Page 47 - Final_CBSO's 100th Birthday Celebration

‘Indian’ quotient might hardly have registered over its soporific opening
section, but Roopa Panesar’s ensuing solo tantalized with its intricacy and
dexterity, and while in the final section the orchestra tended to be playing
along with the sitar rather than interacting meaningfully with it, the outcome
was never less than engaging.

That Rattle was a keen exponent of the complete score to The Firebird meant
Stravinsky’s once ubiquitous 1919 suite became something of a rarity in
Birmingham. It made for a fine rounding-off of tonight’s programme, the CBSO
strings as atmospheric in the ‘Introduction’ as were the woodwind in the
‘Firebird’s Dance’ and the ‘Princesses’ Khovorod’. Ensemble faltered briefly in
the ‘Infernal Dance’, but the ‘Berceuse’ had a limpid soulfulness – with a
spellbinding segue into an ‘Apotheosis’ whose splendour was shot through
with joyfulness.

The evening was presented by Adrian Lester, his enthusiasm unstinting for all
the unforced professionalism with which he carried out several interviews ,
while there were interpolated tributes from former music directors Sakari
Oramo and Andris Nelsons, along with current Osborn Music Director Mirga
Gražinytė-Tyla. The orchestra’s long-standing Royal Patron, HRH The Earl of
Wessex, also sent heartfelt congratulations, as did numerous Birmingham
VIPs – not least among them Duran Duran bassist John Taylor. The evening
was broadcast live on the CBSO’s YouTube and Facebook channels, where it
can be accessed for the next 30 days. Those who see it might also be
interested in donating to The Sound of the Future, a five-year project aimed at
raising £12.5 million to secure the orchestra’s long-term existence.

A memorable occasion, then, despite – or even because of – the odds against
it taking place. The centenary of the CBSO’s inaugural symphonic concert (as
presided over by Elgar) falls on November 10th: dare one hope it will be
marked by an event of comparable significance?

Tonight’s concert can be accessed
at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emZua–3eIs and
at https://www.facebook.com/TheCBSO/videos/749802475810828/?__tn__=H
H-R for 30 days
Further information about The Sound of the Future
at https://cbso.co.uk/support-us/future