I had been looking forward to this performance by the NDS for quite some time. It was highly anticipated by all involved, musicians and audience members alike, for a number of reasons: performing together once again with an intriguing programme, meticulously assembled by Chairman Jon Maynard, and the return of the brilliant Haru Ushigusa.
For a
theme of ‘Heartbreak and Tragedy’, the atmosphere was far from it- the evening
was extremely uplifting! First on the agenda was Beethoven’s symphonic Overture
‘Zur Namensfeier’. An interesting choice, as this piece is not widely known and
is scarcely played today, making this performance an utter treat - and what a
unique experience it was!
Almost 218
years after its debut by Beethoven himself, with Jon Maynard waving the baton
and led by Sylvia Seaton, the NDS started as they meant to go on as they
brought this exuberant overture to life. An exceedingly quirky piece in which
the instrumental cast embodied faultlessly, wholly enhancing one another. The
fortissimo opening C major chord grasped the pleasingly large audience and
allowed them to relish this composition.
Next, it
was time for Schubert to take the reins. Whilst this symphony, composed only
one year later than Beethoven’s above overture maintains a sombre theme,
excitement and drama are projected throughout. The NDS encapsulated every
emotion, every persona and the very aura Schubert had written into the
symphony, each orchestral member and each instrument distinctly characterizing
the dark tone. The dialogue between the strings and the woodwind was prominent,
conveying the drama of the piece. Though written in a minor key, the orchestra
were light and crisp, pouring excitement into the melody and delivering a
delightful contrast to the title nicknamed ‘Tragic’. A stunning tribute to this
piece.
During the
interval, whilst enjoying some glorious tea and biscuits, I had the pleasure of
conversing with many members of the orchestra and the audience; a common theme
- the anticipation of Haru’s performance! Tchaikovsky’s Violin concerto is a
renowned piece today, though shunned for many years before it was perfected,
and oh my goodness was it perfected on Saturday night! Tchaikovsky would never
have doubted this concerto had he heard this rendition himself.
The
orchestra were beaming before commencing and NDS took us on an immense and
emotional journey, a real musical experience. Calm but passionate, timid yet
heroic. The woodwind like a choir, the brass noble, the strings an utterly
precise whirlwind driving the music with Jon tenderly yet demandingly
navigating them through the piece. And then: Haru. It’s so hard to capture in
words. The music pouring from her violin is soul cleansing; just pure, pure
beauty. Within each pause you could not hear a single breath being drawn, all
eyes were on her, and time just paused as though we were in another realm.
Taking possession of every pair of eyes and ears within the room, Haru along
with the NDS played delicately yet with conviction, dancing through the
folk-like melody, amplifying each other's sound and exacting the utmost out of
the piece.
It really
did challenge and successfully showcase the full depth of the orchestra and the
brilliance of the soloist. Upon the finale, emotions were high, and rightly so.
What an honour to have witnessed this celestial violin solo along with such a
brilliant orchestra. The programme for the evening really was perfect and
illustrated the knowledge, diversity and ability of Jon and the NDS. Absolutely
captivating and I very much hope to see them all together again.
Lauren Hobbs