James McVinnie

Opportunities to hear Philip Glass played live are few and far between so to have a chance to hear the brilliant McVinnie was too good an opportunity to miss. The entire evening was stunning, not only for the beautifully played music. McVinnie did something so unusual at what would normally be classified a “classical” convert. Firstly he came onto a stage both lit with colour and hazed, true pop gig ambience. Then he spoke to us, yes, actually talked about his love of the music and what makes it so important. That’s a rare thing and a very welcome thing too. It was not a lecture he assured us, but it was enlightening. Then and only then did he play, shifting from organ to piano and back with ease. At the organ he played from a score but at the piano from memory, but both with such confidence and intensity. The piano works are the more lyrical, some from film scores, the organ works with their gently shifting and modulating arpeggios are almost mystical, in part delicate and then thunderously ecclesiastical in their grandeur. I have seldom seen any audience so still and silent!

Dome Concert Hall

2 October

Andrew Kay

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