Symphony Orchestra May 2016

On 21st May Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra put on another concert, so I went along as one of my challenges this year is to see more live music and I rather enjoy an orchestral concert. The programme consisted of three pieces:

• 'Beni Mora ' by Holst
• 'Piano Concerto in E flat' by Ireland
• 'Job: A Masque for Dancing' by Vaughan Williams

'Beni Mora' was an interesting piece consisting of three pieces of dance music reminiscent of Algerian music (as intended!), and caught and kept my attention throughout.

The 'Piano Concerto' by John Ireland was passionate, with extremely good piano solos provided by the talented Viv Maclean; he managed to keep the audience spellbound with his playing. He was well accompanied by the orchestra.

After the interval we heard 'Job' by Vaughan Williams. This was written as a score for a ballet but stood up on its own without the dancers. Illustrations from William Blake's 'Book of Job' were projected behind the orchestra throughout the performance; these illustrations were the inspiration behind the music, so it was an appropriate thing to do. Each scene was introduced by the conductor, Jonathan Butcher, before the orchestra continued playing. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece by Williams.

The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra played extremely well throughout the concert, ably conducted by Mr Butcher. I left feeling that my money had been well spent on the ticket, and that I really should practice playing my violin. I've got as far as dusting the case....