NSWO NewsReview: Nottingham Symphonic Winds, Lakeside Arts Centre(July 10, 2010)Review: Nottingham Symphonic Winds, Lakeside Arts CentreWHEN, five years ago, Keiron Anderson first took charge of Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra, he inherited a versatile band with major awards to its credit. But his training has gradually endowed it with still greater finesse and colour. Their summer concert in the air-conditioned Djanogly Recital Hall yielded orchestral delights in abundance. Autumnal sounds permeated Eric Whitacre's tone poem October: an atmospheric test of the band's technique and imagination. Also from its new album was a stunning version of Morten Lauridsen's choral piece, O Magnum Mysterium. Brass, horns and percussion launched the evening with the festive splendour of Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. The principal trumpet had a mercurial role in the course of Adam Gorb's Yiddish Dances, which were pulsating and intricate. Extracts from Sondheim's Sweeney Todd captured some of that score's theatrical impact, as well as its lyrical flavours. First the saxes and then the flute had the great arching tune of Amazing Grace, heard in Frank Ticheli's arrangement. Of Nigel Hess' East Coast Pictures, the powerful climax to The Catskills drew spontaneous applause. The final Shelter Island, in contrast, ended quite coolly. Martin Ellerby, the programme's most local composer, provided four lively Paris Sketches – another highlight of the band's new CD, and another reflection of the orchestral talent in depth. The NSWO returns to Nottingham Albert Hall on October 10. A principal oboe and experienced tuba players are needed – call Windblowers on Derby Road. Peter Palmer - Nottingham Evening Post |