Sunday 19 February 2017
Young Musicians Concert
Following the success of last year's concert this event once again brought together some of Norfolk's most talented young musicians. Please note that these are all young, amateur performers.
Review by Terry Keeler
19 February 2017
Young Musicians Concert
Six young musicians, being the choice of artists selected by Ro Curtis, produced a concert, the first of 2017, of a standard which upheld and confirmed that in this part of Norfolk we are blessed with such an abundance of young people who have chosen to achieve a standard of performance bringing joy, not only to the listener, but also to the parents and teachers who with their support and skills made if possible to bring to today's capacity audience a concert of artistic excellence, in which six young musicians, ages ranging from 15 to 18 years, performed a concert for Cromer Music Evenings of sheer delight.
Elin Davies (Clarinet), Tom Oliver (Classical Guitar), Lucy Thalange (Mezzo Soprano), Jad Grainger (Piano), Leila Hooton (Flute) and Andrew Harsley (Cello).
Elin Davies opened the concert playing pieces by Poulenc, Williams and Itturalde, the Poulenc being almost a frenetic composition played with confident control.
Tom Oliver brought a calmness to the room with very sensitive performances of three pieces by Tarrega, Navaez and Turina, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity.
Lucy Thalange produced a most powerful voice projection, dynamically varying from double forte to pianissimo with perfect intonation and breath control.
Jad Grainger – piano – with an ambitious choice, Beethoven's Fugue Op 106, gave a most powerful account of this work, obviously his very own interpretation!
Leila Hooton played three pieces, one being Icicle, displayed a masterly control of this haunting impressionistic composition – the highlight for me as it was completely unpredictable as the piece progressed one had to imagine the composer's intention.
Andrew Harsley produced cello playing at its very best, the most beautiful tone, intonation, perfect phrasing and tone gradations with tender sensitivity. His performance of Trunckin' through the South brought this concert to a very happy and satisfying conclusion.
The accompanists, Francis Fox, Hannah Watson and Clare Harsley were superb, certainly enhancing the performances of the soloists.
An afternoon in which the young captivated the admiration of the more mature without doubt!!
Terry Keeler Tel 01263 513273