Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Uttley (piano), Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

Verdi’s ‘Force of Destiny’ Overture began this concert gloriously with thrilling brass, passionate strings and two astonishingly assertive harps! The woodwind’s quality told in their solo passages of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23, complementing Richard Uttley’s introspective delivery perfectly. He gave the Adagio a grave and beautiful poignancy most apt for Remembrance Sunday. Barry Wordsworth allowed full scope to the soloist’s sensitivity, holding the orchestra back for an almost chamber-like performance. I look forward to hearing this excellent pianist again soon. Finally came Sibelius’ epic 5th Symphony and we all left the Dome with the ‘Swan Theme’ ringing in our ears.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 11 November 2012

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