The world’s number 1 ranked band brought yet another programme of exciting repertoire packed with extravagant musical moments back to the Victoria Rooms a year after their last visit.
The first half featured an impressive trombone concerto ‘Immortal Theme’ by Ray Steadman-Allen, elegantly played by Chris Thomas. The skill needed to play this was evident to all, regardless of their musical background, and the room was silent as he performed with expert clarity and expression.
Alive
In the second half the band really came alive; not everyone making it to their seats as they burst into ‘The Thunderer’ march - played with bold intent and sparkle.
The MD’s relentless energy is very much a part of the band’s performance, and it was a joy to see such musicianship on show.
With Valentine’s Day just passed, the band had prepared an appropriate narrative to govern the music to the end of the concert and the epic tale of the doomed love between story of Romeo and Juliet; the multi-media screen behind the band detailing the plot alongside the narration.
The famous balcony scene saw Juliet (Helen Williams) serenaded by her Romeo (husband Glyn Williams on euphonium), whilst the tale took its fateful course through the ‘Clans Collide’ element played with visceral energy representing the altercation between Tybalt and Mercutio, in which the band was split in musical loyalty.
The piece ended boldly with a dramatic blood splat on the screen behind.
With Valentine’s Day just passed, the band had prepared an appropriate narrative to govern the music to the end of the concert and the epic tale of the doomed love between story of Romeo and Juliet; the multi-media screen behind the band detailing the plot alongside the narration.
Uplifting
The penultimate ‘Lament and Liebestod’ by Richard Wagner concentrated on the mourning for the deaths of so many in the tragic story, although ‘Somewhere’ from Bernstein’s ‘West Side Story’ gave things a rather uplifting conclusion.
The applause was truly deserved - the final bow and encore leaving those of Welsh heritage feeling immensely proud as well as entertained.
Lauren Paddison
