Reviews

Town should be proud of having such a fantastic Orchestra

The Capitol Horsham, 21 November 2009
Violinist Madeleine Easton
Conductor Steve Dummer

Four years ago I was writing a paean of praise to the musicians of Horsham for transforming several bleak November evenings into memorable, sell-out performances. Then it was Jesus Christ Superstar from HAODS and a wonderfully colourful programme – Sibelius, Rodrigo and Elgar - from the HSO.

This November we have had a superb run of Fiddler on the Roof from HAODS, followed by a stunning evening of Beethoven and Shostakovich from the HSO under their charismatic conductor, Steve Dummer.

And again, the Capitol was sold out! What an amazing achievement and how incredibly lucky we are in Horsham to have such wonderful and dedicated groups of musicians.

The programme began with Beethoven’s sublime violin concerto, played with beautiful line and lyrical charm by Madeleine Easton, who is – amongst other things – concertmaster of the renowned Hanover Band. Her understanding of the work was apparent from the start: not for her the “me versus them” attitude of some violin virtuosi, but a dialogue throughout, with a particularly lovely second movement leading to a splendidly exuberant Rondo. Steve Dummer accompanied throughout with a relaxed but watchful baton, never losing contact with his soloist.

Then came the Shostakovich! Many years ago, Charles Hazelwood – who succeeded Malcolm McKelvey as conductor of the HSO - assured reviewer Peter Buchan that he could see the orchestra improving enough to tackle Sibelius. Well they have tackled Sibelius several times since then, but Shostakovich? His massive tenth symphony? I only wish Charles Hazelwood could have been there to enjoy their triumph.

Although possibly “enjoy” is not the right word when faced with such a dark, difficult and desolate work, as Steve Dummer put it so eloquently as he talked us through the political setting and the programmatic content. It was certainly enthralling, and the players did a magnificent job of propelling us through the bleak wasteland of repression, the sudden glimpses of frenetic gaiety, the despair, the brutality and ultimately hope for a better future.

The amazingly co-ordinated fury of the second movement, the “circus crossed with a firing squad” burlesque in the third, some most effective horn and woodwind solos plus terrific strings, brass and percussion – well, all I can say is that Horsham should justly be extremely proud of its symphony orchestra!

Jane Thomas

Reviews for previous concerts

  • "A real treat for all who were privileged to be there. A triumph for all concerned."
  • "HSO's terrific performance of this intricate and difficult piece proved to be a most uplifting experience" (of Mahler 4)
  • "This was followed by two more beautifully sung Mozart arias, a rarely heard love song from Zaide and a more striking piece from Cosi fan tutte in which Miss Ramm was at her most expressive." (of Gillian Ramm who performed Mozart and Mahler with the HSO on the 14 March 2009)
  • "He [Steve Dummer] took up the idea with a vengeance on Saturday giving us a virtual masterclass on Mozart and Mahler and the workings of the violin, ancient and modern, whilst even the classy soloist, Australian born soprano Gillian Ramm, was persuaded to introduce her own pieces. We learned too how the orchestra is receiving coaching from the world renowned Hanover Band."
  • "We enjoyed an impressive performance which brought out all the best features and with lots of energy and exuberance in the finale" (of the Classical Symphony No 1 in D by Prokofiev)
  • "His (Steve Dummer's) direction throughout was enthusiastic and inspiring. He brought out the very best in his interpretation of the three well varied works."
  • "WHAT a novel and imaginative start to a concert!" (referring to the introduction by Sylvia and Peter Golden from the Horsham Folk Club to the original songs in the Vaughan Williams)
  • "His virtuoso technique was evident both in Vaughan Williams’ astonishing little cadenza and in the Elgar scherzo, and the HSO responded with some beautifully sympathetic playing." (of Oliver Coates)
  • "Conductor Stephen Dummer has an excellent way with both performers and audience"
  • "There were some memorable moments: a beautifully articulated woodwind passage in the second movement, a gripping lead-in to the fourth movement, and a finale where the excitement of the music was well and truly communicated to the packed audience."
  • Some West Sussex County Times reviews here and here and here