Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra – Robert Clark (piano) Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

Barry Wordsworth’s 200th appearance with the BPO was a triumph. Brighton-born Frank Bridge’s beautifully evocative ‘The Sea’ was a great treat as this master-work is all too rarely performed.

Robert Clark then introduced us to Lowell Liebermann’s Piano Concerto No.1, meeting its challenging extremes with great style. The energetic outer movements were in marked contrast to the mysterious slow movement that seemed to hold time still. I look forward to hearing more of his work.

An impassioned, convincing performance of Brahms’ Fourth Symphony made a fitting climax to this marvellous season and 25 years of Barry’s musical direction. Bravo maestro!

Coda: Good News! Next year’s 90th Anniversary Concert Season is assured and there are Summer concerts too, starting Sunday 6 July at 5pm.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 30 March 2014
Rating:
Andrew Connal