Dazzling concert delights packed Cathedral

"Words such as dazzling, mesmerising and stunning come to mind in describing the marvellous performance of Brahms' Violin Concerto and Elgar's first Symphony last Saturday in the Cathedral"

"It had superlative artistry and arresting virtuoso display. The Brahms Violin Concerto was wonderful in execution and one could hear a pin drop in the cadenza and the slow movement."

"The professionalism of the orchestra and the lyricism shone through, especially in the dialogue between oboist (VaCO member) Stephen Hudson and Leland Chen in the second movement, which also demonstrated a lovely balance between the orchestra and soloist."

"The audience, so enchanted, stood wanting more and, being the man he is, Leland Chen came back with a beautiful encore."

"… as the orchestra came back to perform the Elgar symphony, there was excitement and anticipation. It was a magnificent performance, electric in delivery, creating tensions that were only broken as the final chord climaxed."

"XK's brilliant handling of the complex speed-changes showed his command and the refinement of the strings was controlled as the short second movement led into the hushed pianissimo of the wonderfully romantic adagio."

"The intensity of the adagio, with its shimmering strings, once again enthralled the audience as a stillness descended upon the cathedral for a second time."

"The orchestra produced the most magical playing and the stormy outbursts of the brass were totally thrilling."

"It was top-notch and the fizzing finale crowned the evening. What next? This orchestra is in the elite of its kind. Watch out for more excellence and thoroughly sensational performances. A total triumph."

- of Walton's Two Pieces for Strings from Henry V                     "The strings' sweet playing of the charming, attractive miniature Touch Her Soft Lips was quite simply gorgeous."