Britten & Mozart – Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

It was encouraging to see so many youngsters enjoying this quite adult programme. From the Yehudi Menuhin School, Anna Lee (violin) played the Mozart with confident skill while Nazli Erdogan (viola) was more aware of their audience.

Barry Wordsworth’s New Year greeting emphasises Benjamin Britten’s great versatility. How lovely to have this demonstrated so eloquently! The Four Sea Interludes held young and old spellbound. The Matinées Musicales recalled jolly New Year celebrations and the Young Person’s Guide had a teddy-bear in front of me conducting along. Any orchestra getting that response from the under eights is certainly doing it right!

Dome Concert Hall, 15 January 2012
Rating:
Andrew Connal