Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre
Saint-Saëns: Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila
Ibert: Flute Concerto (Soloist: Gary Arbuthnot)
Franck: Symphony in D minor
"In a typically French programme, the concert opened with two pieces by Saint-Saëns - the demonic Danse Macabre and the oriental Bacchanale, both performed with considerable ability by the orchestra.
The Flute Concerto by Jacques Ibert is a modern piece full of many testing passages. Gary Arbuthnot was the outstanding soloist in his first performance of this work.
The agility shown in the first movement was a complete contrast to the poignancy of the Adagio, while the finale gave him every chance to show off the score's intricate patterns.
César Franck's masterly symphony proved to be challenging at first - but, after initial uncertainties, the whole orchestra gelled together to produce a powerful performance.
There was particularly sensitive playing from Wendy Lewis on the Cor Anglais in the slow movement.
Stefan Hofkes and his players are once again to be congratulated on producing an enjoyable evening for an appreciative audience".
(John Packwood - Bristol Evening Post - 17 January 2000)
Last updated: 26 April 2002
