Conducted by Leonard
Weiss
Soloists: Donica Tran
(violin) and Lily Bryant (flute)
Llewellyn Hall
December 4
Reviewed by Len Power
4 December 2016
The final Icons concert by the Canberra Youth Orchestra
(CYO) focussed on Brahms and his Symphony No. 1. The program also included works by Chaminade,
Sibelius and Mendelssohn. Conducted by
Leonard Weiss with soloists from the CYO, Lily Bryant and Donica Tran, it was
an evening of fine music well played by all concerned.
 |
| Lily Bryant and Leonard Weiss |
The program commenced with a charming work by Cecile
Chaminade, her Flute Concertino in D major, Op. 107. Chaminade was one of the few prominent and
respected female composers of her time.
On flute, CYO Soloist, Lily Bryant performed the work expertly and with
great feeling. It was nice to see her
appearing so relaxed while playing that she was able to share a smile with the
conductor as the work progressed.
 |
| Lily Bryant |
Next, the orchestra played “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius in
an arrangement by Steven Verheist for the Brass of the Royal Concertgebouw
Orchestra. This dramatic work is given
even more strength in this arrangement and the brass members of the orchestra
gave a spectacularly clear performance.
 |
| Donica Tran |
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 is a very
well-known work which is always a delight to hear with its lyrical melodies and
dramatic contrasts. Solo violinist, Donica
Tran, gave a strong performance, technically well-played, if a little quiet
against the orchestra at the beginning.
 |
| Donica Tran, Leonard Weiss and the Canberra Youth Orchestra |
The final presentation, Brahm’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor,
Op. 68, was heralded as “Beethoven’s 10th” when first heard and the
influence of Beethoven is clearly heard in the work. The orchestra played it very well, especially
the quiet second movement which is a nice contrast to the bold first
movement. The final movement and its
joyful finale had an excitement in its emotional playing that was very
satisfying.
Photos by Peter Hislop
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition on 5 December 2016. Len Power’s reviews are also broadcast on
Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program from 9.00am on Saturdays and on other
selected Artsound programs.
