Youth orchestra

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 6

Youth orchestra

Queensland Youth Orchestra, conducted by John Curro. At the Town Hall, July 14. Reviewed by Heath Lees. .Youth orchestras are al- ■ ways impressive. . Their, members seem to. ooze, talent, are hand-picked from a wide area, and show no trace of the cynicism and weariness that many professional players quickly adopt. In spite of the publicity posters, there were no: koalas scrambling about on the cellos on this occasion .Indeed, there was no reference to the ‘Australian repertoire at all, but there was a healthy concentration on ■ twentieth century music. •The- orchestra, obviously enjoyed playing this music — certainly -; jriore than the eighteenth century offering,

a perfunctory playing, of ■ the "Don Giovanni” overture that made for a poor ■ start. With Bartok things began l < to open up. At first sight it i would seem ; that an ensemble whose average age was perhaps 19 should have little . feeling .for the "late yiola ; t j concerto, a work of elegaic i character, mature, ■ reflective, and often worldweary. i ' - ,i But the performance was i well controlled, finely wrought, and . even deeply felt. In large measure this < was becauseof Brett Dean’s excellent sold viola playing, i and the emotional projection j he contrived so skilfully. (One of the more notable i equalities of the orchestra | was ; the slartlingly good . <

quality of most of the solo contributions during the evening.) •Suggestions of an inhibited ensemble. were quickly dispelled in the second, half, which was given over .to an utterly, absorbing ance of Sibelius’ second symphony. Under Mr Curro's direction this became a real showpiece . with ; its many moods offering heaven-sent opportunities . for each section and for the orchestra as a whole. The result was stirring, dramatic, and colourful — a youthful, romantic Sibelius, but with a strength of purpose and a definite sound and style all his own. The orchestra did him proud, and in the process earned themselves enormous prestige. . j.- .