Brighton Youth Orchestra, Will Roberts (euphonium), Andy Sherwood (conductor)

It needs a special programme to get folk out on a chilly Friday, and this one was inspired. Bernstein’s ‘Candide Overture’ burst with enthusiasm, almost too much from the brass! Then Horovitz’s ‘Euphonium Concerto’ reined them back to accompany Will Roberts’ virtuoso playing. He clearly enjoyed filling the church’s warm acoustic.

It’s not just the excellent strings who impress. Every section of this orchestra had their special moment. At the start of Chabrier’s ‘España’ the percussion held back so sensitively, to highlight the shimmering sounds, evoking sultry Iberian evenings. The romantic strings and solo clarinet shone in Rachmaninov’s 2nd Symphony. Their programme ended in a sparky rendition of ‘King Kastchei’s Dance’ from Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird’, ambitious fun for a youth orchestra!

St Paul’s Church, 12 February 2016

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