Outstanding performance of the Brahms double concerto

The Academy of St Thomas performed a wonderful concert on the evening of Saturday 4^th March in The Halls, Norwich. The highlight was an outstanding performance of the Brahms double concerto for violin and cello – congratulations all round.

With this concert, the AST launched its 50^th Anniversary Season. Energetically conducted by Toby Purser in his second outing with the orchestra, the performance began with a spirited playing of Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for string orchestra. This work was a particular favourite of the Orchestra’s founder, Ivan Cane. Making use of the AST section leaders to form the solo quartet, the strings gave a committed and stirring performance.

The wind players joined to offer a rarely  performed selection of four Legends by Dvorak, which included traditional Czech dances and folk tunes ending the first half in a joyful manner.

Violinist Anna- Liisa Bezrodny and her cellist husband Jan Erik Gustafsson combined to create truly memorable playing of the Brahms Concerto in the second half.

Comments from the audience of 350 were full of joy and admiration.

“Another great evening. The Elgar in particular was a triumph!  The applause said it all”.

“What a triumph! We loved it all and particularly the performances of the amazingly talented and entertaining concerto duo. Their interaction was wonderful”.

“Isn’t it interesting how as a listener, it is possible to feel those relationships between orchestra, conductor, and soloist(s). When it happens, the music ‘lifts’ to another level, and it did so last night”