National Capital
Orchestra
Musical Director:
Leonard Weiss
Andrew Rumsey, piano
The Q Theatre,
Queanbeyan 16 June
Reviewed by Len Power
You could easily be mistaken for thinking that the program
cover photo for the latest National Capital Orchestra concert was an
advertisement for the next James Bond movie.
Dashing young pianist, Andrew Rumsey, was in town to perform
the world premiere of a first piano concerto by local composer, Michael
Dooley. The musical partnership between
Michael Dooley and Andrew Rumsey spans several years with recordings and
performances internationally of Dooley’s works.
It was Rumsey who requested a piano concerto from Michael Dooley.
A brand new handcrafted Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand Piano
was provided by Kawai for this concert.
Only twelve of these instruments are made each year.
According to the program notes, Andrew Rumsey requested an
acknowledgement in Dooley’s composition of the piano concertos by Rachmaninov
and Saint-Saёns. Dooley stated that the
piece is a representation of the spiritual concepts of grace and truth.
It’s a very accessible work with attractively wistful and
romantic melodies. The second movement
was especially enjoyable. Written in
commemoration of Dooley’s parents, both of whom influenced his love of music,
it’s beautifully composed and quite moving.
The final movement is highly spirited with a notable brightness and
feeling of optimism.
The playing by Andrew Rumsey was highly accomplished and
very enjoyable. The orchestra, under the
baton of Leonard Weiss, also gave a strong performance, especially the
energetic final movement. The performers
and the composer, who was in the audience, were given a standing ovation at the
conclusion.
It was followed by an excellent encore solo by Rumsey which
displayed the high quality of the piano as well.
 |
| Left to right: Michael Dooley, Leonard Weiss and Andrew Rumsey |
After interval, the orchestra presented Rachmaninov’s
Symphony No. 2. This hour long work is quite
a challenge and the National Capital Orchestra gave it a fine performance filled
with colour, romance and energy. The
third movement adagio was played with great sensitivity and the final movement
was especially exciting and well-played.
Photos by Peter Hislop
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.
