Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra's The Protecting Veil - a captivating concert from beginning to end
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Tantalising. Emotive. Captivating. On the 29th of March the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) took the audience on a journey through the masterful works of Vaughan Williams, Vivaldi, Max Richter and John Tavener. Before the concert commenced, a buzz from the packed Brighton Dome rippled across the auditorium.
The BPO celebrated their centenary last year, under the expert guidance of pianist, conductor and composer, Joanna MacGregor CBE. Joanna is an innovative musician with many accolades to her name; Dame Myra Hess Chair of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music; Artistic Director of many music festivals and has 5 honorary doctorates.
The members of BPO consist of a variety of professional musicians of all ages, from London and the South East. Their aim is to present classical music in a bold way that is thoroughly engaging for all. Thanks to social media, this message has caused an influx of younger spectators who are keen to witness this for themselves. Another intriguing aspect of the orchestra is that many of their key roles including: director, leader and operations manager are led by women, which is unusual in this field.
One of whom being their skilled leader Ruth Rogers, who starred in the first half on violin and is no stranger to the limelight, previously leading the Bournemouth orchestra and currently leads the London Mozart Players. The second half featured the renowned British cellist Guy Johnston, who was recognised in 2000 after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year and a Classical Brit Award.
Opening with Vaughan Williams’ ethereal Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, required nine of the players to act as a second chamber orchestra. The main theme was beautifully reflected by the larger orchestra, implemented with various modern and lively embellishments. While the smaller orchestra embodied the more ghostly, original Tudor style, linking the past and present through one composition.
During the swift transition of uniting the Orchestra and setting up the keyboard, Joanna introduced Vivaldi’s ‘Spring’ followed by ‘Winter’ from The Four Seasons. The seasonal classics were interspersed with Max Richter’s unique adaptation, allowing the audience to compare the styles and admire the innovative capabilities of classical music.
Richter’s Spring still captured the spritely character of the piece while uncovering deeper layers and textures throughout, gradually growing to its full bloom before a sudden silence marked the end. Again the Winter kept the audience on tenterhooks through the repeated dissonant chords between the introduction of the main theme. The recurring idea induced many head bobs from the crowd as it reached the climax of the piece. Eventually the tension was eased by the diminuendo and light stroke of the last chord.
The soloist, Ruth Rogers, depicted Spring herself in an ivy green dress and her animated, flowing movements brought vibrancy to the stage. The orchestra’s synchronicity and colourful dynamics were directed by the lively, dance-like actions of the conductor. Joanna not only showed her flare through her graceful arm strokes but also through her skilful piano playing, acting as the heartbeat of the performance.
John Taverners’ The Protecting Veil, cello concerto, strikingly opens the second half with the acclaimed Guy Johnston. It was inspired by the Orthodox feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God. This dissonant yet spiritual piece, begins with a sustained high note on the cello and the gradual introduction of instruments from lower to upper strings embellished the initial theme.
The piece consisted of many dynamic swells which evoked a meditative and hypnotic quality. One of the musicians from the orchestra who was enthused by the experience, exclaimed that ‘just watching Guy was inspirational.’ Composed till the very end, the renowned cellist savoured the last few moments by keeping his bow in mid air, with not even a whisper from the spectators.
Upon lowering his bow, the crowd erupted into a rousing applause for several minutes. Not only acknowledging the quality of Guy’s pensive performance but also the unwavering talent of the whole orchestra. The wonderful mix of styles and musicians was not only a feast for the ears but also for the eyes. Bravo!
