sized audience was treated to some fine playing and ensemble work, and the wide-ranging programme was well-received.

The ‘Symphony No 1’ by Thomas Erskine, the 6th Earl of Kelly, opened the concert. Whilst this composer may not be in the highest rank, the work was typical of its period and served to show the various sections of the orchestra to good effect.

Elgar’s ‘Serenade for Strings’ is by contrast one of the best-known works for string orchestra, and the orchestra responded well to the conductor, with clarity of tone and a strong feeling for the various moods of the work.

Concluding the first part of the concert, James Ross was the soloist in Finzi’s ‘Five Bagatelles for Clarinet and Strings’. Despite its wartime origins, this was a cheerfully flowing but challenging work; the exuberance of the opening ‘Prelude’ contrasting with the pastoral mellowness of the ‘Carol’, and the soloist, well-supported by the orchestra, projected the work to good effect.

The welcome cup of tea and home baking served at the interval left the audience eager for more music, and the second half opened with Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto for Two Flutes’, the orchestra ably supporting the two soloists, Catherine O’Rourke and Caroline Cuthbertson.

To conclude, the orchestra played Mozart’s ‘Symphony No. 29’. This was clearly great fun to play – the tempi were well thought out and the orchestra was in rousing form, egged on by the pair of French horns.

As the brief but intelligent programme notes mentioned, it was best just to sit back, listen, and marvel at the genius of Mozart. The final movement was deservedly encored, and we emerged into the cool of the evening, having thoroughly enjoyed fine performances.

How good that this orchestra is willing and able to travel around the region to share their music with those who don’t live in Inverness, and that by our attendance we can encourage music-making at this level. I for one look forward to their next series of concerts.

(Angus Bethune is Vice-Chairman of Inverness Choral Society, and a Committee Member of Making Music Scotland)

© Angus Bethune, 2006