Herts Advertiser critic, Geoff Ward reviewing SASO’s May 9th concert writes that the orchestra has “improved immeasurably under their dynamic conductor, Bjorn Bantock”
“The concert began with the popular Karelia Suite, which was Sibelius’s first commission for nationalist music. This was a very satisfying performance, especially by the brass section. There was a nice cor anglais solo by Mike Brien in the Ballade movement.”
“Pianist Robert Thompson gave an extremely competent performance, with deft touch in the soft filigree sections and a skilful rendition of the concluding cadenza of the first movement and the muscular end to the final allegro movement. The orchestra provided excellent back-up, and the overall blend was good.”
In Nielsen Symphony No 3: “The overall ensemble of the orchestra was very good for what is a colossal work, requiring great energy from all performers. “