CBSO Youth Orchestra: Mendelssohn 5, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 03 November 2024,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.

“Fine playing from a young ensemble bristling with potential.”

Fanny Mendelssohn – Overture in C

Max Bruch – Scottish Fantasia for Violin and Orchestra, with Harp

Felix Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 5 in D minor

The future of orchestral music in the West Midlands would appear to be in safe hands. Certainly on the evidence of this well received concert from the energetic and committed young instrumentalists that comprise the CBSO youth Orchestra.

A chance for them to play, and the audience to hear, some less performed works gave this concert an added frisson of innovation. Although Fanny Hensel (Née Mendelssohn) was a prolific composer for piano, voice and chamber forces, her Overture in C represents her only work exclusively written for orchestra. Would she had written more. Although she herself expressed doubts regarding her ability to develop musical ideas beyond the miniature, this is a well-crafted work that spins its material out with skill and imagination.

After an extended introductory section where various thematic ideas are passed around the sections, a flourish in the violins launches the exuberantly main body of the work. The orchestra delivered this with energy and aplomb. They maintained a great feeling of momentum, even through the more lyrical passages, to an incisively played conclusion.

This was followed by a more familiar piece, Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. Violin soloist, Hana Chang, played with purity of tone. The opening and third movements were well phrased with a singing lyricism from the soloist that was nicely echoed by the strings in the orchestra. The virtuosic passages were also well handled. Balance was, however, an issue. Chang’s performance could have benefited from more body in the sound to give more presence.

Another less performed work ended the concert. Fanny’s brother, Felix’s Symphony No. 5 was a good choice. The scherzo second movement gave the wind a chance to shine. The haunting Andante showcased some beautifully blended and phrased string work. The rousing choral in the finale gave the brass their moment in the sun. Tuba, Alex Hamilton, gave her all to great effect during this.

What was most striking during this Symphony, however, was the way conductor, Kazuki Yamada, was so well able to shape a muscular musical argument during the first and last movements. This indicated two things. The young players were playing as a complete, integrated and responsive ensemble. And they all grasped the Kazuki’s overarching musical vision, and understood their place within in. This, surely, is the hallmark of a truly accomplished orchestral player.

Kazuki Yamada – Conductor

Hana Chang – Violin

Rita Castro Blanco – Assistant Conductor