Weber: Overture Der Freischütz
R Strauss: Four Last Songs (Soloist: Natasha Jouhl)
Sibelius: Symphony No 7
Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite
"Festive finale was appreciated"
On Saturday night Bristol Concert Orchestra presented an interesting programme of four contrasting works.
Opening with Weber's rousing Overture to Der Freischütz the orchestra took a little time to settle but in the lively final section the players produced a fine sound.
The young American soprano Natasha Jouhl chose the glorious Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss for her first visit to this venue.
Her tranquil tone and vocal strength were used to great effect and with excellent support from the orchestra this was a performance to savour.
Sibelius' Seventh Symphony covers a vast range of moods and colour in a short time, and the orchestra, under conductor Stefan Hofkes, gave a confident rendition.
Excerpts from Tchaikovsky's popular Nutcracker Suite provided a festive finale, which was much appreciated by the large audience.
Star rating: *** out of *****
(John Packwood - Bristol Evening Post - 9 December 2002)
Last updated: 11 December 2002
